A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santiago de Compostela vs. Positano for Food, Old Town, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit Santiago de Compostela or Positano?

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

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela 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.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a iconic, historic, and religious city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Positano

Positano is a stunning, luxurious, and charming Mediterranean village. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and food.

Santiago de Compostela and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santiago de Compostela or Positano?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santiago de Compostela. Although Santiago de Compostela and Positano are both popular with visitors, Santiago de Compostela has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santiago de Compostela is more popular for its museums & sights, nightlife, and hiking, while Positano is known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Santiago de Compostela is popular for its classic old town, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and its significance as the culmination point for the Camino de Santiago. It is also home to the Cathedral of Santiago. Positano is popular for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere.

How is Santiago de Compostela different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santiago de Compostela or Positano?

Santiago de Compostela is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. However, Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Santiago de Compostela has many famous sights for visitors. The iconic Cathedral of Santiago has long attracted pilgrims and travelers from around Europe and the world. The spectacular sight includes a museum and the crypt and tomb of Saint James. Another interesting sight in town is the former hostel for pilgrims, the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos. Also make sure you visit Plaza del Obradoiro and the Galician Center of Contemporary Art.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Santiago de Compostela or Positano? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Positano is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Santiago de Compostela has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Galician food has plenty of fresh seafood, lots of local beef, and regional vegetables that are seasonal and locally grown. Make sure you try the polbo á feira (boiled octopus), pimientos de padrón (fried green peppers), and steamed mussels.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Positano Better for Nightlife?

Santiago de Compostela is great for its evening party scene. However, Positano is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Santiago de Compostela for the nightlife scene. As a university city, much of the nightlife is created by the student population. You'll find a lot of bars around Rúa de Santiago de Chile and Rúa de San Pedro de Mezonzo as well as along Rúa do Franco.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is terrific for its resorts. However, Santiago de Compostela 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.

Santiago de Compostela is not a resort destination.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is a Mediterranean village with a few options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Positano has a few snorkeling spots. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.

Santiago de Compostela is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Positano Better for Beaches?

Positano is a popular place for the beache. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

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.

Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Positano Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the amazing old towns in both Santiago de Compostela and Positano.

Santiago de Compostela has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The old town reflects the city's importance in the Christian religion. There are Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings that draw Christian pilgrims from around the world.

The old town of Positano is one of the most recognized in the world. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Positano Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela 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.

Santiago de Compostela is well-known for its hiking and trekking. This small city is the culmination point for the famed Camino de Santiago. The 780 kilometer route is followed by pilgrims and travelers who seek enlightenment or adventure. Hikers travel both independently or as part of organized tours.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Positano?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Positano and Santiago de Compostela.

Santiago de Compostela is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are local markets, souvenir shops, and boutiques where you can buy items to commemorate the completion of your hike or your visit to town.

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.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Positano Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Santiago de Compostela or Positano.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Santiago de Compostela. The city has a sightseeing train as well as parks and playgrounds that kids can enjoy. A visit to the Museum of the Galician People is also fascinating for the whole family. Visiting the colorful markets around town is fun as well.

Positano offers lots of family activities. 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 Santiago de Compostela or Positano Better for Couples?

Positano is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Santiago de Compostela is a good city for couples to visit. The cobblestone streets and beautiful gardens make this a nice place for a couple's getaway. There are viewpoints that look out over the town as well as interesting buildings and great architecture.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santiago de Compostela is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Santiago de Compostela. Backpackers hiking the Camino del Santiago will be rewarded with a beautiful city and many nice sights. There are plenty of hostels around town where backpackers can meet other travelers and swap stories.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Positano Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Santiago de Compostela. It's a small city with many students during the week, but on weekends it quiets down as many students leave town.

Positano is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Santiago de Compostela and Positano.

You'll find some public transit in Santiago de Compostela, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are operated by Tralusa.

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.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Santiago de Compostela is a very walkable destination. Many visitors reach the city on foot by doing the pilgrimage of the Camino del Santiago. The city itself and small and fairly walkable as well.

For even more information, also check out Is Santiago de Compostela Worth Visiting? and Is Positano Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Positano or Santiago de Compostela?

How long in Santiago de Compostela or Positano?

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

Families should spend more time in Positano than Santiago de Compostela. 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 Santiago de Compostela. 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 Santiago de Compostela than Positano 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 Santiago de Compostela.

One day in Santiago de Compostela or Positano?

The city of Santiago de Compostela offers food and shopping. 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.

Positano might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Santiago de Compostela or Positano?

Santiago de Compostela 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 visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santiago de Compostela, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Even though Positano is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This Mediterranean village offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Santiago de Compostela or Positano?

Santiago de Compostela 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Positano. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Hikers are also drawn to this area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Santiago de Compostela or Positano?

Santiago de Compostela is a great place to explore. 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.

Positano is a fun place to experience. Positano is a small town with plenty to do. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this Mediterranean village.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Spain, The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain, 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 Santiago de Compostela and Positano, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Santiago de Compostela much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santiago de Compostela would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela.

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

Which is Bigger, Santiago de Compostela or Positano?

Santiago de Compostela has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela or Positano in the Summer?

Both Positano and Santiago de Compostela during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking 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.

In the summer, Santiago de Compostela is cooler than Positano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Santiago de Compostela in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Positano averages at about 23°C (74°F).

In Positano, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Santiago de Compostela. In the summer, Santiago de Compostela often gets less sunshine than Positano. Santiago de Compostela gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Positano. Santiago de Compostela gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Positano in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Santiago de Compostela and Positano. The autumn months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the hiking trails, 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 October, Santiago de Compostela is generally around the same temperature as Positano. Daily temperatures in Santiago de Compostela average around 16°C (61°F), and Positano fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Santiago de Compostela usually receives less sunshine than Positano during autumn. Santiago de Compostela gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Positano receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Santiago de Compostela gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Santiago de Compostela usually receives less rain than Positano. Santiago de Compostela gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Positano in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Santiago de Compostela as well as Positano. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Santiago de Compostela is a little warmer than Positano in the winter. The daily temperature in Santiago de Compostela averages around 11°C (51°F) in January, and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Santiago de Compostela often gets less sunshine than Positano. Santiago de Compostela gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Positano. Santiago de Compostela receives a lot of rain in the winter. Santiago de Compostela usually gets more rain in January than Positano. Santiago de Compostela gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Positano in the Spring?

Both Positano and Santiago de Compostela are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Positano in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Santiago de Compostela is around the same temperature as Positano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Santiago de Compostela in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Positano averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Santiago de Compostela usually receives less sunshine than Positano during spring. Santiago de Compostela gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Santiago de Compostela usually receives more rain than Positano. Santiago de Compostela gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Positano and Santiago de Compostela