A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santander vs. Positano for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Santander or Positano?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Santander and Positano can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Santander or Positano?

Santander

Santander is the capital of the Cantabria Region which runs along the northern coast of Spain. Located right on the bay, it is a place of many historic churches and a handful of interesting museums that range from archaeological discoveries of the region, to maritime history, and cultural features like bullfighting. There is also a large selection of beaches for those looking for a more relaxing getaway in the sun and sand.

Positano

Located on the Amalfi Coast in Campania, Italy, Positano is a very scenic town that offers spectacular coastal views. The town sits on the edge of a hill and flows down toward the sea. Because of its dramatic beauty, Positano attracts thousands of visitors year around.

The town dates back to medieval times when it was a port for the Amalfi Republic. It thrived throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries but by the mid-nineteenth century its prosperity was falling. During those times more than half of the population left, migrating predominantly to America. During the 1950s the town gained popularity as a tourist destination, in part because of John Steinbeck's essay about the area in Harper's Bazaar (May, 1953).

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Madrid, The Best 2-Week Tours from Barcelona, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Positano or Santander?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Santander Prices
    Spain Prices
    Positano Prices
    Italy Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Santander 138
    Positano 261

The average daily cost (per person) in Santander is €138, while the average daily cost in Positano is €261. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Santander and Positano in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santander 51
    Positano 148
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santander 102
    Positano 296
Compare Hotels in Santander and Positano

Looking for a hotel in Santander or Positano? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Santander


Hotels in Positano


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Santander Hotel Prices and Positano Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santander 24
    Positano 7.73

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santander

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santander:

  • Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao: $290
  • Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao Airport: $290
  • Santander Private Transfer from the city centre to Santander Airport: $67
  • One-way Private Transfer From/To Santander Airport: $48
  • Santander Private Departure Transfer: $39
  • Santander Private Arrival Transfer: $39

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Positano

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Positano:


  • Bus Ticket
    1.60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Positano

Also for Positano, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Cozy Private Door-to-Door Transfer from Positano to Naples: $159
  • From Positano to Sorrento - Departure Private Transfer: $92
  • Positano or Ravello to Naples airport/station private departure transfer: $193
  • Positano to Napoli Airport (NAP) - Departure Private Transfer: $125
  • Positano to Pompeii Private DA Transfer: $226
  • Private Car Transfer from Positano to Sorrento: $203
  • Private Transfer by Car from Positano to Sorrento: $250
  • Private Transfer by car from Amalfi to Sorrento: $251
  • Private Transfer from Naples to Furore or Agerola (or vice versa): $143
  • Private Transfer from Positano to Naples: $120
  • Private Transfer from Positano to Naples: $263
  • Private Transfer from Positano to Naples : $143

Is it cheaper to fly into Santander or Positano?

Prices for flights to both Positano and Santander change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Santander 70
    Positano 92

Typical Food Prices in Positano

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Positano:


  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    31
  • Pizza in a Restaurant
    9.32
  • Sandwich in a Restaurant
    12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Positano

For Positano, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Gastronomical Amalfi Coast Hike with Cooking Class: $61
  • Cooking class with Pasta, mozzarella and Tiramisu with wine: $80
  • Cooking lesson: tagliatelle, mozzarella and tiramisu: $84
  • Pizza Class in Sorrento Peninsula with Breathtaking View: $88
  • Amalfi Coast Cooking Class: Make Pasta, Mozzarella & Tiramisu: $90
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Sant'Agnello with Show Cooking: $102
  • Sorrento: Gluten Free Cooking Class: $108
  • Cooking Class in Sorrento with Breathtaking View: $120
  • 3 Hours Sorrento Cooking Class in Sorrento Coast with Pickup: $155
  • Mediterranean Dinner in Positano at Nonna Colomba's Cellar: $161
  • Pizza e Tiramisù class with local mum in Positano: $179
  • Small-Group Cooking Class in Gnocchi, Tiramisù & Drinks: $179

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santander 18
    Positano 60

