A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Puerto de la Cruz vs. Positano for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Puerto de la Cruz or Positano?

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 Puerto de la Cruz and Positano. 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: Puerto de la Cruz or Positano?

Puerto de la Cruz

The coast of the island of Tenerife is a dream destination for those seeking a luxurious getaway full of beaches and parties. However, for those of you traveling with families or looking to simply avoid the hustle and bustle of the nightclub crowd, there's Puerto de la Cruz. Known as a sophisticated destination, Puerto de la Cruz is one of the top places to visit yet still retains its authentic, Canarian charm.

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).

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Spain, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Positano or Puerto de la Cruz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Puerto de la Cruz is €112, while the average daily cost in Positano is €222. 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 Puerto de la Cruz and Positano in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Puerto de la Cruz 51
    Positano 148
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Puerto de la Cruz 102
    Positano 296
Compare Hotels in Puerto de la Cruz and Positano

Looking for a hotel in Puerto de la Cruz or Positano? 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 Puerto de la Cruz


Hotels in Positano


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: Puerto de la Cruz Hotel Prices and Positano Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Puerto de la Cruz 40
    Positano 7.73

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:

  • Shared Transfer from Sorrento to Naples Airport: $41
  • Positano to Napoli Airport (NAP) - Departure Private Transfer: $48
  • Shared Shuttle Transfer to Naples Train Station: $53
  • Private Transfer to Sorrento, Rome or Naples: $79
  • private transfer from Positano to Naples or reverse: $82
  • Amalfi and Positano cruise with transfer included: $94
  • Private Transfer from Positano to Sorrento Hotels: $95
  • Private Transfer from Positano to Naples: $109
  • private transfer from POSITANO to NAPLES: $109
  • Private Transfer Naples Positano or Praiano or vice versa, Via Pompei or Cantina: $112
  • Private direct transfer from Bomerano to Naples with local driver: $117
  • Private transfer from Positano to Naples : $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Puerto de la Cruz or Positano?

Prices for flights to both Positano and Puerto de la Cruz 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
    Puerto de la Cruz 34
    Positano 53

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Puerto de la Cruz 28
    Positano 60

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.

  • From Sorrento: Positano Mini Cruise: $36
  • Positano Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $66
  • Sunset Tour Experience - Shared: $75
  • Amalfi Coast Sunset Group Boat Tour with Prosecco: $80
  • Golden Hour around Positano Sunset Group Cruise : $82
  • Unforgettable sunset tour in Positano: $87
  • From Amalfi Coast Sunset Cruise - Group Tour: $97
  • Sunset Group Boat Tour from Positano or Praiano: $104
  • Full Day Amalfi Small Group Cruise from Positano : $104
  • Old Town Walking Tour with Archaeologist Guide: $106
  • Sunset Boat Cruise from Maiori: $106
  • Sunset Boat Cruise from Amalfi: $106

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Puerto de la Cruz 5.00
    Positano 15

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

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


Which is Bigger, Puerto de la Cruz or Positano?

Puerto de la Cruz has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Puerto de la Cruz and Positano, 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 Puerto de la Cruz or Positano?

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 Puerto de la Cruz or Positano in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Puerto de la Cruz as well as Positano. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Positano this time of year.

Puerto de la Cruz is around the same temperature as Positano in the summer. The daily temperature in Puerto de la Cruz averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Positano fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Positano. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Puerto de la Cruz this time of the year. In the summer, Puerto de la Cruz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Positano. Puerto de la Cruz gets 334 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun.

Puerto de la Cruz usually gets less rain in July than Positano. Puerto de la Cruz gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Puerto de la Cruz 24°C (75°F) 
    Positano 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Puerto de la Cruz or Positano in the Autumn?

Both Positano and Puerto de la Cruz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Puerto de la Cruz is a little warmer than Positano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Puerto de la Cruz in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Positano averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Puerto de la Cruz. Puerto de la Cruz usually receives more sunshine than Positano during autumn. Puerto de la Cruz gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Positano. In October, Puerto de la Cruz usually receives less rain than Positano. Puerto de la Cruz gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Puerto de la Cruz 21°C (70°F) 
    Positano 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Puerto de la Cruz or Positano in the Winter?

Both Positano and Puerto de la Cruz during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Positano in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Puerto de la Cruz is generally much warmer than Positano. Daily temperatures in Puerto de la Cruz average around 18°C (64°F), and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Puerto de la Cruz often gets more sunshine than Positano. Puerto de la Cruz gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun.

Positano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Puerto de la Cruz usually gets less rain in January than Positano. Puerto de la Cruz gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Puerto de la Cruz 18°C (64°F) 
    Positano 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Puerto de la Cruz or Positano in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Puerto de la Cruz and Positano. Also, most visitors come to Positano for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Puerto de la Cruz is much warmer than Positano in the spring. The daily temperature in Puerto de la Cruz averages around 20°C (68°F) in April, and Positano fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Puerto de la Cruz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Puerto de la Cruz usually receives more sunshine than Positano during spring. Puerto de la Cruz gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Puerto de la Cruz usually receives less rain than Positano. Puerto de la Cruz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Puerto de la Cruz 20°C (68°F) 
    Positano 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Positano and Puerto de la Cruz

Puerto de la Cruz Positano
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 20°C (68°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 21°C (69°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)