A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aix-en-Provence vs. Sorrento for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Aix-en-Provence or Sorrento?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aix-en-Provence or Sorrento, 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.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a laid-back, relaxing, and historic town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a accessible, laid back, and colorful small city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Aix-en-Provence and Sorrento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aix-en-Provence or Sorrento?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sorrento than Aix-en-Provence, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sorrento is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Aix-en-Provence is more popular for its museums and shopping. Sorrento is more touristy than Aix-en-Provence and is 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. Aix-en-Provence is well known for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square.

How is Aix-en-Provence different from Sorrento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aix-en-Provence or Sorrento?

Aix-en-Provence is a town with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

Aix-en-Provence is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. In addition to its many squares and fountains, there is also Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Musée des Tapisseries.

Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Aix-en-Provence or Sorrento? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Aix-en-Provence and Sorrento.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Aix-en-Provence is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The range of restaurants includes everything from modern and trendy to traditional and casual. The town is surrounded by a region that is known for its local produce. There are also many markets worth checking out in town.

Many restaurants in Sorrento have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Sorrento Better for Nightlife?

Sorrento is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for nightlife.

Sorrento has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Aix-en-Provence doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The nightlife scene that does exist is mostly influenced by the town's large student population.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Sorrento Better for Resorts?

Sorrento is well known for its resorts. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a resort destination.

Sorrento is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Aix-en-Provence is not a resort destination.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Sorrento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sorrento is a small city with a few options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Aix-en-Provence 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.

Aix-en-Provence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Sorrento Better for Beaches?

Sorrento is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

Sorrento has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Sorrento Better for Hiking?

Sorrento is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Aix-en-Provence 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.

Aix-en-Provence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Aix-en-Provence or Sorrento?

Aix-en-Provence is renowned for shopping. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Aix-en-Provence is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. It has some of the best shopping in France outside of Paris. There are many shopping streets where you can pick up trendy fashions or boutique local finds. Head to Rue Marius Reynard, Les Allées Provençales, or Rue Clemenceau for some of the best shopping.

Sorrento is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Sorrento Better for Families?

Sorrento is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known 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.

For families, Aix-en-Provence is not always the best place to visit. Many kids enjoy checking out the town's many fountains or taking a bike for a ride outside of town.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Sorrento Better for Couples?

Sorrento is terrific for couples. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Sorrento has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Aix-en-Provence is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's among the most charming towns in southern France and couples will enjoy the romantic buildings, beautiful fountains, and relaxing countryside. Whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's getaway, this is a great town.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Sorrento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sorrento is terrific for backpackers. Also, Aix-en-Provence 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.

Aix-en-Provence is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels and cheap hotels that are good options for backpackers.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Sorrento Better for Students?

Aix-en-Provence is a great destination for students. However, Sorrento is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Aix-en-Provence. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university students.

Sorrento is not popular with students.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Sorrento Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sorrento is well known for its public transit. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Sorrento can get you to most places easily. 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 Aix-en-Provence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Sorrento a more walkable city?

Aix-en-Provence and Sorrento both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Aix-en-Provence is a very walkable destination. It's walkable, particularly in the heart of the city, so it's fun to explore on foot.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Aix-en-Provence Worth Visiting? and Is Sorrento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sorrento or Aix-en-Provence?

How long in Aix-en-Provence or Sorrento?

Both Aix-en-Provence 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 Aix-en-Provence. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Aix-en-Provence, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sorrento.

Families should spend more time in Sorrento than Aix-en-Provence. 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 Aix-en-Provence. 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 Aix-en-Provence 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 Aix-en-Provence or Sorrento?

The beautiful town of Aix-en-Provence 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.

The laid back destination of Sorrento offers food and shopping. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Aix-en-Provence or Sorrento?

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

The small city of Sorrento offers shopping and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Aix-en-Provence or Sorrento?

Aix-en-Provence 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.

Sorrento is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. This small city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Aix-en-Provence or Sorrento?

Aix-en-Provence 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 town offers something for everyone.

The accessible small city of Sorrento offers food and shopping. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, The Best Coach Bus Tours in France, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Aix-en-Provence and Sorrento, we can see that Sorrento is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Aix-en-Provence or Sorrento?

Aix-en-Provence has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Sorrento. When comparing the sizes of Aix-en-Provence 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 Aix-en-Provence 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 Aix-en-Provence or Sorrento in the Summer?

Both Sorrento and Aix-en-Provence are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Aix-en-Provence this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sorrento for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Aix-en-Provence is around the same temperature as Sorrento. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aix-en-Provence in July average around 24°C (75°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 Aix-en-Provence. Aix-en-Provence usually receives more sunshine than Sorrento during summer. Aix-en-Provence gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Aix-en-Provence usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Aix-en-Provence gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Aix-en-Provence or Sorrento in the Autumn?

Both Sorrento and Aix-en-Provence during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Aix-en-Provence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sorrento in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Aix-en-Provence is generally around the same temperature as Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Aix-en-Provence average around 16°C (61°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Aix-en-Provence. In the autumn, Aix-en-Provence often gets more sunshine than Sorrento. Aix-en-Provence gets 205 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. Aix-en-Provence usually gets less rain in October than Sorrento. Aix-en-Provence gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aix-en-Provence or Sorrento in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aix-en-Provence and Sorrento. Many visitors come to Aix-en-Provence in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sorrento for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Aix-en-Provence is cooler than Sorrento in the winter. The daily temperature in Aix-en-Provence averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Sorrento fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Aix-en-Provence usually receives more sunshine than Sorrento during winter. Aix-en-Provence gets 150 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, Aix-en-Provence usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Aix-en-Provence gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Aix-en-Provence or Sorrento in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Aix-en-Provence as well as Sorrento. Most visitors come to Aix-en-Provence for the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Sorrento because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Aix-en-Provence is around the same temperature as Sorrento. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aix-en-Provence in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Sorrento averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aix-en-Provence this time of the year. In the spring, Aix-en-Provence often gets more sunshine than Sorrento. Aix-en-Provence gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun.

Aix-en-Provence usually gets less rain in April than Sorrento. Aix-en-Provence gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sorrento and Aix-en-Provence