A Travel Price Comparison for Italy San Remo vs. Positano for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Beaches

Should you visit San Remo or Positano?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit San Remo or Positano? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

San Remo

San Remo is a historic, relaxing, and beautiful coastal city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Positano

Positano is a stunning, luxurious, and charming Mediterranean village. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

San Remo and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Remo or Positano?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Positano. Although San Remo and Positano are popular destinations, Positano has more sights and attractions for tourists. Positano is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while San Remo attracts visitors for its nightlife and beaches. Positano is more touristy than San Remo and is known for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. It is also well known for The Church of Santa Maria Assunta. San Remo is famous for its olives, lemons, and flower market.

How is San Remo different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Positano is terrific for its restaurants. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Positano is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, San Remo makes for a great culinary experience. The local restaurants are charming and sell a number of local specialties. Many traditional dishes are made with rabbit or chicken. There are also vegetable pies and sardenaira, which is a type of pizza that's made with tomatoes, garlic, and anchovies. Also make sure you pick up Baci di Sanremo, which are soft chocolate biscuits that are available in local bakeries.

Is San Remo or Positano Better for Nightlife?

San Remo 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 San Remo has a few options to choose from. The city has a number of clubs and bars where you can enjoy a drink or hang out late into the evening. It's a pretty mellow nightlife scene, but there's still plenty of places to go as well as a local vibe that doesn't have the influx of tourists that you find in many of other Italian cities.

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 San Remo or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, San Remo is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Positano is a great choice. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

San Remo is not a resort destination.

Is San Remo or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is a decent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, San Remo 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.

San Remo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is San Remo or Positano Better for Beaches?

San Remo is great for the beach. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its beaches.

Many people visit San Remo for it's beautiful beaches. The beautiful sandy beaches are nice to visit and it's possible to rent chairs and umbrellas in many places. The main beach in town is Spiaggia dei Porti. Other popular nearby beaches include Spiaggia dei tre ponti, which is a large public beach, and Cala degli Orsi, which is one of the most beautiful public beaches in the area.

Positano is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Is San Remo or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Positano is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Positano has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of San Remo. The old quarter of Pigna is a Medieval area with narrow streets that feel as if they're frozen in time. The hills offer impressive city views and the area has a unique historic character.

Is San Remo or Positano Better for Hiking?

Positano is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, San Remo 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.

San Remo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Remo or Positano?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Positano. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

San Remo is a great destination for shopping. There are local and international brands as well as a shopping mall and outlets where you can enjoy shopping.

Is San Remo or Positano Better for Families?

San Remo 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 San Remo. The area offers plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family will enjoy. There's horseback riding, hiking, rowing, snorkeling, cooking classes, farm tours and more. There are also a number of hotels in the area that have kid-friendly activities.

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 San Remo or Positano Better for Couples?

Positano is terrific for couples. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Positano makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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 San Remo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's known as the city of flowers, and the many beautiful gardens make this a truly romantic place to visit. Couples will enjoy soaking up the city's history and enjoy the vibrant culture and outdoor activities that are available.

Is San Remo or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Positano is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, San Remo is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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.

San Remo is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in town, and most backpackers head to more popular Italian destinations. If you're looking for a more off-the-beaten path destination, then this may be your style.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both San Remo and Positano.

San Remo has some public transit options. There are local buses around town.

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 San Remo or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

San Remo is very walkable. The old quarter is fun to explore on foot and there are a number of walking tours through town.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or San Remo?

How long in San Remo or Positano?

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

Couples should spend more time in Positano than San Remo. 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 San Remo 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 San Remo or Positano?

The beautiful coastal city of San Remo offers nightlife and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Positano is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in San Remo or Positano?

San Remo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Remo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Five days in San Remo or Positano?

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

A week in San Remo or Positano?

San Remo is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

Positano is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Positano has to offer. This Mediterranean village offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, San Remo or Positano?

San Remo has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of San Remo 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 San Remo 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 San Remo or Positano in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both San Remo and Positano. Most visitors come to San Remo for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Positano because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

San Remo is around the same temperature as Positano in the summer. The daily temperature in San Remo averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Positano fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Positano this time of the year. In San Remo, it's very sunny this time of the year. San Remo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Positano during summer. San Remo gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, San Remo usually receives less rain than Positano. San Remo gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit San Remo or Positano in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to San Remo as well as Positano. The autumn months attract visitors to San Remo because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Positano this time of year.

In the autumn, San Remo is around the same temperature as Positano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Remo in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Positano averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, San Remo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Positano. San Remo gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Positano. San Remo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. San Remo usually gets less rain in October than Positano. San Remo gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Remo or Positano in the Winter?

Both Positano and San Remo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to San Remo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, San Remo is generally around the same temperature as Positano. Daily temperatures in San Remo average around 9°C (48°F), and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

San Remo usually receives more sunshine than Positano during winter. San Remo gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Positano. In January, San Remo usually receives less rain than Positano. San Remo gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit San Remo or Positano in the Spring?

Both Positano and San Remo during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to San Remo for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Positano in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

San Remo is around the same temperature as Positano in the spring. The daily temperature in San Remo averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Positano fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, San Remo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Positano. San Remo gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

San Remo usually gets less rain in April than Positano. San Remo gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Positano and San Remo