A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Trieste vs. Positano for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Trieste 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 Trieste 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.

Trieste

Trieste is a cultural, historic, and dynamic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

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. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Trieste and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Trieste or Positano?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Positano. Although Trieste 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 Trieste attracts visitors for its museums & sights and nightlife. Positano is more touristy than Trieste 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. Trieste is famous for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Trieste different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Trieste 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 Trieste. Because Trieste was part of Austria for such a long stretch of time, you'll find that it looks different from many Italian cities. This is also evident in the different architectural and historic monuments around town. Major landmarks and sights include Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia, which is the largest square in the old part of the city, Miramare Castle, San Giusto Castle, Museum Riseria di San Sabba, and the Cathedral of San Giusto.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Positano is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Trieste offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. It's hard to pinpoint exactly how to categorize the local cuisine. It's been influenced by the city's Austro-Hungarian past and you'll find Austrian, Slovenian, and even Croatian flavors. The food scene is often overlooked for more famous Italian cities, but that doesn't mean there's not a lot to enjoy. Make sure you try jota (a bean, potato, and sauerkraut stew), calandraca (a salted meat stew), and gulasch alla triestina (a local twist on goulash. The city is also a coffee capital in Italy.

Is Trieste or Positano Better for Nightlife?

Trieste 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 Trieste has a few options to choose from. While it's not known as a party destination, there is a laid-back nightlife scene that usually involves a late night enjoying drinks at a local bar with friends. Many establishments blur the café and bar concepts, but you'll find a number of lively bars west of Piazza Unità in the trendy Cavana neighborhood. There always seems to be something new in the area worth checking out.

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 Trieste or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Trieste is not a resort destination.

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.

Trieste is not a resort destination.

Is Trieste or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is a decent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Trieste 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.

Trieste is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Trieste or Positano Better for Beaches?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Trieste. The beaches tend to be pebbly, but they are a nice way to experience the sea. Locals still refer to it as "bathing" in the sea, a throwback to years past. The most common beach to visit is Ausonia, which is at the bottom of the Rive past the port of Sacchetta. Nearby are La Lanterna, also called Pedocin. This area still separates men and women in the bathing areas.

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 Trieste or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Positano is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic 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.

Many visitors go to Trieste to see the historical old town. The old town highlights the diversity of cultures and influences from the city's past.

Is Trieste or Positano Better for Hiking?

Positano is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Trieste 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.

Trieste is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Trieste or Positano?

Positano is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Trieste or Positano Better for Families?

Trieste is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Trieste. The caves, adventure parks, and interactive museums all make for a fun family vacation. Make sure you check out Grotta Gigante, which will impress kids and adults alike. The Museum of Natural History has a collection of fossils that any dinosaur lover will appreciate, and Trieste Adventure Park is filled with ropes courses and ziplines. Finally, a visit to Miramare Castle will spark every child's imagination.

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 Trieste or Positano Better for Couples?

Positano is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Couples visit Trieste frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Visit the castles, cathedrals, and historic monuments, experience the atmosphere of the city's historic center, people watch in one of the grand piazzas, and watch the city light up at night. There are so many romantic sides to this cultural Italian city.

Is Trieste or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Trieste and Positano are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Trieste is a good city to visit for backpackers. It's often overlooked for more popular Italian city's but there is still a lot that this under-rated city has to offer. You'll also find hostels for every budget and a youthful energy that will bring the city to life.

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

Is Trieste or Positano Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Trieste. Italy attracts students from around the globe and this city is no exception. The city's diverse population and unique cultural opportunities make it a great place to study abroad or immerse yourself in university life.

Positano is not popular with students.

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

Trieste is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its public transit.

The public transit in Trieste can get you to most places easily. There are buses and trams to help you get around 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 Trieste or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Trieste is very walkable. It's a hilly city, but it's also very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Trieste?

How long in Trieste or Positano?

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

Couples should spend more time in Positano than Trieste. 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 Trieste 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 Trieste or Positano?

The city of Trieste offers nightlife and food. 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 with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This Mediterranean village offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Trieste or Positano?

Trieste 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 Trieste, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Positano might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Positano has to offer.

Five days in Trieste or Positano?

Trieste 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Positano has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Trieste or Positano?

Trieste 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Positano. Positano is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, The Best Contiki Tours to Italy, The Best G Adventures Tours to Italy, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Trieste or Positano?

Trieste has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Trieste 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 Trieste 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 Trieste or Positano in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Trieste and Positano. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Trieste 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.

Trieste is around the same temperature as Positano in the summer. The daily temperature in Trieste averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Positano fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Positano this time of the year. In Trieste, it's very sunny this time of the year. Trieste usually receives less sunshine than Positano during summer. Trieste gets 288 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Trieste usually receives more rain than Positano. Trieste gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Trieste or Positano in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Trieste as well as Positano. Many travelers come to Trieste for the natural beauty of the area. Also, 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, Trieste is around the same temperature as Positano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Trieste in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Positano averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Trieste often gets less sunshine than Positano. Trieste gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Positano. Trieste usually gets less rain in October than Positano. Trieste gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Trieste or Positano in the Winter?

Both Positano and Trieste are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Trieste in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Positano for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Trieste is generally much colder than Positano. Daily temperatures in Trieste average around 5°C (41°F), and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Trieste usually receives less sunshine than Positano during winter. Trieste gets 96 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, Trieste usually receives less rain than Positano. Trieste gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Trieste or Positano in the Spring?

Both Positano and Trieste during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Trieste for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Positano because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Trieste is around the same temperature as Positano in the spring. The daily temperature in Trieste averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Positano fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Trieste often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Positano. Trieste gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

Trieste usually gets more rain in April than Positano. Trieste gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Positano and Trieste