A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Positano vs. Olympos for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Positano or Olympos?

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 Olympos. 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.

Where Should I go: Positano or Olympos?

Positano

Located on the Amalfi Coast in Campania, Italy, Positano is a very scenic town that offers spectacular coastal views. The town sits on the edge of a hill and flows down toward the sea. Because of its dramatic beauty, Positano attracts thousands of visitors year around.

The town dates back to medieval times when it was a port for the Amalfi Republic. It thrived throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries but by the mid-nineteenth century its prosperity was falling. During those times more than half of the population left, migrating predominantly to America. During the 1950s the town gained popularity as a tourist destination, in part because of John Steinbeck's essay about the area in Harper's Bazaar (May, 1953).

Olympos

Olympos was an ancient city in Lycia, situated in a river valley near the coast. Its ruins are located south of the modern town Cirali in the Kumluca district of Antalya Province, Turkey. An important Lycian city in the 2nd century BC, Olympos is more famous these days for being the beach resort of choice for backpackers. Staying in an Olympos 'tree house' at one of the dozen-or-so camps that line the path to the ruins and beach has long been the stuff of travel legend. The former hippy-trail hot-spot has been considerably renovated in past years and during summer can be pretty overcrowded. Olympos offers good value and an up-for-it party atmosphere in a lovely setting.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Turkey, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey.


Which place is cheaper, Olympos or Positano?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Positano is €222, while the average daily cost in Olympos is €89. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Positano and Olympos in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Positano 148
    Olympos 40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Positano 296
    Olympos 80
Compare Hotels in Positano and Olympos

Looking for a hotel in Positano or Olympos? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Positano


Hotels in Olympos


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Positano Hotel Prices and Olympos Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Positano 7.73
    Olympos 28
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Positano

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Positano:


  • Bus Ticket
    1.60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Positano

Also for Positano, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer to/from Rome & Pompeii Ruins: $839
  • From Sorrento & Pompeii Private Tour w/ Transfers: $642
  • Private Transfer from Positano to Naples Airport, Port or Train station: $288
  • Private Transfer from Positano to Naples Airport: $283
  • Transfer Naples - Positano: $273
  • From Salerno Station: 1-Way Private Transfer to Positano: $266
  • Private Transfer from Positano to Naples Central Station: $262
  • From the Coast: Pompeii the Real All Inclusive Service(Guide,Transfer,Ticket): $257
  • Transfer from Naples to Positano or Positano to Naples : $240
  • Positano to Fiumicino Rome Airport (FCO) - Departure Private Transfer: $224
  • Private Transfer to Naples with WiFi: $214
  • Transfers Positano - Naples: $207

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Olympos

Also for Olympos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfers Between Antalya Airport - Çıralı & Olympos & Adrasan Resorts: $299
  • Private Transfers Between Antalya Airport - Beldibi & Göynük & Kemer Resorts: $240
  • Two Days Tour to Cappadocia with HB Hotel & Transfer from Kemer: $192
  • Antalya Airport AYT Transfers to Camyuva Hotels: $98
  • Private Transfer From Beldibi / Göynük / Kemer / Kiriş To Antalya Airport: $91
  • Antalya Airport AYT Transfers to Kiris Hotels: $82
  • Antalya Camyuva Hotels to Antalya Airport AYT Transfers: $82
  • Antalya Kiris Hotels to Antalya Airport AYT Transfers: $82
  • Antalya Beldibi Hotels to Antalya Airport AYT Transfers: $65
  • Kemer Horse Safari Experience With Free Hotel Transfer: $50
  • Kemer Pirate Boat Tour with BBQ Lunch & Roundtrip Transfer: $47
  • Kemer Jeep Safari With Free Hotel Transfer & Lunch: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Positano or Olympos?

Prices for flights to both Olympos and Positano change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Positano 53
    Olympos 28
Typical Food Prices in Positano

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Positano:


  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    31
  • Pizza in a Restaurant
    9.32
  • Sandwich in a Restaurant
    12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Positano

For Positano, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Gastronomical Amalfi Coast Hike with Cooking Class: $45
  • Cooking class with Pasta, mozzarella and Tiramisu with wine: $64
  • Cooking lesson: tagliatelle, mozzarella and tiramisu: $76
  • Amalfi Coast Cooking Class: Pasta Mozzarella & Tiramisu with Wine: $88
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Sant'Agnello with Show Cooking: $93
  • Sorrento Pizza School Activity in Italy: $98
  • Small Group Positano Cooking Class Gnocchi Tiramisù with Drinks : $147
  • Lemon & sea food cooking class at local's home: $169
  • Small Group Home Cooking Class with a Local: $191
  • Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $191
  • Cesarine: Small group Pizza and Tiramisu Class in Positano: $195
  • Vico Equense: Market Tour, Home Cooking Class, and Dinner: $202

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Olympos

For Olympos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Olympos, Cirali, Chimera Night Tour with Dinner at Ulupinar : $33
  • Kemer Olympos & Yanartas Sunset Jeep Tour with Dinner: $35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Positano 60
    Olympos 28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Positano

For Positano, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Chair & Umbrella at Spiaggia Grande
    17
  • Day Trip of Capri & Amalfi
    80
  • Sunset Cruise
    24
  • Full Day Wine Tour
    97
  • Cooking Class
    65

Tours and Activities in Positano

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Positano.

