A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Toulon vs. Positano for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Toulon 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 Toulon and Positano can help you decide which place is right for you.

Toulon

Toulon is a industrial, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

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.

Toulon and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulon or Positano?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Positano than Toulon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Positano is better known for its food, resorts, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Toulon is more popular for its museums and nightlife. Positano is more touristy than Toulon 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. Toulon is well known for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Toulon different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Toulon 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 Toulon. Many of the sights are found in the old town and harbor areas. Some of the most interesting attractions include the Opera House, the Allied Landings Museum, the Naval Museum, and Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Positano is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port 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.

Toulon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a variety of cafes and restaurants that are found along the harbor or in the old town. Whether you want waterfront views or a charming street front cafe, there are great options available. Many restaurants offer local seafood but you'll also find pastries, traditional local food, a several Italian restaurants.

Is Toulon or Positano Better for Nightlife?

Toulon 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 Toulon has a few options to choose from. It's a relatively large city and traditionally a sailor's town, so the city has a long running tradition of partying into the night. While it doesn't have the party-hard reputation of some places, you likely won't be bored at night. Head to the harbor area or the beaches around Mourillon for the most lively bars and cafes.

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 Toulon or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Toulon 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.

Toulon is not a resort destination.

Is Toulon or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon and Positano both offer respectable scuba diving or snorkeling spots.

Snorkeling is an option in Toulon. There are a few beaches in the area that are worth checking out with a mask and snorkel. You'll likely see some underwater life hanging out by the rocks in the quieter areas.

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

Is Toulon or Positano Better for Beaches?

Toulon and Positano are notable choices for a beach vacation.

Many people head to Toulon to enjoy the beach. The beaches are sandy and less crowded than some of the more popular areas. The most accessible beach is Mourillon Beach which has public facilities and restaurants. If you're willing to venture a little farther from the center of town you'll find Mitre Beach which has some snorkeling. Battere Basse Beach is a bit quieter and also has snorkeling. Anse de Méjean is a popular spot with the locals.

Positano has a beach worth visiting. 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 Toulon or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Positano is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Toulon is not a good port city for its old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Positano offers plenty to see. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

You can check out the historic old town in Toulon. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

Is Toulon or Positano Better for Hiking?

Positano is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Toulon 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.

Toulon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Toulon or Positano?

Both Toulon and Positano are high quality shopping destinations.

Toulon is an extremely popular place for shoppers. If you're looking for traditional local shopping opportunities then this is your place. There are a number of traditional Provençal markets around town but the most famous is Cours Lafayette. You can shop with the locals looking for produce or flowers. There's also a weekend farmers market, Petit Cours, that is fun to explore.

Positano is well-known for its shopping. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Is Toulon or Positano Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Toulon or Positano.

Toulon is a family-friendly place to visit. The city may be known as a hub for the French navy, but there are also activities that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There are several military themed museums, a few good beaches, and local shopping. There's also the enjoyable cable car ride that you can take to the top of Mont Faron as well as several nice seaside walks in the area.

Positano is a family-friendly port city. 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 Toulon or Positano Better for Couples?

Positano is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Positano 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.

Toulon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will appreciate the walks along the coast or through the harbor. There are also nice restaurants, interesting art galleries, and a few good hotels around town that make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Toulon or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Toulon and Positano are notable destinations for backpackers.

Toulon is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It doesn't have the reputation of many nearby towns along the French Riviera, so you can still find some affordable hostels and cafes in the area. You also won't find the crowds so you can enjoy a touch of the authentic local culture.

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

Both Toulon and Positano offer notable public transit options.

Toulon has a few public transit options. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take around town.

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

Is Toulon or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port 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.

Toulon is a very walkable port city. You can walk around the old town and harbor area where many of the sights are concentrated.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Toulon?

How long in Toulon or Positano?

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

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

The port city of Toulon offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Positano might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Toulon or Positano?

Toulon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Toulon, 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. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Toulon or Positano?

Toulon 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. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Toulon or Positano?

Toulon 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 port city offers something for everyone.

Positano is a small town with plenty to do. This Mediterranean village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Toulon or Positano?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Toulon 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 Toulon 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 Toulon or Positano in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Toulon as well as Positano. Many visitors come to Toulon in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, 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, Toulon is generally around the same temperature as Positano. Daily temperatures in Toulon average around 24°C (75°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 Toulon this time of the year. In the summer, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Positano. Toulon gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets less rain in July than Positano. Toulon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulon or Positano in the Autumn?

Both Positano and Toulon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Toulon 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.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Positano during autumn. Toulon gets 205 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, Toulon usually receives less rain than Positano. Toulon gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Toulon or Positano in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Toulon is cooler than Positano. Typically, the winter temperatures in Toulon in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Positano averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Positano. Toulon gets 150 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. Toulon usually gets less rain in January than Positano. Toulon gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulon or Positano in the Spring?

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

In April, Toulon is generally around the same temperature as Positano. Daily temperatures in Toulon average around 13°C (56°F), and Positano fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Positano during spring. Toulon gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Toulon usually receives less rain than Positano. Toulon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Positano and Toulon