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

Should you visit Bilbao 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 Bilbao 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.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a friendly, industrial, and authentic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Bilbao travel costs.

Positano

Positano is a colorful, stunning, and luxurious Mediterranean village. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The famous beauty of Positano is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and food. See Positano travel costs.

Bilbao and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bilbao or Positano?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bilbao. Although Bilbao and Positano are both popular with visitors, Bilbao has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bilbao is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and big city activities, while Positano is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Positano is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. Bilbao is popular for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. It is also home to The Guggenheim Museum.

How is Bilbao different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bilbao 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 Bilbao. A favorite museum in town is the popular Guggenheim Museum. From its iconic building to the unique exhibits, this is a must-see stop during your visit. Other highlights around town include the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao, the Museo Vasco, as well as the city's unique bridges.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Bilbao and Positano can be difficult as they are each terrific in their own way.

Eat your way through Bilbao, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The food scene is among the best in Spain. The city has several world renowned restaurants, including a few Michelin-starred restaurants, but there are also smaller eateries that cater to the locals and tourists alike. Make sure you try the pintxos, which are small dishes that are the Basque region's answer to tapas. Many include seafood and are cooked with olive oil and garlic.

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 Bilbao or Positano Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Bilbao for the nightlife scene. There's a great late night scene that centers around eating and drinking. There are lively nightclubs, a good live music scene, and no shortage of people heading out on the town.

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 Bilbao or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is an amazing Mediterranean village to visit for its resorts. However, Bilbao 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.

Bilbao is not a resort destination.

Is Bilbao or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is a Mediterranean village with a few options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Bilbao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Positano has a few snorkeling spots. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.

Bilbao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bilbao or Positano Better for Beaches?

Positano is a good destination for the beach. However, Bilbao 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.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Bilbao or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Positano is an amazing Mediterranean village to visit for its old town. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Positano offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

Bilbao has an old town worth visiting. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Is Bilbao or Positano Better for Hiking?

Positano is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Positano?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Positano and Bilbao.

Bilbao is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

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.

Is Bilbao or Positano More Beautiful?

Positano is an amazing Mediterranean village to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Bilbao is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Positano is one of the main draws. The town is among the most beautiful in the world, with striking buildings that contrast the blue waters.

Bilbao is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Bilbao or Positano Better for Families?

Both Bilbao and Positano are good family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bilbao. The city offers some great museums such as the Guggenheim Museum. Families will also enjoy taking a ride of the Artxander Funicular, and exploring Mercado de la Ribera. You can also enjoy walking around Park Abandoibarra and exploring the creative sculptures.

Positano offers lots of family activities. 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 Bilbao or Positano Better for Couples?

Positano is an amazing Mediterranean village to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Bilbao is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with a vibrant enjoy with parks and outdoor strolls that couples will enjoy. There are also many great museums and romantic restaurants as well as some great shopping streets.

Is Bilbao or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao and Positano are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bilbao. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

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 Bilbao or Positano Better for Students?

Bilbao is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Positano is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Bilbao. This is a popular study abroad destination with many great museums and educational opportunities for international students.

Positano is not popular with students.

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

Bilbao 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 Bilbao can get you to most places easily. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

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 Bilbao or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is an amazing Mediterranean village to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Positano on foot is easy. The town is best explored on foot. You can wander the quaint streets or take the foot path to the beach or nearby castles.

Bilbao is a somewhat walkable city. It's a fairly walkable city with several pedestrian-friendly areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Positano?

Both Bilbao 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 Bilbao. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Bilbao, and 2-7 days is enough time in Positano.

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

The city of Bilbao offers food and shopping. 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 Bilbao or Positano?

Bilbao 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 Bilbao, 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 Bilbao or Positano?

Bilbao 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.

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 Bilbao or Positano?

Bilbao is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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.

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 Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, 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 Bilbao and Positano, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Bilbao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bilbao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bilbao 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 Bilbao.

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

Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Positano?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao 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 Bilbao 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 Bilbao or Positano in the Summer?

Both Positano and Bilbao during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Bilbao 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.

In the summer, Bilbao is cooler than Positano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bilbao in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Positano averages at about 23°C (74°F).

In Positano, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Positano. Bilbao gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Bilbao or Positano in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bilbao and Positano. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao 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 October, Bilbao is generally around the same temperature as Positano. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 16°C (62°F), and Positano fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Positano during autumn. Bilbao gets 125 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Positano receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Bilbao usually receives less rain than Positano. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bilbao or Positano in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Positano. Many travelers come to Bilbao 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.

Bilbao is a little warmer than Positano in the winter. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Positano. Bilbao gets 77 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Positano. Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the winter. Bilbao usually gets more rain in January than Positano. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Positano in the Spring?

Both Positano and Bilbao are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bilbao in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Positano for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Bilbao is around the same temperature as Positano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bilbao in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Positano averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Positano during spring. Bilbao gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. In April, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Positano. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Positano and Bilbao