A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Positano vs. Reykjavik for Food, Hiking, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Positano or Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik. 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. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a friendly, clean, and green city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and hiking.

Positano and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Positano or Reykjavik?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Positano than Reykjavik, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Positano is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Reykjavik is more popular for its nightlife and hiking. Positano is more touristy than Reykjavik and is known for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. Also, Positano is famous for The Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Reykjavik is well known for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

How is Positano different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Positano is an amazing Mediterranean village to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Positano is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Positano or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

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

If you're looking for night time activities Reykjavik has a few options to choose from. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

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 Reykjavik Better for Resorts?

Positano is an amazing Mediterranean village to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is not a resort destination.

Is Positano or Reykjavik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is a decent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Positano or Reykjavik Better for Beaches?

Positano is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

Is Positano or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

Positano is an amazing Mediterranean village to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Positano offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Positano or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

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 Reykjavik?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Positano. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Reykjavik offers some nice shopping areas. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Is Positano or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Reykjavik is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Reykjavik. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

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 Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Positano is an amazing Mediterranean village to visit for romance. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Couples visit Reykjavik frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

Is Positano or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Positano and Reykjavik are notable 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 Reykjavik. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Positano or Reykjavik Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Reykjavik. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

Positano is not popular with students.

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

Positano and Reykjavik both offer notable 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.

Reykjavik has a few public transit options. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Positano or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Positano is an amazing Mediterranean village to visit for its walkability. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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.

Reykjavik is a very walkable Mediterranean village. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Positano?

How long in Positano or Reykjavik?

In either Positano or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Positano than Reykjavik because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Positano, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

Families should spend more time in Positano than Reykjavik. 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 Reykjavik. 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 Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik?

Even though Positano is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The beautiful city of Reykjavik offers shopping and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Reykjavik?

Positano is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this Mediterranean village has to offer. This Mediterranean village offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Reykjavik 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 spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Reykjavik, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Positano or Reykjavik?

Positano is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this Mediterranean village makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this Mediterranean village has to offer.

Reykjavik is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Reykjavik, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Positano or Reykjavik?

Positano is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Positano, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Reykjavik is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

When comparing the travel costs between Positano and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Positano or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Positano and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Positano and Reykjavik. Many visitors come to Positano in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Positano is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Positano in July average around 23°C (74°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In Positano, it's very sunny this time of the year. Positano usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Positano gets 313 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Positano usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Positano gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Positano or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Positano as well as Reykjavik. 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 Reykjavik because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In October, Positano is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Positano average around 17°C (63°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the autumn, Positano often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Positano gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun.

Positano receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Positano usually gets more rain in October than Reykjavik. Positano gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Positano or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik and Positano are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Positano because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the winter. Positano is much warmer than Reykjavik in the winter. The daily temperature in Positano averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

Positano usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Positano gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Positano. In January, Positano usually receives more rain than Reykjavik. Positano gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Positano or Reykjavik in the Spring?

Both Reykjavik and Positano during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Positano this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In the spring, Positano is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Positano in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the spring, Positano often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Positano gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

Positano usually gets more rain in April than Reykjavik. Positano gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Positano