Tours and Activities in Santander

Here are a few actual costs in Santander for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Barcena Mayor and Carmona Tour from Santander Small Groups: $72
  • Bilbao and Castro Urdiales Day Tour from Santander: $80
  • City Sightseeing Santander Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $31
  • Comillas, Modernism & Gaudi with entrance tickets -small groups: $81
  • El Soplao Cave Visit with entrance ticket- small groups: $102
  • Exclusive Private tour of the peninsula and the Magdalena Palace.: $266
  • Exclusive Tour of Santander with Cathedral and Booty Centre: $239
  • From Cantabria Private Tour: $543
  • From Gastronomic Tour: $142
  • From Santillana del Mar & Altamira Museum Tour: $80
  • Gastronomy tour with tastings - small groups: $131
  • Guided kayak tour of Santander Bay with a tour guide.: $41

Typical Entertainment Prices in Positano

For Positano, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Chair & Umbrella at Spiaggia Grande
    17
  • Day Trip of Capri & Amalfi
    80
  • Sunset Cruise
    24
  • Full Day Wine Tour
    97
  • Cooking Class
    65

Tours and Activities in Positano

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Positano.

  • Positano Walking tour: $72
  • Positano Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $72
  • Hiking the Path of the Gods with Enzo: Amalfi Coast Adventure: $73
  • Shared Sunset Cruise from Positano with Drinks & Snacks 1.5-Hour : $77
  • Sunset Group Boat Tour along the Amalfi Coast with Prosecco wine: $84
  • Small Group Tour to Positano by Boat at Sunset: $84
  • Small Group Tour in Positano by Boat at Sunset with Prosecco : $114
  • Kayak tour in Positano: $118
  • Positano Swim Experience with Lifeguard: $119
  • Amalfi Coast Small Group Cruise with stop at the Emerald Grotto : $125
  • Pompeii Herculaneum small group tour skip the line ex AmalfiCoast: $125
  • Pompeii ruins skip the line tour: $153

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santander 14
    Positano 15

Sample the Local Flavors in Santander

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Santander:

  • Wine Tourism and Cheese in Cantabria: $209

Typical Alcohol Prices in Positano

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Positano:


  • Bottle of Limoncello
    16

Sample the Local Flavors in Positano

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Positano:

  • Organic Wine Tasting, Mozzarella, Gnocchi & Tiramisu Workshop: $78
  • Amalfi Coast: Make Handmade Pasta, Tiramisu and Wine Tasting: $81
  • 5 Wine Tastings with Typical Products in Sorrento Coast: $84
  • Pompeii Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting from Positano: $271
  • Pompeii Excavations Tour-Wine Tasting with Lunch from Positano: $274


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

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


Which is Bigger, Santander or Positano?

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

Both Positano and Santander during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Positano for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Santander is cooler than Positano in the summer. The daily temperature in Santander averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Positano fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Positano, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Santander. In the summer, Santander often gets less sunshine than Positano. Santander gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun.

Santander usually gets more rain in July than Positano. Santander gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Santander 19°C (66°F) 
    Positano 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Santander or Positano in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Santander and Positano. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Positano because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Santander is around the same temperature as Positano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Santander in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Positano averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Santander usually receives less sunshine than Positano during autumn. Santander gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Positano receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Santander gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Santander usually receives around the same amount of rain as Positano. Santander gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Santander 16°C (60°F) 
    Positano 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Santander or Positano in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Santander as well as Positano. Additionally, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Positano this time of year.

In January, Santander is generally a little warmer than Positano. Daily temperatures in Santander average around 9°C (49°F), and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Santander often gets less sunshine than Positano. Santander gets 91 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Positano. Santander receives a lot of rain in the winter. Santander usually gets more rain in January than Positano. Santander gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Santander 9°C (49°F) 
    Positano 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Santander or Positano in the Spring?

Both Positano and Santander are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Santander is around the same temperature as Positano in the spring. The daily temperature in Santander averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Positano fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Santander usually receives less sunshine than Positano during spring. Santander gets 148 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Santander. In April, Santander usually receives more rain than Positano. Santander gets 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Santander 12°C (53°F) 
    Positano 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Positano and Santander

Santander Positano
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (49°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 24°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 88 mm (3.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 12°C (53°F) 181 mm (7.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 157 mm (6.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)