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

Should you visit Positano or Split?

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 Positano and Split. 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.

Positano

Positano is a colorful, stunning, and luxurious Mediterranean village. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Positano is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Positano travel costs.

Split

Split is a active, touristy, and fun-filled 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 Split travel costs.

Positano and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Positano or Split?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Split. Although Positano and Split are both popular with visitors, Split has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Split is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Positano is known for its food, resorts, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Positano is popular for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. Split is popular for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. It is also home to Diocletian's Palace.

How is Positano different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Split 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 Split. The city is filled with historical sights, some of which were used in the shooting of the famed television series, Game of Thrones. Highlights include Diocletian's Palace, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Positano is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Positano, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

Dining out in Split is an experience not to be missed. It's the second largest city in Croatia and the food scene reflects this. You'll find a mix of Dalmatian restaurants and international options. There's also everything from fine dining to local taverns, so whatever your budget or food preference, you won't be disappointed.

Is Positano or Split Better for Nightlife?

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

Split is a world class party destination. It has some of the best nightlife on mainland Croatia. Backpackers and students flock to this city for its parties and nightclubs. There's a great live music scene as well as DJs who keep the party going well into the early morning.

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 Positano or Split Better for Resorts?

Positano is terrific for its luxury resorts. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

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.

Split is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find a mix of popular resort chains, local boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels. Whatever your budget or travel style there are options available.

Is Positano or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Positano is not a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Split. Some of the best snorkeling is found around the Kornati Islands. There are many boat trips that take visitors to some of the best snorkeling spots near Split.

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

Is Positano or Split Better for Beaches?

Split is great for the beach. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its beaches.

Many people visit Split for it's beautiful beaches. There are many beaches in the area that are a mix of pebbly or sandy. Many have restaurants or bars nearby and the vibe is social and laid back. Some of the best beaches near town are Bacvice Beach, Žnjan Beach, and Kasjuni Beach.

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.

Is Positano or Split Better for its Old Town?

Positano is terrific for its old town. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

Positano has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

Split offers a nice historic old town area. The old town spreads out from Diocletian's Palace and People's Square. It's filled with cobblestone streets and restaurants that spill into the outdoors.

Is Positano or Split Better for Hiking?

Positano is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Split is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Split is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Positano or Split?

If you're looking to go shopping, Positano and Split both offer plenty of excellent spots.

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.

Split is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping and sightseeing are intermixed in town. Make sure you don't miss the Old Market, which is the city's main outdoor market. There are many shops all through the old town as well.

Is Positano or Split More Beautiful?

Positano is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Split is not a destination known for its beauty.

Positano is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The town is among the most beautiful in the world, with striking buildings that contrast the blue waters.

Split is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Positano or Split Better for Families?

Split 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 Split. With its parks, beaches, and outdoor activities, kids will love this spot. Zvonac Park is one of the best in town for kids. Young kids will appreciate the Dinasour Playground. Also make sure you allow time to explore Diocletian's Palace and Klis Fortress. There are also beaches and other water activities that are fun for 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 Positano or Split Better for Couples?

Positano and Split both terrific destinations for a couple.

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.

Split makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's not uncommon for couples to choose Split as their honeymoon destination. The old town is filled with character and charm. There are also parks where you can enjoy a picnic and beaches where you can soak up the fun of the Adriatic Sea. Cafes serving local cuisine spill into the streets and the old world charm offers a romantic ambiance that can only be found in Croatia.

Is Positano or Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Split 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 Split, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. There's no shortage of hostels in town. This is a not-to-be-missed backpacker destination in Croatia and the social scene, beaches, water activities, and history all make Split a highlight for many 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 Positano or Split Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Split. It's easy to visit on a student's budget. There are plenty of hostels and a huge party scene that bring backpackers and students together.

Positano is not popular with students.

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

Positano and Split both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Positano offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You can walk everywhere once you arrive, and the SITA bus travels to and from the town.

Split has a few public transit options. There are bus services that will help you get around town.

Is Positano or Split a more walkable city?

Positano is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Positano. The town is best explored on foot. You can wander the quaint streets or take the foot path to the beach or nearby castles.

Split is a very walkable destination. The city is laid out in a pedestrian-friendly way so it's easy to explore on foot, particularly in the old town. It's also easy to get lost, but that's all part of the fun.

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

Should I spend more time in Split or Positano?

How long in Positano or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either Positano or Split. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Positano due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Positano, and 2-4 days is enough time in Split.

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

Couples should spend more time in Positano than Split. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Positano that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Split 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 Split.

One day in Positano or Split?

Even though Positano is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the food. This Mediterranean village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of Split offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

A weekend in Positano or Split?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Positano. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Split 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. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Split, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Positano or Split?

Positano is a fun place to experience. Positano is a small town with plenty to do. Lots of people come for the food. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Split is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife 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.

A week in Positano or Split?

Positano might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Split is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Positano and Split, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Split much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Split would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Split 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 Split.

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

Which is Bigger, Positano or Split?

Split has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Positano and Split, 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 Positano or Split?

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 Positano or Split in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Positano and Split. The summer months attract visitors to Positano because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Split this time of year.

In July, Positano is generally cooler than Split. Daily temperatures in Positano average around 23°C (74°F), and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. In Positano, it's very sunny this time of the year. Positano usually receives less sunshine than Split during summer. Positano gets 313 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Positano usually receives around the same amount of rain as Split. Positano gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Positano or Split in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Positano as well as Split. 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. Also, many travelers come to Split for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Positano is around the same temperature as Split in the autumn. The daily temperature in Positano averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Split fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. In the autumn, Positano often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Split. Positano gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun.

Positano receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Positano usually gets more rain in October than Split. Positano gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Positano or Split in the Winter?

Both Split and Positano are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Positano for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Split in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Positano is around the same temperature as Split. Typically, the winter temperatures in Positano in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Split averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Positano usually receives less sunshine than Split during winter. Positano gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Positano. In January, Positano usually receives more rain than Split. Positano gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Positano or Split in the Spring?

Both Split and Positano during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Positano in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Split for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Positano is generally cooler than Split. Daily temperatures in Positano average around 13°C (55°F), and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Positano often gets less sunshine than Split. Positano gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun.

Positano usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Split. Positano gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Split and Positano