A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Ravenna vs. Positano for Food, Couples, Families, and Nightlife

Should you visit Ravenna 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 Ravenna 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.

Ravenna

Ravenna is a authentic, historic, and off-the-beaten-path town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Positano

Positano is a colorful, stunning, and luxurious Mediterranean village. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Ravenna and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ravenna or Positano?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Positano. Although Ravenna and Positano are both popular with visitors, Positano has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Positano is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Ravenna is known for its museums and nightlife. Positano is more touristy than Ravenna and is known for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. It is also home to The Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Ravenna is popular for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires.

How is Ravenna different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ravenna or Positano?

Ravenna 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 Ravenna. Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Positano is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Dining out in Ravenna is an experience not to be missed. The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

Is Ravenna or Positano Better for Nightlife?

Ravenna 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 Ravenna has a few options to choose from. You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

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 Ravenna or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Ravenna is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Positano for its luxury resorts. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

Ravenna is not a resort destination.

Is Ravenna or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is a decent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ravenna or Positano Better for Beaches?

Positano is a good destination for the beache. However, Ravenna is not a beach destination.

Positano offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Ravenna is not a beach destination.

Is Ravenna or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Positano is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Positano can be explored in its historical center. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

Is Ravenna or Positano Better for Hiking?

Positano is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Ravenna is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Ravenna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ravenna or Positano?

Positano is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Positano is well-known for its shopping. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Many visitors go to Ravenna to go shopping. There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

Is Ravenna or Positano Better for Families?

Ravenna 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 Ravenna. In town you'll find mosaics, museums, and a charming town, and ten kilometers outside of town you'll find Italy's largest amusement park - Mirabilandia. The city is also filled with parks where kids can explore and learn, and the food, like any Italian city, is very kid-friendly.

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 Ravenna or Positano Better for Couples?

Positano is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Couples visit Ravenna frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Many visitors to Italy don't add this charming town to their itinerary, but for couples who want to experience a small town setting with beautiful art and architecture, then Ravenna is a great option. There are parks to explore and great restaurants to experience as well.

Is Ravenna or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ravenna and Positano are both good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Ravenna. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, so you won't find a large number of hostels or a lot of backpackers to hang out with. That doesn't mean it won't make a great addition to your itinerary though.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Ravenna and Positano.

Ravenna has some public transit options. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

You'll find some public transit in Positano, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can walk everywhere once you arrive, and the SITA bus travels to and from the town.

Is Ravenna or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Ravenna is a very walkable destination. There are care-free areas to the town that can only be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Ravenna?

How long in Ravenna or Positano?

Both Ravenna and Positano have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Positano than in Ravenna. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Ravenna, and 2-7 days is enough time in Positano.

Families should spend more time in Positano than Ravenna. 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 Ravenna. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Positano that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Positano than Ravenna 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 Ravenna or Positano?

Ravenna is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Positano, you'll find food and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This Mediterranean village offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Ravenna or Positano?

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

In Positano, you'll find shopping and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Positano has to offer.

Five days in Ravenna or Positano?

Ravenna is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

Positano is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Positano has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Ravenna or Positano?

Ravenna is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Positano. In Positano, you'll find shopping and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Ravenna or Positano?

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

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 Ravenna or Positano in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ravenna and Positano. The summer months attract visitors to Ravenna because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, 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, Ravenna is around the same temperature as Positano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ravenna in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Positano averages at about 23°C (74°F).

In July, Ravenna usually receives more rain than Positano. Ravenna gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ravenna or Positano in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ravenna as well as Positano. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Ravenna this time of year. 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 October, Ravenna is generally cooler than Positano. Daily temperatures in Ravenna average around 14°C (58°F), and Positano fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Positano. Ravenna usually gets less rain in October than Positano. Ravenna gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ravenna or Positano in the Winter?

Both Positano and Ravenna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Ravenna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Positano in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ravenna. Ravenna is much colder than Positano in the winter. The daily temperature in Ravenna averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Positano. In January, Ravenna usually receives less rain than Positano. Ravenna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ravenna or Positano in the Spring?

Both Positano and Ravenna during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Ravenna in the spring for the small town charm. Furthermore, most visitors come to Positano for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Ravenna is cooler than Positano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ravenna in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Positano averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Ravenna usually gets less rain in April than Positano. Ravenna gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Positano and Ravenna