A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Positano vs. Naples for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Positano or Naples?

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 Naples. 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. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and food.

Naples

Naples is a authentic, gritty, and colorful city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Positano and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Positano or Naples?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Naples. Although Positano and Naples are popular destinations, Naples has more sights and attractions for tourists. Naples is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Positano attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Positano is more touristy than Naples and is popular for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. Naples is famous for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. It is also well known for Piazza del Plebiscito.

How is Positano different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Naples is great for its historical sights. However, Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Naples. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Positano and Naples 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, Naples is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

Is Positano or Naples Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Naples for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

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 Naples Better for Resorts?

Positano is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Naples 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.

Naples is not a resort destination.

Is Positano or Naples Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is a Mediterranean village with a few options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Naples 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.

Naples is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Positano or Naples Better for Beaches?

Positano is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Naples 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.

Naples is not a beach destination.

Is Positano or Naples Better for its Old Town?

Positano is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

Naples is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

Is Positano or Naples Better for Hiking?

Positano is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Naples is not a hiking destination.

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.

Naples is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Positano or Naples?

If you're looking to go shopping, Positano and Naples 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.

Naples is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

Is Positano or Naples Better for Families?

Both Positano and Naples are nice 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.

Naples is a family-friendly place to visit. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Is Positano or Naples Better for Couples?

Positano is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Positano has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Naples is a great Mediterranean village if you're traveling as a couple. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

Is Positano or Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Naples 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 Naples. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

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 Naples Better for Students?

Naples is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Positano is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Naples. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

Positano is not popular with students.

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

Naples 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 Naples can get you to most places easily. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

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 Naples a more walkable city?

Positano is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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.

Naples is very walkable. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Naples or Positano?

How long in Positano or Naples?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Positano and Naples. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Positano than in Naples. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Positano, and 1-3 days is enough time in Naples.

Families should spend more time in Positano than Naples. 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 Naples. 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 Naples 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 Naples.

One day in Positano or Naples?

Positano might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Naples is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Naples?

Positano is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Naples 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 Naples, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Positano or Naples?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Positano. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Naples is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food 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 Naples?

Positano is a small town with plenty to do. This Mediterranean village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Naples is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. 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 Naples, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Naples much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Naples would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Naples 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 Naples.

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

Which is Bigger, Positano or Naples?

Naples has a larger population, and is about 250 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Positano and Naples, 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 Naples?

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 Naples in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Positano as well as Naples. Many visitors come to Positano in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Naples for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Positano is around the same temperature as Naples in the summer. The daily temperature in Positano averages around 23°C (74°F) in July, and Naples fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Naples. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Positano this time of the year. In the summer, Positano often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Naples. Positano gets 313 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 313 hours of full sun.

Positano usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Naples. Positano gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Positano or Naples in the Autumn?

Both Naples and Positano are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Naples because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Positano is around the same temperature as Naples. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Positano in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Naples averages at about 17°C (63°F).

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Naples. It's quite rainy in Positano. In October, Positano usually receives around the same amount of rain as Naples. Positano gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Naples receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Positano or Naples in the Winter?

Both Naples and Positano during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Positano because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Naples this time of year.

In January, Positano is generally around the same temperature as Naples. Daily temperatures in Positano average around 8°C (47°F), and Naples fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

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

Naples gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Positano. Positano usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Naples. Positano gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Positano or Naples in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Positano and Naples. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Positano this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Naples for the activities around the city.

Positano is around the same temperature as Naples in the spring. The daily temperature in Positano averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Naples fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

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

In April, Positano usually receives around the same amount of rain as Naples. Positano gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Naples receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Naples and Positano