A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Taormina vs. Positano for Food, Resorts, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Taormina 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 Taormina 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.

Taormina

Taormina is a beautiful, exclusive, and opulent town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

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.

Taormina and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Taormina or Positano?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Positano. Although Taormina 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 Taormina attracts visitors for its museums and nightlife. Positano is more touristy than Taormina 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. Taormina is famous for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views.

How is Taormina different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Taormina 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 Taormina. The main landmark in town is the Greek Theater which dates back to the 3rd century BC. Also visit Madonna della Rocca as well as Castello di Taormina, which is perched above the sea.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Positano is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice 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, Taormina makes for a great culinary experience. The local dishes draw on traditional Italian flavors such as pasta, tomato sauce, and vegetables, but they're also heavily influenced by the island's many historical invaders. You'll find a variety of ingredients in recipes including red chilies, tuna, swordfish, sardines, pine nuts, capers, and olives.

Is Taormina or Positano Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Taormina for the nightlife scene. The town has a bit of an exclusive vibe and that's felt in the nightlife scene as well. There are lounges and exclusive clubs that serve fine wine and cocktails. You'll also find some late night dance clubs 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 Taormina or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is very popular for its luxury resorts. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

There are plenty of resorts in Taormina to choose from. There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.

Is Taormina or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Taormina 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.

Taormina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Taormina or Positano Better for Beaches?

Both Taormina and Positano are considered to be nice beach destinations.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Taormina. The easiest beaches to access from town are Mazzaro Beach and Isola Bella Beach. The beaches are near hotels and there are restaurants as well as beach umbrellas and chairs that you can rent.

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 Taormina or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Positano is very popular for its historic old town charm. However, Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Positano has a world-famous historical area. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is Taormina or Positano Better for Hiking?

Positano is a great Mediterranean village for hiking. However, Taormina 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.

Taormina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or Positano?

Positano is a great Mediterranean village for its shopping areas. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Taormina is a great destination for shopping. It's a fashion-conscious town and you'll find boutiques and shops that carry high end Italian brands. There are also shops that sell local pottery and other items.

Is Taormina or Positano Better for Families?

Positano is a Mediterranean village with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Taormina is not the most family-friendly destination. Kids may not appreciate everything that the adults enjoy about this town, but they will likely have fun taking a ride on the cable car and visiting the Greek Theater. There are also wonderful desserts that kids will enjoy.

Is Taormina or Positano Better for Couples?

Positano is very popular for couples. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

Taormina is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a truly beautiful town with impressive views and a great atmosphere. It makes a wonderful stop off for couples or honeymooners who want to soak up the region's beauty.

Is Taormina or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Positano is a Mediterranean village with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Taormina is not known 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.

Taormina is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There aren't many hostels around town and you won't find a large backpacker crowd here. The town has the feel of an exclusive resort community with high end resorts more common than anything else.

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

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

While Taormina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are minibuses that travel to the more far-reaching parts of the 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 Taormina or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

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.

Taormina is very walkable. Walking is one of the best ways to explore the town.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or Positano?

Both Taormina 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 Taormina. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Taormina, and 2-7 days is enough time in Positano.

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

Taormina is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

The beautiful Mediterranean village of Positano offers 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 Taormina or Positano?

Taormina is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Taormina, 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 Taormina or Positano?

Taormina 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 Taormina or Positano?

Taormina is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Taormina or Positano?

Taormina has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Taormina 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 Taormina 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 Taormina or Positano in the Summer?

Both Positano and Taormina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Taormina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Taormina is a little warmer than Positano in the summer. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Positano fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Positano. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Taormina. Taormina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Positano during summer. Taormina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Taormina usually receives less rain than Positano. Taormina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Taormina or Positano in the Autumn?

Both Positano and Taormina during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Taormina for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Positano in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Taormina is a little warmer than Positano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Taormina in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Positano averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Taormina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Positano. Taormina gets 189 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Taormina. Taormina usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Positano. Taormina gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Taormina or Positano in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Taormina and Positano. Many visitors come to Taormina in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Positano for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Taormina is generally much warmer than Positano. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 13°C (55°F), and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Taormina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Positano during winter. Taormina gets 115 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, Taormina usually receives less rain than Positano. Taormina gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Taormina or Positano in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Taormina as well as Positano. Most visitors come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Positano because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Taormina is a little warmer than Positano in the spring. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Positano fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Taormina this time of the year. In the spring, Taormina often gets more sunshine than Positano. Taormina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets less rain in April than Positano. Taormina gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Positano and Taormina