A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Positano vs. Kotor for Food, Resorts, Old Town, and Hiking

Should you visit Positano or Kotor?

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 Kotor. 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 luxurious, charming, and picturesque Mediterranean village. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and food.

Kotor

Kotor is a remote, dramatic, and scenic coastal town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Positano and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Positano or Kotor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Positano than Kotor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Positano is better known for its resorts and shopping, while Kotor is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling and hiking. Positano is more touristy than Kotor and is popular for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. Also, Positano is famous for The Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Kotor is well known for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs.

How is Positano different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Positano and Kotor offer a number of first-rate 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, Kotor is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

Is Positano or Kotor Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is respectable in both Positano and Kotor.

Positano doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The town has a relaxing nightlife that is usually centered around the clubs found at nearby resorts.

Most people don't head to Kotor specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Positano or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Positano is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Kotor is not particularly known for its luxury resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Positano is a perfect choice. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Kotor offers a few options. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Is Positano or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Positano is not a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Kotor. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Snorkeling is an option in Positano. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.

Is Positano or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Positano and Kotor both offer notable beaches.

Positano offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Kotor is a good option for a beach vacation. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Is Positano or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the first-rate old town areas in both Positano and Kotor.

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.

Kotor has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Is Positano or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is a must-visit destination for hiking. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for the nearby hiking options.

Kotor is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Positano is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Positano or Kotor?

Positano is well known for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Positano is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Positano or Kotor Better for Families?

Both Positano and Kotor are notable 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.

Kotor is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Positano or Kotor Better for Couples?

Positano is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Positano has plenty to offer. 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.

Kotor is a great Mediterranean village if you're traveling as a couple. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

Is Positano or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kotor is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Kotor. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

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 Kotor Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Positano is very good for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Positano, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can walk everywhere once you arrive, and the SITA bus travels to and from the town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Positano or Kotor a more walkable city?

Positano and Kotor are first-rate 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 Kotor on foot. The old town is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Positano?

How long in Positano or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Positano or Kotor. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Positano due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Positano, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

Couples should spend more time in Positano than Kotor. 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 Kotor 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 Kotor.

One day in Positano or Kotor?

Even though Positano is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the food. This Mediterranean village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The beautiful coastal town of Kotor offers scuba diving and snorkeling 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.

A weekend in Positano or Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Positano. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Positano or Kotor?

Positano is a fun place to experience. Positano is a small town with plenty to do. Lots of people come for the food. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Kotor is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Positano or Kotor?

Positano might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Kotor is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal town 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Positano and Kotor, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Kotor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kotor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kotor 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 Kotor.

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

Which is Bigger, Positano or Kotor?

Kotor has a larger population, and is about 38% larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Positano and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Positano or Kotor in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Positano as well as Kotor. Many travelers come to Positano for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Kotor in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Positano is cooler than Kotor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Positano in July average around 23°C (74°F), and Kotor averages at about 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kotor. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Positano this time of the year. In the summer, Positano often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Positano gets 313 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun.

Positano usually gets less rain in July than Kotor. Positano gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Positano or Kotor in the Autumn?

Both Kotor and Positano are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Positano in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Kotor for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Positano is generally around the same temperature as Kotor. Daily temperatures in Positano average around 17°C (63°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Kotor. Positano usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor during autumn. Positano gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. It's quite rainy in Positano. In October, Positano usually receives less rain than Kotor. Positano gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Positano or Kotor in the Winter?

Both Kotor and Positano during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Positano for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kotor because of the cuisine.

Positano is a little warmer than Kotor in the winter. The daily temperature in Positano averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Positano often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor. Positano gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Positano. Positano usually gets less rain in January than Kotor. Positano gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Positano or Kotor in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Positano and Kotor. The spring months attract visitors to Positano because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

In the spring, Positano is cooler than Kotor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Positano in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Kotor averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Positano usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor during spring. Positano gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Positano usually receives less rain than Kotor. Positano gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Positano