A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Positano vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Food, Couples, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Positano or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel. 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. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and food.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a religious, historic, and breathtaking island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Positano and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Positano or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Positano. Although Positano and Mont-Saint-Michel are both popular with visitors, Positano has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Positano is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Mont-Saint-Michel is known for its museums. Positano is popular for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. It is also home to The Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Mont-Saint-Michel is popular for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base.

How is Positano different from Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Mont-Saint-Michel has many famous sights for visitors. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Positano or Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Positano is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Positano has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

Mont-Saint-Michel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is Positano or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Positano is a Mediterranean village with a few options for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Positano is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The town has a relaxing nightlife that is usually centered around the clubs found at nearby resorts.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Positano or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Resorts?

Positano is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a resort destination.

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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a resort destination.

Is Positano or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is a Mediterranean village with a few options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Positano has a few snorkeling spots. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Positano or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Beaches?

Positano is very good for the beache. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Positano to enjoy the beach. 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

Is Positano or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for its Old Town?

Positano is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Positano is revered around the world. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

Is Positano or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Positano is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Positano. 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel has hiking trails worth exploring. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Is the Shopping Better in Positano or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Positano is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Positano is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Positano or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Positano is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Positano. 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.

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Positano or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Positano and Mont-Saint-Michel both first-rate 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

Is Positano or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Positano and Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

Is Positano or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Positano and Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel has a few public transit options. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Is Positano or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Positano is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is a very walkable destination. There are many stunning walks in the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Positano Worth Visiting? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Positano?

How long in Positano or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Positano or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Positano than Mont-Saint-Michel because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Positano, and 1-2 days is enough time in Mont-Saint-Michel.

Families should spend more time in Positano than Mont-Saint-Michel. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Even though Positano is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

The beautiful island of Mont-Saint-Michel offers museums and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Positano or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Positano is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mont-Saint-Michel, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Positano or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Positano is a small town with plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you have five days, this Mediterranean village makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Positano is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One of the main draws to the area is the food. This Mediterranean village offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island 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 River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Positano or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Positano has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Positano and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

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

In July, Positano is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Positano average around 23°C (74°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mont-Saint-Michel. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Positano this time of the year. In the summer, Positano often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Positano gets 313 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun.

Positano usually gets less rain in July than Mont-Saint-Michel. Positano gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Positano or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Positano is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Positano averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Positano usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during autumn. Positano gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Positano. In October, Positano usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Positano gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Positano or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel 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. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the museums and the cuisine.

In the winter, Positano is much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Positano in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Positano often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Positano gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Positano. Positano usually gets more rain in January than Mont-Saint-Michel. Positano gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Positano or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

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

In April, Positano is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Positano average around 13°C (55°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Positano usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mont-Saint-Michel during spring. Positano gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Positano usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Positano gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Positano