  • Guided Tour Pompeii And Vesuvius from Positano Skip the Line: $299
  • Amalfi Coast Luxury Private Experience in Motor Boat: $1,572
  • Amalfi Coast Premium Boat Tour From Sorrento Max 8 People: $245
  • Amalfi Coast Private Half Day Tour from Positano/Praiano: $1,357
  • Amalfi Coast Tour: $294
  • Amalfi Coast Tour: secret caves and stunning beaches: $2,139
  • Amalfi Coast Tour: secret caves and stunning beaches: $1,283
  • Amalfi Coast: Path of the Gods Private Walking Tour: $134
  • Amalfi Coast: Pompei & Vesuvius small group with Skip the line tickets: $147
  • Amalfi Coast: Romantic Sunset Cruise with Music & Cocktails: $160
  • Amalfi and Positano Boat Tour: $209
  • Breathtaking Journey on the Path of Gods: Tour from Positano: $2,055

Tours and Activities in Olympos

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Olympos.

  • 2 Hour Olympos Cable Car Tour to Tahtali Mountains from Kemer: $66
  • 2-in-1 Canyoning and White Water Rafting Adventure with Lunch From Kemer: $25
  • 9 Hours Rafting, Buggy Safari and Zipline Adventure from Kemer: $38
  • Antalya Full-Day City Tour From Kemer With Cable Car : $30
  • Buggy Safari and Rafting Adventure from Kemer: $38
  • Demre Myra Tour with Kekova Sunken City Boat Trip From Kemer: $36
  • Full-day Boat Tour from Kemer with Lunch and Foam Party: $33
  • Goynuk Canyon Tour with Entrance Ticket: $25
  • Green Canyon Boat Tour with Lunch and Drinks from Kemer: $63
  • Kemer 3 in 1 Tour Rafting Quad Safari and Zipline Experience: $40
  • Kemer ATV Mountain Biking Tour: $54
  • Kemer Bay Blue Cruise from Kemer: $53

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Positano 15
    Olympos 17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Positano

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Positano:


  • Bottle of Limoncello
    16

Sample the Local Flavors in Positano

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Positano:

  • 5 Wine Tastings with Typical Products in Sorrento Coast: $76
  • Small Group Positano Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $108
  • Pompeii Wine Tasting Tour from Positano: $246


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

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



When is the best time to visit Positano or Olympos?

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 Olympos in the Summer?

Both Olympos and Positano are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Positano this time of year.

In the summer, Positano is cooler than Olympos. Typically, the summer temperatures in Positano in July average around 23°C (74°F), and Olympos averages at about 27°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Olympos. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Positano. Positano usually receives less sunshine than Olympos during summer. Positano gets 313 hours of sunny skies, while Olympos receives 385 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Positano usually receives more rain than Olympos. Positano gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Positano 23°C (74°F) 
    Olympos 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Positano or Olympos in the Autumn?

Both Olympos and Positano during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Positano for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Positano is generally cooler than Olympos. Daily temperatures in Positano average around 17°C (63°F), and Olympos fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Olympos, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Positano often gets less sunshine than Olympos. Positano gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympos receives 249 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Positano. Positano usually gets more rain in October than Olympos. Positano gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Positano 17°C (63°F) 
    Olympos 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Positano or Olympos in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Positano and Olympos. Many visitors come to Positano in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Positano is cooler than Olympos in the winter. The daily temperature in Positano averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Olympos fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Positano usually receives less sunshine than Olympos during winter. Positano gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Olympos receives 147 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 Olympos. Positano gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Positano 8°C (47°F) 
    Olympos 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Positano or Olympos in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Positano as well as Olympos. Most visitors come to Positano for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Positano is cooler than Olympos. Typically, the spring temperatures in Positano in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Olympos averages at about 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Olympos. In the spring, Positano often gets less sunshine than Olympos. Positano gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympos receives 250 hours of full sun.

Positano usually gets more rain in April than Olympos. Positano gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Positano 13°C (55°F) 
    Olympos 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Olympos and Positano

Positano Olympos
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (47°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 11°C (53°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in) 27°C (80°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 27°C (80°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 161 mm (6.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 9°C (49°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)