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

Should you visit Athens or Positano?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Positano. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Athens

Athens is a energetic, historic, and ancient city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Athens offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Athens travel costs.

Positano

Positano is a colorful, stunning, and luxurious Mediterranean village. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Many visitors also come to Positano 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. See Positano travel costs.

Athens and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Positano?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Athens. Although Athens and Positano are popular destinations, Athens has more sights and attractions for tourists. Athens is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and big city activities, while Positano attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Positano is more touristy than Athens and is known for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. Athens is famous for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also well known for The Acropolis.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Athens has many famous sights for visitors. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Athens and Positano can be an enjoyable experience.

Eat your way through Athens, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

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.

Is Athens or Positano Better for Nightlife?

Athens is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. However, Positano is not a good destination for nightlife.

Athens is a world class party destination. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

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 Athens or Positano Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers flock to Positano for its luxury resorts. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

Athens is not a resort destination.

Is Athens or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Athens or Positano Better for Beaches?

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

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.

Athens is not a beach destination.

Is Athens or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the terrific old town areas in both Athens and Positano.

With a famous historical old-town, Athens offers plenty to see. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

The rich history of Positano can be explored in its historical center. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

Is Athens or Positano Better for Hiking?

Positano is great for hiking. However, Athens 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.

Athens is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Positano?

Positano is great for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

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.

Athens is a great destination for shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Athens or Positano More Beautiful?

Positano is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Positano because of it's amazing beauty. The town is among the most beautiful in the world, with striking buildings that contrast the blue waters.

Athens is a gorgeous place to visit. With it's stunning archaeological sites, Athens is most beautiful at night, when things light up.

Is Athens or Positano Better for Families?

Athens 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 Athens. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

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 Athens or Positano Better for Couples?

Positano is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Positano is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Is Athens or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Athens, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels 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 Athens or Positano Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Positano is not popular with students.

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

Athens 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 Athens can get you to most places easily. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

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 Athens or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Positano is a very easy Mediterranean village to get around 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.

Athens is very walkable. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Athens?

How long in Athens or Positano?

Both Athens and Positano have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Positano has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Positano than Athens. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 2-7 days is enough time in Positano.

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

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

One day in Athens or Positano?

Athens is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Athens or Positano?

Athens is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. 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 Athens or Positano?

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

Athens 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 Athens 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 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in 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 Athens and Positano, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Athens much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Athens would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Athens 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 Athens.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Positano?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens or Positano in the Summer?

Both Positano and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Athens because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Positano this time of year.

Athens is a little warmer than Positano in the summer. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 27°C (81°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 Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Positano during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Positano. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Athens or Positano in the Autumn?

Both Positano and Athens during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Athens is a little warmer than Positano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Athens in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Positano averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Athens. In the autumn, Athens often gets more sunshine than Positano. Athens gets 206 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. Athens usually gets less rain in October than Positano. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Positano in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Positano. Many travelers come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Positano in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Athens is generally a little warmer than Positano. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 10°C (51°F), and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Athens usually receives more sunshine than Positano during winter. Athens gets 143 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, Athens usually receives less rain than Positano. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Athens or Positano in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Athens as well as Positano. Many visitors come to Athens in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Positano for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Athens is a little warmer than Positano in the spring. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Positano fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the spring, Athens often gets more sunshine than Positano. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in April than Positano. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Positano and Athens