A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Positano vs. Lake Garda for Food, Families, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Positano or Lake Garda?

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 Lake Garda. 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 stunning, luxurious, and charming Mediterranean village. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a energetic, scenic, and playful lake. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Positano and Lake Garda: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Positano or Lake Garda?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Positano. Although Positano and Lake Garda are both popular with visitors, Positano has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Positano is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Lake Garda is known for its museums, nightlife, and beaches. Positano is more touristy than Lake Garda and is known for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. It is also home to The Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Lake Garda is popular for its beautiful setting, charming towns, and fun amusement parks.

How is Positano different from Lake Garda?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda?

Lake Garda is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Lake Garda. While most people come for the natural beauty, there are also great castles that you can explore. Castello Scaligeri, Grotte di Catullo, and Castello Scaligero.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Positano is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Positano is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

Dining out in Lake Garda is an experience not to be missed. You'll find many great local restaurants in the area. Most make use of local ingredients such as olive oil, lemons, wine, and fish. Pasta and risotto are both popular throughout the area as well.

Is Positano or Lake Garda Better for Nightlife?

Lake Garda is great for its evening party scene. However, Positano is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Lake Garda for the nightlife scene. You'll find clubs and bars in various towns that make for a great nightlife scene. You'll even find beach parties and fireworks shows during the most popular times of the year.

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 Lake Garda Better for Resorts?

Positano is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Lake Garda is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Positano is a great choice. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

Lake Garda is not a resort destination.

Is Positano or Lake Garda Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is a decent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Lake Garda is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Positano. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.

Lake Garda is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Positano or Lake Garda Better for Beaches?

Lake Garda is great for the beach. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its beaches.

Many people visit Lake Garda for it's beautiful beaches. Despite there being no ocean, there are many great swimming beaches in the area. Many have sand and great places to relax. There's also plenty of watersports to choose from.

Positano is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Is Positano or Lake Garda Better for its Old Town?

Positano is terrific for its old town. However, Lake Garda does not have a historic old town.

Positano has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

Lake Garda does not have a historic old town.

Is Positano or Lake Garda Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Positano and Lake Garda, and they are superb.

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.

Lake Garda is a popular spot for hiking. There are many great walking and hiking trails in the area that take you through the natural beauty, connect the charming towns, and offer spectacular viewpoints.

Is the Shopping Better in Positano or Lake Garda?

Positano is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Positano is well-known for its shopping. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Many visitors go to Lake Garda to go shopping. Many villages around the lake are great for shopping. You'll find clothing stores, jewelry shops, and souvenir vendors with something for everyone.

Is Positano or Lake Garda Better for Families?

Lake Garda is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Lake Garda is very family-friendly. The nearby amusement parks, including Gardaland, make this a popular destination for families. The area also has many places to swim, trails to explore, and castles to experience. Kids and adults alike will love this amazing kid-friendly area.

Positano is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Positano or Lake Garda Better for Couples?

Positano is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Positano makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Couples visit Lake Garda frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. You'll find a lot of families in the area because of the amusement parks, but that doesn't mean that this isn't a romantic and beautiful spot for couples. There are many charming towns to explore and scenic viewpoints to check out. There are also excellent romantic restaurants that you should try.

Is Positano or Lake Garda Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Positano and Lake Garda are good places to visit.

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Lake Garda. There are a few good hostels around the lake that are affordable and fun. The area also see enough backpackers to keep the atmosphere fun and social.

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

Lake Garda is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its public transit.

The public transit in Lake Garda can get you to most places easily. There are ferries, buses, and trains in the area.

Positano has a few public transit options. You can walk everywhere once you arrive, and the SITA bus travels to and from the town.

Is Positano or Lake Garda a more walkable city?

Positano is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Positano. The town is best explored on foot. You can wander the quaint streets or take the foot path to the beach or nearby castles.

Lake Garda is a very walkable destination. There are walking trails that connect the villages around the lake and this how many people choose to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Lake Garda or Positano?

How long in Positano or Lake Garda?

It's fun to spend time in either Positano or Lake Garda. 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 2-4 days is enough time in Lake Garda.

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

Couples should spend more time in Positano than Lake Garda. 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 Positano than Lake Garda 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 Positano.

One day in Positano or Lake Garda?

Positano might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful lake of Lake Garda offers food and shopping. 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 Lake Garda?

Even though Positano is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this Mediterranean village.

Lake Garda is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this lake makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lake Garda, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Positano or Lake Garda?

Positano, a popular Mediterranean village, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this Mediterranean village. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda?

Positano is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this Mediterranean village makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this Mediterranean village has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Lake Garda 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 lake 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 Lake Garda, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Lake Garda much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lake Garda would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda.

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

When is the best time to visit Positano or Lake Garda?

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 Lake Garda in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Positano and Lake Garda. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Positano this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lake Garda for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Positano is generally around the same temperature as Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Positano average around 23°C (74°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lake Garda this time of the year. In Positano, it's very sunny this time of the year. Positano usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during summer. Positano gets 313 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Positano usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Positano gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Positano or Lake Garda in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Positano as well as Lake Garda. Many travelers come to Positano for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Lake Garda in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Positano is a little warmer than Lake Garda in the autumn. The daily temperature in Positano averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Positano often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Positano gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 137 hours of full sun.

Positano receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Positano usually gets more rain in October than Lake Garda. Positano gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Positano or Lake Garda in the Winter?

Both Lake Garda and Positano are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Positano in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Lake Garda for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Lake Garda can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Positano is much warmer than Lake Garda. Typically, the winter temperatures in Positano in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Positano usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during winter. Positano gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Positano. In January, Positano usually receives more rain than Lake Garda. Positano gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Positano or Lake Garda in the Spring?

Both Lake Garda and Positano during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Positano for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Lake Garda because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Positano often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Positano gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun.

Positano usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Lake Garda. Positano gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Positano