A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint-Etienne vs. Positano for Food, Couples, Hiking, and Nightlife

Should you visit Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a authentic, historic, and park-filled city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Positano

Positano is a colorful, stunning, and luxurious Mediterranean village. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the shopping, food, and beaches.

Saint-Etienne and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint-Etienne or Positano?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Positano. Although Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne is known for its museums and nightlife. Positano is more touristy than Saint-Etienne 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. Saint-Etienne is popular for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Saint-Etienne different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint-Etienne or Positano?

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Saint-Etienne or Positano? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Positano is an amazing Mediterranean village to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Saint-Etienne or Positano Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne has a few options to choose from. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs 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 Saint-Etienne or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is an amazing Mediterranean village to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a resort destination.

Is Saint-Etienne or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is adequate for its diving and snorkeling. However, Saint-Etienne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Positano. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.

Saint-Etienne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint-Etienne or Positano Better for Beaches?

Positano is a good destination for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Is Saint-Etienne or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Positano is an amazing Mediterranean village to visit for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint-Etienne or Positano Better for Hiking?

Positano is great for hiking. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Positano for the hiking trails. 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.

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for hiking. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Etienne or Positano?

Positano is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Saint-Etienne or Positano Better for Families?

Both Saint-Etienne and Positano are good family-friendly destinations.

Saint-Etienne offers lots of family activities. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

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 Saint-Etienne or Positano Better for Couples?

Positano is an amazing Mediterranean village to visit for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Saint-Etienne or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Positano is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Positano. The town has a handful of great hostels that make the Amalfi Coast accessible to backpackers on a budget.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

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

Saint-Etienne and Positano both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Saint-Etienne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are tram and bus options available in town.

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 Saint-Etienne or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is an amazing Mediterranean village to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

Positano is a very easy Mediterranean village to get around on foot. The town is best explored on foot. You can wander the quaint streets or take the foot path to the beach or nearby castles.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting? and Is Positano Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Positano or Saint-Etienne?

How long in Saint-Etienne or Positano?

Both Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Saint-Etienne, and 2-7 days is enough time in Positano.

Families should spend more time in Positano than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne or Positano?

The city of Saint-Etienne offers museums and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Even though Positano is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Saint-Etienne or Positano?

Saint-Etienne 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saint-Etienne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Positano. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Saint-Etienne or Positano?

Saint-Etienne 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 small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This Mediterranean village offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Saint-Etienne or Positano?

Saint-Etienne 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 city offers something for everyone.

Positano might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Saint-Etienne or Positano?

Saint-Etienne has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne or Positano in the Summer?

Both Positano and Saint-Etienne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the hiking 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, Saint-Etienne is around the same temperature as Positano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint-Etienne in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Positano averages at about 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Positano. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint-Etienne. Saint-Etienne usually receives less sunshine than Positano during summer. Saint-Etienne gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint-Etienne usually receives more rain than Positano. Saint-Etienne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Positano in the Autumn?

Both Positano and Saint-Etienne during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint-Etienne 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, Saint-Etienne is generally cooler than Positano. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 14°C (56°F), and Positano fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than Positano. Saint-Etienne gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

Positano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint-Etienne usually gets less rain in October than Positano. Saint-Etienne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Positano in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Etienne and Positano. Many travelers come to Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne. Saint-Etienne is much colder than Positano in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Saint-Etienne usually receives less sunshine than Positano during winter. Saint-Etienne gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Positano receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Saint-Etienne usually receives less rain than Positano. Saint-Etienne gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Positano in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint-Etienne as well as Positano. Many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Positano for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

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

In the spring, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than Positano. Saint-Etienne gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets less rain in April than Positano. Saint-Etienne gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Positano and Saint-Etienne