A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aegina vs. Sorrento for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Nightlife

Should you visit Aegina or Sorrento?

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

Should I visit Aegina or Sorrento? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Aegina

Aegina is a fun, active, and relaxing island. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Aegina travel costs.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a historic, relaxing, and accessible small city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, Sorrento attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Sorrento travel costs.

Aegina and Sorrento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aegina or Sorrento?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sorrento than Aegina, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sorrento is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Aegina is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and small town charm. Aegina is well known for its local pistachio nuts, its nice seaside setting, and its easy access from Athens. Sorrento is well known for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast. Also, Sorrento is famous for Marina Grande and Marina Piccola.

How is Aegina different from Sorrento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aegina or Sorrento?

Aegina is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Aegina. There are several temples on the island such as the Temple of Athena Aphaia and the Temple of Apollo. There's also and Archeological Museum that is nice to visit.

Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Aegina or Sorrento? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sorrento is an amazing small city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Sorrento is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The food is world class and you'll find most Italian classics here including pizza, fine cheeses, and fresh seafood. Many visitors enjoy taking a pasta or pizza making class while they're in town. You'll also find Limoncello everywhere, made from the locally grown lemons, which are impressive in both their size and flavor. Also make sure you allow for plenty of stops at gelato shops.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Aegina. There's a vibrant restaurant scene that includes traditional eateries serving seafood and refreshing ice cream shops where you can cool off with a scoop of your favorite flavor.

Is Aegina or Sorrento Better for Nightlife?

Aegina is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Aegina know how to have a good time. There's a great nightlife scene on the island. Most of the dance clubs are found in Agia Marina and you'll find more relaxing lounges around Aegina Town and other villages on the island.

If you're looking for night time activities Sorrento has a few options to choose from. The city is known for its laid back atmosphere, but there are still a number of clubs where you can dance the night away. While the main city center has its share of bars and activities, some of the best known clubs are actually a bit outside of the city center. Many visitors dress to impress and don't show up until after midnight, which is when the party really starts.

Is Aegina or Sorrento Better for Resorts?

Sorrento is a great destination for its resorts. However, Aegina is not a resort destination.

Sorrento is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The city offers a wide selection of luxury and budget hotels, particularly in the Piazza Tasso area. Because of its accessibility, many people use it as a base for exploring the area, or stop off for a day or two in route to other towns.

Aegina is not a resort destination.

Is Aegina or Sorrento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sorrento is a small city with a few options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Aegina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Sorrento has a few snorkeling spots. There are snorkeling excursions that you can book in the area, but this is often an overlooked activity for many visitors.

Aegina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Aegina or Sorrento Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Aegina and Sorrento are notable choices.

Aegina is a good option for a beach vacation. While most of the beaches are small and crowded, they do offer a number of tourist facilities such as nearby bars and restaurants, as well as hotels. The most popular beaches on the island are Souvala and Agia Marina.

Many people head to Sorrento to enjoy the beach. The rugged coastline is filled with dramatic hills and rocky inlets that offer hidden beaches. Many of the most unique beaches can be challenging to access and the beaches closer to town get very crowded. Some of the best beaches in the area include Marina Piccola Beach, Regina Giovanna, and Puolo. Some beaches are public while others are private and come at a price.

Is Aegina or Sorrento Better for Hiking?

Sorrento is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Aegina is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Sorrento. The area has a number of walking trails that you can explore. Many follow historic donkey trails that once connected the villages and today offer a well-established route with stunning views and pristine landscapes. The trails navigate the region's steep hills and offer a breathtaking look at the rugged coastline.

Aegina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Aegina or Sorrento?

Sorrento is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Sorrento. Head to the heart of the city around Piazza Tasso for the best shopping opportunities. You can simply enjoy window shopping or pop in one of the many local boutiques or larger European brand stores. Popular items to purchase include leather goods, Limoncello, and inlaid wood items.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Aegina. You'll find the standard souvenir shops around town where you can buy trinkets or other items you may have forgotten.

Is Aegina or Sorrento More Beautiful?

Sorrento is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Aegina is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Sorrento attracts visitors from all around. The city offers spectacular views of Mount Vesuvius as well as a scenic waterfront. You can stop by one of the many cafes around town and soak up the quintessential Italian atmosphere.

Aegina is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Aegina or Sorrento Better for Families?

