A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Positano vs. Florence for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Positano or Florence?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Positano and Florence. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Positano

Positano is a charming, picturesque, and colorful Mediterranean village. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the shopping, food, and beaches.

Florence

Florence is a iconic, alluring, and historical city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Positano and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Positano or Florence?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Florence. Although Positano and Florence are both popular with visitors, Florence has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Florence is more popular for its museums and nightlife, while Positano is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Positano is popular for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. Florence is popular for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. It is also home to The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore).

How is Positano different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Florence and Positano. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Positano or Florence?

Florence is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. However, Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Florence has many famous sights for visitors. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Positano or Florence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Positano and Florence offer a number of world-class restaurants to choose from.

Eat your way through Positano, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

For foodies, Florence is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

Is Positano or Florence Better for Nightlife?

Florence is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Positano is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Florence has a few options to choose from. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Most people don't head to Positano specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town has a relaxing nightlife that is usually centered around the clubs found at nearby resorts.

Is Positano or Florence Better for Resorts?

Positano is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Florence is not a resort destination.

Positano offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

Florence is not a resort destination.

Is Positano or Florence Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is adequate for its diving and snorkeling. However, Florence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Positano. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.

Florence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Positano or Florence Better for Beaches?

Positano is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Florence is not a beach destination.

Positano has a beach worth visiting. Like the rest of the Amalfi Coast, beaches near Positano tend to be pebbly instead of sandy. They can also get a bit crowded during the summer months. Still, the picturesque setting makes these beaches truly amazing. The main beach at the edge of town is Spiaggia Grande, but there are several others nearby as well.

Florence is not a beach destination.

Is Positano or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the world-class old town areas in both Positano and Florence.

The rich history of Positano can be explored in its historical center. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

Florence has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

Is Positano or Florence Better for Hiking?

Positano is a great Mediterranean village for hiking. However, Florence is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Positano for the hiking trails. The best way to explore the area out of town is on foot. There are a number of foot paths and trails that will take you through the stunning landscapes.

Florence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Positano or Florence?

If you're looking to go shopping, Positano and Florence both offer plenty of great spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Positano. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Florence is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

Is Positano or Florence Better for Families?

Both Positano and Florence are good family-friendly destinations.

Positano offers lots of family activities. Fun activities include boat rides, eating gelato, and hanging out at the beach. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are Spiaggia Grande, Fornillo Beach, and Arienzo Beach.

Florence is a family-friendly place to visit. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

Is Positano or Florence Better for Couples?

Positano and Florence both world-class destinations for a couple.

Positano is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It is a picturesque coast town that is both romantic and fun. Wandering through the streets and sampling Italian food make this the perfect honeymoon getaway.

Florence makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

Is Positano or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Florence, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Positano. The town has a handful of great hostels that make the Amalfi Coast accessible to backpackers on a budget.

Is Positano or Florence Better for Students?

Florence is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Positano is not popular with students.

Florence is a very popular place to visit for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

Positano is not popular with students.

Is Positano or Florence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Positano and Florence both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Positano offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You can walk everywhere once you arrive, and the SITA bus travels to and from the town.

Florence has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is Positano or Florence a more walkable city?

Positano and Florence are world-class when it comes to walkability.

Positano is a very easy Mediterranean village to get around on foot. The town is best explored on foot. You can wander the quaint streets or take the foot path to the beach or nearby castles.

It is easy to get around Florence on foot. Most people explore the city on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Positano Worth Visiting? and Is Florence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Florence or Positano?

How long in Positano or Florence?

Both Positano and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 2-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Positano than Florence. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Positano, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Positano than Florence. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Positano that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Florence than Positano if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Florence.

One day in Positano or Florence?

Positano is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The beautiful city of Florence offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Positano or Florence?

Positano is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this Mediterranean village makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Positano, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Florence is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Florence, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Positano or Florence?

Positano is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Positano, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Florence is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Florence, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Positano or Florence?

Positano is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Positano has to offer. This Mediterranean village offers something for everyone.

Florence is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Florence has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Positano and Florence, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Florence much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Florence would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Florence and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Positano would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Positano than you might in Florence.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Positano Expensive? and Is Florence Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Positano or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Positano and Florence, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Positano or Florence?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Positano or Florence in the Summer?

Both Florence and Positano are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Positano in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Florence for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Positano is generally around the same temperature as Florence. Daily temperatures in Positano average around 23°C (74°F), and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Florence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Positano. Positano usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Florence during summer. Positano gets 313 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Positano usually receives less rain than Florence. Positano gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Positano or Florence in the Autumn?

Both Florence and Positano during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Positano for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Florence because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Positano is around the same temperature as Florence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Positano averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Positano often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Florence. Positano gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Positano. Positano usually gets more rain in October than Florence. Positano gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Positano or Florence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Positano and Florence. The winter months attract visitors to Positano because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

In the winter, Positano is a little warmer than Florence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Positano in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Florence averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Positano usually receives more sunshine than Florence during winter. Positano gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

Positano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Positano usually receives more rain than Florence. Positano gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Positano or Florence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Positano as well as Florence. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Positano this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Florence for the natural beauty.

In April, Positano is generally around the same temperature as Florence. Daily temperatures in Positano average around 13°C (55°F), and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Positano often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Florence. Positano gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun.

Positano usually gets less rain in April than Florence. Positano gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Florence and Positano