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

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

Venice

Venice is a beautiful, romantic, and cultural city. 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 museums, food, and shopping.

Positano

Positano is a luxurious, charming, and picturesque 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.

Venice and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Venice or Positano?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Venice. Although Venice and Positano are popular destinations, Venice has more sights and attractions for tourists. Venice is very popular for its museums and shopping, while Positano attracts visitors for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Venice is famous for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. It is also well known for St. Mark's Basilica. Positano is famous for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere.

How is Venice different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Venice is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. However, Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Venice has many famous sights for visitors. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Positano is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and 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.

Venice offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Venice or Positano Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is reasonable in both Venice and Positano.

Venice doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

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 Venice or Positano Better for Resorts?

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

Venice is not a resort destination.

Is Venice or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Venice is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Venice or Positano Better for Beaches?

Positano is very good for the beach. However, Venice is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Positano to enjoy the beach. 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.

Venice is not a beach destination.

Is Venice or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Venice and Positano are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

The historic old town of Venice is revered around the world. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

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.

Is Venice or Positano Better for Hiking?

Positano is great for hiking. However, Venice 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.

Venice is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Venice or Positano?

Venice is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for shopping.

Many people travel to Venice specifically to go shopping. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

Positano is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Is Venice or Positano Better for Families?

Venice 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 Venice. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

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 Venice or Positano Better for Couples?

Both Venice and Positano are first-rate destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Venice has plenty to offer. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

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.

Is Venice or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Venice 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 Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

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 Venice or Positano Better for Students?

Venice is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Positano is not popular with students.

Venice is a very popular place to visit for students. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

Positano is not popular with students.

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

Venice is a must-visit destination 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.

Venice has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

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 Venice or Positano a more walkable city?

Venice and Positano are first-rate when it comes to walkability.

Venice is a very easy city to get around on foot. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Venice?

How long in Venice or Positano?

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

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

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

One day in Venice or Positano?

The beautiful city of Venice offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 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 Venice or Positano?

Venice 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Venice, 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 Venice or Positano?

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

Venice is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Venice has to offer. This 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Venice and Positano, we can see that Venice is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Venice or Positano?

Venice has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Venice 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 Venice 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 Venice or Positano in the Summer?

Both Positano and Venice are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Venice in the summer for 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.

Venice is around the same temperature as Positano in the summer. The daily temperature in Venice averages around 23°C (73°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 Venice. Venice usually receives less sunshine than Positano during summer. Venice gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Venice usually receives more rain than Positano. Venice gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Venice or Positano in the Autumn?

Both Positano and Venice during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Venice 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.

In the autumn, Venice is cooler than Positano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Venice in October average around 14°C (57°F), and Positano averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Venice often gets less sunshine than Positano. Venice gets 134 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. Venice usually gets less rain in October than Positano. Venice gets 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Venice or Positano in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Venice and Positano. The winter months attract visitors to Venice because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Positano this time of year.

The weather in Venice can be very cold. In January, Venice is generally much colder than Positano. Daily temperatures in Venice average around 3°C (37°F), and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Venice usually receives less sunshine than Positano during winter. Venice gets 88 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, Venice usually receives less rain than Positano. Venice gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Venice or Positano in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Venice as well as Positano. The natural beauty are the main draw to Venice this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Venice often gets less sunshine than Positano. Venice gets 154 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

Venice usually gets less rain in April than Positano. Venice gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Positano and Venice