A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Sestri Levante vs. Positano for Food, Resorts, Couples, and Beaches

Should you visit Sestri Levante or Positano?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Sestri Levante and Positano can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a quiet, scenic, and local seaside town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the food and beaches.

Positano

Positano is a picturesque, colorful, and stunning Mediterranean village. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches.

Sestri Levante and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sestri Levante or Positano?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Positano. Although Sestri Levante and Positano are popular destinations, Positano has more sights and attractions for tourists. Positano is more touristy than Sestri Levante 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. Sestri Levante is famous for its two bays and coastal setting.

How is Sestri Levante different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Positano is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Positano have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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, Sestri Levante makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find many restaurants along the central road in the old town, Via XXV Aprile. Seafood is popular, as are many other Italian favorites. If you're visiting during the summer months then it's best to make reservations as wait times can be long.

Is Sestri Levante or Positano Better for Nightlife?

Positano is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for nightlife.

Positano doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The town has a relaxing nightlife that is usually centered around the clubs found at nearby resorts.

People don't go to Sestri Levante for the nightlife. There are a few places to grab a drink, but if you're looking for nightlife, you'll really need to head out of town.

Is Sestri Levante or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is renowned for its luxury resorts. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its resorts.

Positano is a world class resort vacation destination. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

Sestri Levante has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a number of hotels in the old town or by the beach. You'll also find a decent selection of vacation rentals. During peak season you'll want to make your reservations early.

Is Sestri Levante or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Sestri Levante 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.

Sestri Levante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sestri Levante or Positano Better for Beaches?

Both Sestri Levante and Positano are considered to be nice beach destinations.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Sestri Levante. Home to two beaches, this makes a nice holiday spot if you're hoping to relax by the water. The beaches can get crowded with Italians during the summer months, but it still offers a charming seaside spot. Many people head to the beach by the the Bay of Silence in part because it's free. Make sure you arrive early. By the Bay of Fairytales you can rent chairs and umbrellas and enjoy a little more space.

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.

Is Sestri Levante or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Positano is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Sestri Levante does not have a historic old town.

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.

Sestri Levante does not have a historic old town.

Is Sestri Levante or Positano Better for Hiking?

Positano is great for hiking. However, Sestri Levante is not a hiking destination.

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.

Sestri Levante is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sestri Levante or Positano?

Positano is great for its shopping areas. However, Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Sestri Levante or Positano Better for Families?

Both Sestri Levante and Positano are nice to visit with kids.

Sestri Levante offers lots of family activities. This is a great spot for families that want a relaxing holiday with a small town vibe. The picturesque setting is said to have inspired fairytales, and today kids will enjoy playing on the playgrounds or exploring at the adventure park. There are also hikes, activities, and restaurants that are great for kids and adults alike.

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 Sestri Levante or Positano Better for Couples?

Positano is renowned for couples. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for romance.

Positano is a great Mediterranean village for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Sestri Levante is a nice destination for couples. This scenic setting offers a relaxing holiday for couples who want to enjoy quiet time together. There are plenty of outdoor activities and a cultural town with a lot of beauty to explore. It's one of the lesser known destinations in the area, so you will have a peaceful small town vibe that's great for a romantic getaway.

Is Sestri Levante or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Positano is a Mediterranean village with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for backpackers.

Positano is a good Mediterranean village to visit for backpackers. The town has a handful of great hostels that make the Amalfi Coast accessible to backpackers on a budget.

Sestri Levante is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are some dorm rooms in town, but most backpackers head to one of the more well known destinations in the area. The atmosphere and history makes for a unique experience for those who do make the trip.

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

Sestri Levante and Positano both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Sestri Levante offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The town can be explored on foot and there are buses and trains that can be used for day trips.

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 Sestri Levante or Positano a more walkable city?

Sestri Levante and Positano are fantastic when it comes to walkability.

Sestri Levante is a very easy seaside town to get around on foot. There are pedestrian promenades and charming streets through town that are best explored on foot.

It is easy to get around Positano 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Sestri Levante?

How long in Sestri Levante or Positano?

Both Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Sestri Levante, and 2-7 days is enough time in Positano.

Families should spend more time in Positano than Sestri Levante. 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 Sestri Levante. 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 Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante or Positano?

Sestri Levante is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. 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 shopping and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Sestri Levante or Positano?

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

Positano is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Sestri Levante or Positano?

Sestri Levante 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. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Sestri Levante or Positano?

Sestri Levante 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 seaside town offers something for everyone.

In Positano, you'll find food and shopping. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One reason most visitors come is for the food. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Sestri Levante or Positano?

Sestri Levante has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Sestri Levante 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.