A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Thessaloniki vs. Positano for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Positano?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki 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.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a historic, vibrant, and high energy city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Positano

Positano is a stunning, luxurious, and charming Mediterranean village. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Thessaloniki and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Positano?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Thessaloniki. Although Thessaloniki and Positano are both popular with visitors, Thessaloniki has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Thessaloniki is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Positano is known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Positano is more touristy than Thessaloniki and is known for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. Thessaloniki is popular for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. It is also home to The Monument of Rotonda.

How is Thessaloniki different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki. There are a huge number of historic and archeological sights in the city. These include the Rotunda of Galerius, the White Tower, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Arch of Galerius.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Positano is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Dining out in Thessaloniki is an experience not to be missed. There's a huge culinary scene in the city, and you'll find everything from fun street food options to traditional tavernas and even some great international restaurants.

Is Thessaloniki or Positano Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Thessaloniki for the nightlife scene. It's the second largest city in Greece, and it has large student and tourist populations, so the nightlife scene is among the best in Greece. There are clubs, bars, and lounges that stay busy late into the night.

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 Thessaloniki or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Thessaloniki 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.

Thessaloniki is not a resort destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is a decent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Thessaloniki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Positano. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.

Thessaloniki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Positano Better for Beaches?

Positano is a popular place for the beache. However, Thessaloniki is lacking in options for the beach.

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.

The beach in Thessaloniki is worth checking out. Although the city's not known for its beaches, there are some places where you can relax by the water, particularly if you're willing to get a bit out of town.

Is Thessaloniki or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Positano is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

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.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is Thessaloniki or Positano Better for Hiking?

Positano is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Thessaloniki is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Positano. 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.

Thessaloniki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Positano?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Thessaloniki and Positano.

Thessaloniki is well-known for its shopping. There are shopping streets as well as large malls and shopping centers. You'll find everything from fashion, jewelry, and handicrafts to most European and international brands.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Positano. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Is Thessaloniki or Positano Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Thessaloniki or Positano.

Thessaloniki is a family-friendly city. The port city has a number of museums and attractions for kids including Dinosaur Park, the Noesis Science and Technology Museum, and the water park known as Waterland. There's also the fascinating Kapani Market that is fun to explore.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Positano. 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 Thessaloniki or Positano Better for Couples?

Positano is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Thessaloniki is a good city for couples to visit. It's a bustling city that is filled with history and excellent restaurants. Couples who enjoy history and fun cities will appreciate a visit here.

Is Thessaloniki or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Thessaloniki or Positano Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Thessaloniki. There's a large student population in the city and you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene, easy transportation options, and a reasonable cost of living.

Positano is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Thessaloniki and Positano.

Thessaloniki has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

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 Thessaloniki or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Thessaloniki is a somewhat walkable city. You can explore much of the city center on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Positano?

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

Families should spend more time in Positano than Thessaloniki. 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 Thessaloniki. 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 Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki.

One day in Thessaloniki or Positano?

The city of Thessaloniki offers food and shopping. 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 travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Positano?

Thessaloniki 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Thessaloniki, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Positano is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the food. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Thessaloniki or Positano?

Thessaloniki 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 might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the food. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Thessaloniki or Positano?

Thessaloniki 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 city offers something for everyone.

Positano is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, 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 Thessaloniki and Positano, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Thessaloniki much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Thessaloniki would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki.

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Positano?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki or Positano in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Positano. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, 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, Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Positano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Thessaloniki in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Positano averages at about 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Positano this time of the year. In Thessaloniki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Thessaloniki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Positano during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thessaloniki usually receives around the same amount of rain as Positano. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Positano in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Positano. The autumn months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, 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, Thessaloniki is generally around the same temperature as Positano. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 16°C (61°F), and Positano fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Thessaloniki often gets less sunshine than Positano. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Positano. Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in October than Positano. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Positano in the Winter?

Both Positano and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Thessaloniki is much colder than Positano in the winter. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives less sunshine than Positano during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 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, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Positano. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Positano in the Spring?

Both Positano and Thessaloniki during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Positano in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Positano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Thessaloniki in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Positano averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Thessaloniki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Positano. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in April than Positano. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Positano and Thessaloniki