A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Siena vs. Positano for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Siena or Positano?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Siena and Positano can help you decide which place is right for you.

Siena

Siena is a history, beautiful, and romantic city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Positano

Positano is a luxurious, charming, and picturesque Mediterranean village. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Siena and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Siena or Positano?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Positano than Siena, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Positano is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Siena is more popular for its museums and nightlife. Positano is more touristy than Siena and is popular for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. Also, Positano is famous for The Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Siena is well known for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace.

How is Siena different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Siena 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 Siena. At the heart of the city is Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and Piazza del Campo. Other world famous sights include Palazzo Pubblico and Museo Civico, Torre del Mangia, and Pinacoteca Nazionale.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Positano is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Positano has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

Siena has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town is all about local flavors and many restaurants use local ingredients in their dishes. Pecorino of Pienza is the local cheese, and you'll also find many cured meats. Local pasta dishes include wild boar ragu and a local spaghetti. You'll also find local meats such as lamb, rabbit, chicken and pork.

Is Siena or Positano Better for Nightlife?

Siena 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 Siena has a few options to choose from. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. Most visitors enjoy socializing in the evening and meeting friends at Piazza del Campo. There are often live performances which you can enjoy as well as many cafes and wine bars around 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 Siena or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is very popular for its resorts. However, Siena is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Positano is a perfect choice. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

Siena is not a resort destination.

Is Siena or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is a moderate Mediterranean village for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Siena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Positano. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.

Siena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Siena or Positano Better for Beaches?

Positano is very good for its beaches. However, Siena is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Positano to enjoy the beach. 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.

Siena is not a beach destination.

Is Siena or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Siena and Positano are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

Siena has a world-famous historical area. The beautiful old town is filled with medieval brick buildings. At the heart of the city is Piazza del Campo, which is a lively square with many neighborhoods spreading out from there.

The historic old town of Positano is revered around 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 Siena or Positano Better for Hiking?

Positano is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Siena is not a hiking destination.

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.

Siena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Siena or Positano?

Positano is notable for shopping. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Positano is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Siena. The main shopping street in town is Via Banchi di Sopra, which has many boutiques that sell clothing, bags, and other items. The town also has many leather goods, ceramics, and other local items available.

Is Siena or Positano Better for Families?

Positano is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Siena is a mediocre city for its 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.

Siena is not always a place people visit with their families. The beauty and history may be lost to the little ones but there is a great atmosphere that even the young ones will appreciate. Kids will enjoy climbing to the top of Torre del Mangia or visiting one of the many playgrounds around town.

Is Siena or Positano Better for Couples?

Both Siena and Positano are first-rate destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Siena has plenty to offer. With its impressive beauty and long running history, this is a truly romantic city. The atmosphere is relaxed and there are plazas and neighborhoods that are great for exploring. There are also many great restaurants, superb wine, and world class sights that are not to be missed.

Positano has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Is Siena or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Siena and Positano are notable destinations for backpackers.

Siena is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Many backpackers visit Siena as a daytrip from nearby Florence. While there are some affordable places to stay here, the atmosphere isn't as backpacker friendly as nearby Florence.

It's common for backpackers to visit Positano. The town has a handful of great hostels that make the Amalfi Coast accessible to backpackers on a budget.

Is Siena or Positano Better for Students?

Siena is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Positano is not popular with students.

Many students visit Siena. It's home to one of the oldest universities in Italy, and it's a wonderful study abroad destination for any student who wants to spend some time in Italy.

Positano is not popular with students.

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

Both Siena and Positano offer notable public transit options.

Siena has a few public transit options. TIEMME is the bus service that runs in and around town. Many lines pass through the train station and provide service from there.

Positano has some public transit options. You can walk everywhere once you arrive, and the SITA bus travels to and from the town.

Is Siena or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is very popular for its walkability. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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.

Siena is a very walkable city. The compact town center is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Siena?

How long in Siena or Positano?

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

Families should spend more time in Positano than Siena. 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 Siena. 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 Siena 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 Siena or Positano?

The beautiful city of Siena offers food and shopping. 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.

Even though Positano is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the food. This Mediterranean village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Siena or Positano?

Siena 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 Siena, 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. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Siena or Positano?

Siena 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 fun place to experience. Positano is a small town with plenty to do. Lots of people come for the food. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Siena or Positano?

Siena 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 city offers something for everyone.

Positano might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Siena and Positano, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Siena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Siena would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Siena 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 Siena.

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

Which is Bigger, Siena or Positano?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Siena as well as Positano. Many visitors come to Siena in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Positano for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Siena is generally around the same temperature as Positano. Daily temperatures in Siena average around 23°C (73°F), and Positano fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Positano. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Siena this time of the year. In the summer, Siena often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Positano. Siena gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun.

Siena usually gets more rain in July than Positano. Siena gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Siena or Positano in the Autumn?

Both Positano and Siena are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Siena for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Positano because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Siena is around the same temperature as Positano in the autumn. The daily temperature in Siena averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Positano fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Siena usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Positano during autumn. Siena gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Positano. In October, Siena usually receives less rain than Positano. Siena gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Siena or Positano in the Winter?

Both Positano and Siena during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Siena because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Positano this time of year.

In the winter, Siena is cooler than Positano. Typically, the winter temperatures in Siena in January average around 7°C (45°F), and Positano averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Siena often gets less sunshine than Positano. Siena gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun.

Positano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Siena usually gets less rain in January than Positano. Siena gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Siena or Positano in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Siena and Positano. The natural beauty are the main draw to Siena this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Siena is generally around the same temperature as Positano. Daily temperatures in Siena average around 12°C (54°F), and Positano fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Siena usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Positano during spring. Siena gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Siena usually receives around the same amount of rain as Positano. Siena gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Positano and Siena