Sorrento is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Sorrento is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It makes a good base or first stop for families who want to enjoy the area. It's well connected with transportation and has all the kid approved foods you could need. The whole family will also enjoy taking a pasta making class or going for a swim in the Mediterranean. And make sure you allow plenty of time for everyone to eat their fill of gelato.

Aegina offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the ferry ride from Athens as well as the pirate stories they'll hear throughout their trip. There are places that the whole family can swim and great restaurants with kid-friendly food.

Is Aegina or Sorrento Better for Couples?

Sorrento is an amazing small city to visit for couples. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Sorrento makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful romantic destination is one of the world's top honeymoon areas. It's a small city that offers access to the many nearby destinations, so it makes a good base or gateway city for visiting places like Capri and the Blue Grotto as well as the Amalfi Coast. You can enjoy romantic hikes full of stunning views, explore by kayak, dine at romantic restaurants, or experience a one-of-a-kind farm tour. If you base yourself in Sorrento, you'll likely be doing a lot of day trips.

Aegina is a nice destination for couples. Couples will appreciate the beauty and great restaurants that this beautiful island offers. It's a charming day trip from Athens that is filled with impressive historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Is Aegina or Sorrento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sorrento is an amazing small city to visit for backpackers. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sorrento is a very popular small city to visit for backpackers. Because its a small city with accessible transportation, you'll find a decent number of hostels that make it an affordable base for exploring the area. You can hit many nearby sights as day trips or use this as a first stop off point as you make your way along the coast.

Aegina is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Like most visitors, backpackers can hop on a ferry in Athens and visit the island as a day trip. It makes a nice excursion with many affordable restaurants and fun activities.

Is Aegina or Sorrento Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sorrento is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Sorrento offers a very effecient public transportation network. Buses travel around town and you can also visit nearby areas using the Circumvesuviana train line, EAV and Sita buses, Cooperativa Tasso minibuses, or one of the many ferry companies.

While Aegina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You'll find the central bus station in Aegina Town and there you can catch buses that travel around the island.

Is Aegina or Sorrento a more walkable city?

Sorrento is a great destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Sorrento is a very walkable destination. The old town is fun to walk around and window shop, but bring good walking shoes as the area has a lot of hills.

Aegina is somewhat walkable. The town is walkable, but to explore elsewhere on the island, it's easiest to have your own vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Aegina Worth Visiting? and Is Sorrento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sorrento or Aegina?

How long in Aegina or Sorrento?

Both Aegina and Sorrento have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sorrento than in Aegina. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Aegina, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sorrento.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sorrento than Aegina 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 Sorrento.

One day in Aegina or Sorrento?

The island of Aegina 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Sorrento. 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 Aegina or Sorrento?

Aegina is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Aegina, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Sorrento is a great place to explore. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Aegina or Sorrento?

Aegina is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Sorrento. 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 Aegina or Sorrento?

Aegina is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing destination of Sorrento. This small city 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 Historical Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aegina and Sorrento, we can see that Sorrento is more expensive. And not only is Aegina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Aegina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aegina 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 Sorrento would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sorrento than you might in Aegina.

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

Which is Bigger, Aegina or Sorrento?

Sorrento has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Aegina. When comparing the sizes of Aegina and Sorrento, 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 Aegina or Sorrento?

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 Aegina or Sorrento in the Summer?

Both Sorrento and Aegina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Aegina in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Sorrento for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

It's quite sunny in Sorrento. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aegina. Aegina usually receives more sunshine than Sorrento during summer. Aegina gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Aegina or Sorrento in the Autumn?

Both Sorrento and Aegina during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Aegina for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sorrento because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Aegina is generally a little warmer than Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 19°C (67°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Aegina. In the autumn, Aegina often gets more sunshine than Sorrento. Aegina gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun.

Sorrento gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Aegina usually gets less rain in October than Sorrento. Aegina gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aegina or Sorrento in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aegina and Sorrento. The winter months attract visitors to Aegina because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Sorrento this time of year.

Aegina is a little warmer than Sorrento in the winter. The daily temperature in Aegina averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Sorrento fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Aegina usually receives more sunshine than Sorrento during winter. Aegina gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sorrento receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Aegina usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Aegina gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Aegina or Sorrento in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Aegina as well as Sorrento. The beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to Aegina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sorrento for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Aegina is a little warmer than Sorrento. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aegina in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Sorrento averages at about 13°C (55°F).

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

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

Typical Weather for Sorrento and Aegina