A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ephesus vs. Positano for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Ephesus or Positano?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus or Positano, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Ephesus

Ephesus is a fascinating, ancient, and world-renowned archeological site. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Ephesus travel costs.

Positano

Positano is a charming, picturesque, and colorful Mediterranean village. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Many visitors also come to Positano because of it's amazing beauty. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the shopping, food, and beaches. See Positano travel costs.

Ephesus and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ephesus or Positano?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Positano. Although Ephesus and Positano are both popular with visitors, Positano has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Positano is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Ephesus is known for its museums and attractions. Ephesus is popular for its well-preserved ruins and vast size Positano is popular for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. It is also home to The Church of Santa Maria Assunta.

How is Ephesus different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Ephesus has many famous sights for visitors. Of course, the iconic site is the ruins of Ephesus. There are also several fascinating museums in the area that offer deeper insights into the region's rich history and culture. The Ephesus Archaeological Museum in Selçuk is popular. It has an impressive collection of artifacts excavated from the ancient city, including statues, pottery, and inscriptions. Just outside the museum, the Temple of Artemis section displays remnants of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Selçuk Museum of Ephesus is another excellent spot to explore, with exhibits that highlight both the daily life of ancient Ephesians and their religious practices. A short drive from Ephesus is the House of the Virgin Mary museum, a revered site believed to be the final home of Mary, mother of Jesus, with a chapel and peaceful surroundings. Lastly, the İsa Bey Mosque and Museum in Selçuk adds to the area's historical depth, offering a glimpse into the Seljuk architecture and Islamic heritage of the region.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Positano is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Positano is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Ephesus area. Most of the food options are found in the nearby town of Selçuk. Popular dishes include kebabs, mezes, and pide (Turkish flatbread pizza). Many restaurants are casual and cater specifically to the tourist crowds.

Is Ephesus or Positano Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find decent options in both Ephesus and Positano.

Ephesus doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The there are a couple of bars and restaurants with live music in the town of Selçuk, but generally the nightlife is very low key.

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 Ephesus or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Ephesus is not a resort destination.

Positano offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

Ephesus is not a resort destination.

Is Ephesus or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is adequate for its diving and snorkeling. However, Ephesus 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.

Ephesus is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ephesus or Positano Better for Beaches?

Positano is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Ephesus is not a beach destination.

Positano has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Ephesus is not a beach destination.

Is Ephesus or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Positano is renowned for its old town. However, Ephesus does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Positano is one of the most recognized in the world. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

Ephesus does not have a historic old town.

Is Ephesus or Positano Better for Hiking?

Positano is a great Mediterranean village for hiking. However, Ephesus 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.

Ephesus is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ephesus or Positano?

Positano is a great Mediterranean village for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its shopping areas.

Positano is well-known for its shopping. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Many visitors go to Ephesus to go shopping. Selçuk has a variety of local shops and markets. Traditional handicrafts such as carpet and kilim weaving, ceramics, and leather goods are popular souvenirs. The Selçuk Market is held on Saturdays and offers fresh produce, spices, and other local products.

Is Ephesus or Positano More Beautiful?

Positano is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Ephesus is not a destination known for its 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.

Ephesus is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ephesus or Positano Better for Families?

Ephesus and Positano are both good destinations for the whole family.

Ephesus offers lots of family activities. Kids who are into history or archeology will enjoy a visit to the famed ruins of Ephesus. There's also the Ephesus Archaeological Museum where everyone can learn about ancient Greek and Roman cultures in an interactive setting. The nearby House of the Virgin Mary offers a peaceful stop where kids can learn about its historical and religious significance in a tranquil environment. For an active experience, families can enjoy a short hike to Pamucak Beach, where children can swim, build sandcastles, and enjoy the Mediterranean sun.

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 Ephesus or Positano Better for Couples?

Positano is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for couples.

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.

Ephesus is a good archeological site for couples to visit. Many couples stop off at these ruins as part of a bigger tour of Turkey. The ruins are well preserved and impressive, but can get crowded if you visit during the peak times.

Is Ephesus or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Ephesus and Positano are good places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Ephesus. Many backpackers stay in the nearby town of Selçuk, which has several hostels. This is also where you'll find a number of restaurants and shopping opportunities.

Positano is a good archeological site to visit for backpackers. The town has a handful of great hostels that make the Amalfi Coast accessible to backpackers on a budget.

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

Ephesus 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 Ephesus can get you to most places easily. The town of Selçuk is well-connected by dolmuşes (shared minivans) that run frequently and offer affordable rides to nearby destinations, including Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Pamucak Beach area.

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 Ephesus or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its ease of walking around.

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.

Ephesus is a somewhat walkable archeological site. The ruins are spread out over a large area, but most of the key sites, like the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater, are within walking distance of each other. From Selçuk, it's about a half hour walk to the entrance of the Ephesus ruins, but most visitors prefer to take a short taxi or dolmuş ride to the site. Within Selçuk, many of the sites can be reached on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Ephesus?

How long in Ephesus or Positano?

Both Ephesus 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 Ephesus. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Ephesus, and 2-7 days is enough time in Positano.

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

The archeological site of Ephesus offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. 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 Ephesus or Positano?

Ephesus is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this archeological site makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ephesus, 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 Ephesus or Positano?

Ephesus is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums 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 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 Ephesus or Positano?

Ephesus is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums 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 archeological site 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 Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, 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 Ephesus and Positano, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Ephesus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ephesus would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ephesus 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 Ephesus.

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

Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Positano?

Ephesus has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus 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 Ephesus 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 Ephesus or Positano in the Summer?

Both Positano and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Ephesus for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Positano in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ephesus is a little warmer than Positano. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ephesus in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Positano averages at about 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Positano. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Positano during summer. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Positano. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ephesus or Positano in the Autumn?

Both Positano and Ephesus during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Ephesus in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Positano for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Ephesus is generally a little warmer than Positano. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 19°C (66°F), and Positano fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Ephesus. In the autumn, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Positano. Ephesus gets 232 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. Ephesus usually gets less rain in October than Positano. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ephesus or Positano in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Positano. Most visitors come to Ephesus for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Positano because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Ephesus is a little warmer than Positano in the winter. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Positano during winter. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Positano receives a lot of rain in the winter. Ephesus gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Ephesus usually receives more rain than Positano. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ephesus or Positano in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Positano. Additionally, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Positano this time of year.

In the spring, Ephesus is a little warmer than Positano. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ephesus in April average around 15°C (59°F), and Positano averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the spring, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Positano. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in April than Positano. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Positano and Ephesus