A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tenerife vs. Positano for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Hiking

Should you visit Tenerife or Positano?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tenerife or Positano, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Tenerife

Tenerife is a volcanic, scenic, and vibrant island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Positano

Positano is a charming, picturesque, and colorful Mediterranean village. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Tenerife and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tenerife or Positano?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tenerife than Positano, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tenerife is better known for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Positano is more popular for its food, resorts, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Tenerife is well known for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. Also, Tenerife is famous for Mount Teide. Positano is well known for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere.

How is Tenerife different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tenerife is mediocre for its historical sights. However, Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Tenerife. The island is filled with national parks, beautiful landscapes, and stunning beaches, but if you're not into outdoor activities, then you won't find many museums or other historical sights to visit.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Positano is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Positano is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Tenerife. Many visitors stick to the major touristy areas, eating in their resorts or other nearby restaurants. If you want to try a bit of the island's authentic Canarian cuisine, you'll need to do a little research. Head into the local areas near the markets for the best chance of finding something a little more authentic. Local dishes often include fish and seafood as well as local meats, but you'll rarely find beef as there isn't a lot of land for cows to graze on the island.

Is Tenerife or Positano Better for Nightlife?

Tenerife is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. However, Positano is not a good destination for nightlife.

Tenerife is a world class party destination. The island has a variety of nightclubs that range in style and personality. There are all night wild beach parties as well as laid back beach clubs and hole-in-the-wall pubs. Many bars have happy hours where you can relax with a drink and many nightclubs host famous DJs that keep the party going into the early morning hours.

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 Tenerife or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is very popular for its luxury resorts. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

Positano offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

In Tenerife, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. You'll find everything from world-class resorts like the Ritz to more budget-friendly hotels and even some hostels around the island. You'll find most of the resorts on the south side of the island, which is also where you'll find the best weather.

Is Tenerife or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tenerife is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Positano is not a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Tenerife. A highlight of snorkeling in this area is the opportunity to swim with sea turtles. Some of the best snorkeling is in El Puertito, which is known for its many turtles and there is no shortage of organized snorkeling trips to the area. The island also has excellent scuba diving trips with a variety of shipwrecks and marine species.

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

Is Tenerife or Positano Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Tenerife for it's beautiful beaches. The island has a large number of beaches that attract tourists, particularly during the peak winter months. The island's volcanic nature means that many of its natural beaches have black sand. The golden sand from the more developed beaches typically comes from the Sahara Desert. A favorite beach on the island is the 2 kilometer long Playa de las Teresitas.

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 Tenerife or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Positano is very popular for its historic old town. However, Tenerife 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.

Tenerife does not have a historic old town.

Is Tenerife or Positano Better for Hiking?

Tenerife 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.

Tenerife is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The island's volcanic landscapes mean that there are dramatic and breathtaking hikes throughout the island. Some of the best hikes are found in the Anaga Rural Park, Teide National Park, and the Teno Mountains.

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 Tenerife or Positano?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Tenerife and Positano.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Tenerife. The island's low tax rates make it a popular shopping destination for tourists. The are shopping streets, local markets, and luxury malls that you can explore.

Positano is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Is Tenerife or Positano Better for Families?

Tenerife is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Tenerife is very family-friendly. The island has many great waterparks for kids, with one of the best being Siam Park. Other family-friendly destinations include Aqualand, Loro Parque, Jungle Park, and Monkey Park. There are whale watching trips, outdoor adventures, and kid-friendly beaches as well.

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 Tenerife or Positano Better for Couples?

Positano is very popular for romance. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Couples visit Tenerife frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The natural beauty, great landscapes, and lively beaches make this a great island for a romantic getaway. There's hiking and outdoor adventures as well as swimming, boat rides, and even whale watching.

Is Tenerife or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tenerife and Positano are both notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Tenerife. The island is large enough that there are a decent number of hostels and budget-friendly places to stay for backpackers.

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

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Tenerife and Positano.

Tenerife has some public transit options. The island has a decent bus service that is operated by a company called "TITSA".

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 Tenerife or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is very popular for its walkability. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of 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.

Tenerife is a somewhat walkable place. There are many walks on the island that make for a fun way to explore the setting.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Tenerife?

How long in Tenerife or Positano?

Both Tenerife and Positano have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Tenerife has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Tenerife than Positano. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tenerife, and 2-7 days is enough time in Positano.

Families should spend more time in Tenerife than Positano. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Tenerife, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Positano than Tenerife. 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 Tenerife 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 Tenerife.

One day in Tenerife or Positano?

The beautiful island of Tenerife offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

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 Tenerife or Positano?

Tenerife is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. 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 Tenerife or Positano?

Tenerife is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tenerife, five days is sufficent for most. 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 Tenerife or Positano?

Tenerife is a great place to explore. 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 Tenerife has to offer. This island 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day 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 Tenerife and Positano, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Tenerife much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tenerife would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tenerife 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 Tenerife.

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

When is the best time to visit Tenerife 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 Tenerife or Positano in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tenerife and Positano. Many travelers come to Tenerife for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Positano in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Positano this time of the year. In Tenerife, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tenerife usually receives less sunshine than Positano during summer. Tenerife gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Positano. Tenerife gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tenerife or Positano in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tenerife as well as Positano. Many visitors come to Tenerife in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Positano for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Tenerife is a little warmer than Positano in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 22°C (72°F) in October, and Positano fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tenerife this time of the year. In the autumn, Tenerife often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Positano. Tenerife gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Positano. Tenerife usually gets less rain in October than Positano. Tenerife gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Positano in the Winter?

Both Positano and Tenerife are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tenerife for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Positano because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Tenerife is much warmer than Positano. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tenerife in January average around 17°C (63°F), and Positano averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Tenerife usually receives more sunshine than Positano during winter. Tenerife gets 191 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, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Positano. Tenerife gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tenerife or Positano in the Spring?

Both Positano and Tenerife during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Tenerife because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Positano this time of year.

In April, Tenerife is generally a little warmer than Positano. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 18°C (64°F), and Positano fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Tenerife. In the spring, Tenerife often gets more sunshine than Positano. Tenerife gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in April than Positano. Tenerife gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Positano and Tenerife