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

Should you visit York or Positano?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a fanciful, historic, and medieval city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Positano

Positano is a stunning, luxurious, and charming 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.

York and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Positano?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Positano than York, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Positano is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while York is more popular for its museums and nightlife. Positano is more touristy than York 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. York is well known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours.

How is York different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

York 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 York. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both York and Positano both to be amazing destinations.

For foodies, York is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

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.

Is York or Positano Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to York for the nightlife scene. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

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 York or Positano Better for Resorts?

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

York is not a resort destination.

Is York or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is a moderate Mediterranean village for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, York is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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

York is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is York or Positano Better for Beaches?

Positano is a popular place for its beaches. However, York is not a beach destination.

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.

York is not a beach destination.

Is York or Positano Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the amazing old towns in both York and Positano.

The historic old town of York is revered around the world. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

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 York or Positano Better for Hiking?

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

York is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Positano?

Positano is a well-known place for shopping. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting York. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Is York or Positano Better for Families?

York 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, York is very family-friendly. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Positano Better for Couples?

Positano is a world-class destination for romance. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

York makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

Is York or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York 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 York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

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

Both York and Positano offer notable public transit options.

York has a few public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system 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 York or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good 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.

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or York?

How long in York or Positano?

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

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

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

One day in York or Positano?

The city of York 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 is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in York or Positano?

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

Positano is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Positano?

York is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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. This Mediterranean village offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in York or Positano?

York is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Even though Positano is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, 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 York and Positano, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is York much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to York would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in York 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 York.

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

Which is Bigger, York or Positano?

York has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Positano in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to York as well as Positano. Most visitors come to York for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Positano because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, York is generally cooler than Positano. Daily temperatures in York average around 16°C (62°F), and Positano fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Positano. In the summer, York often gets less sunshine than Positano. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun.

York usually gets more rain in July than Positano. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Positano in the Autumn?

Both Positano and York are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to York because of the shopping scene. Also, 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.

York is much colder than Positano in the autumn. The daily temperature in York averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Positano fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Positano during autumn. York gets 112 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, York usually receives less rain than Positano. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit York or Positano in the Winter?

Both Positano and York during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to York this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Positano for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in York in the winter. In the winter, York is much colder than Positano. Typically, the winter temperatures in York in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Positano averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, York often gets less sunshine than Positano. York gets 61 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. York usually gets less rain in January than Positano. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Positano in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Positano. Furthermore, many visitors come to Positano in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, York is generally much colder than Positano. Daily temperatures in York average around 8°C (46°F), and Positano fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Positano during spring. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, York usually receives less rain than Positano. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Positano and York