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

Should you visit Alicante or Sorrento?

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 Alicante and Sorrento can help you decide which place is right for you.

Alicante

Alicante is a colorful, authentic, and vibrant city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a relaxing, accessible, and laid back small city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Alicante and Sorrento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alicante or Sorrento?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sorrento. Although Alicante and Sorrento are popular destinations, Sorrento has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sorrento is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Alicante attracts visitors for its museums and historical sights. Sorrento is more touristy than Alicante and is known for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast. It is also well known for Marina Grande and Marina Piccola. Alicante is famous for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants.

How is Alicante different from Sorrento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Alicante 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 Alicante. This port city has a number of cultural and historical sights that are worth checking out. Castillo de Santa Bárbara, Museo Arqueológico Provincial de Alicante, and Basilica de Santa María are among the most well known.

Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Sorrento is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Sorrento has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Alicante has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's by the sea, so you'll find plenty of seafood. Rice is the main staple for many dishes in town. This is also a vegetable growing region, so many recipes incorporate fresh vegetables. Popular dishes include arroz a banda, arroz con costra, and olleta alicantina.

Is Alicante or Sorrento Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Alicante and Sorrento.

Alicante has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. For the city's best nightlife, head to El Barrio Antiguo, which is the old district. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars and clubs, many of them having live music.

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 Alicante or Sorrento Better for Resorts?

Sorrento is well known for its resorts. However, Alicante is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Sorrento. 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.

Alicante is not a resort destination.

Is Alicante or Sorrento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sorrento is a small city with a few options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Alicante 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.

Alicante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Alicante or Sorrento Better for Beaches?

Alicante and Sorrento are nice choices for a beach vacation.

Many people head to Alicante to enjoy the beach. If you step away from the touristy areas, you'll find some nice sandy beaches with blue water. Playa la Fustera is northeast of the city and popular with families and couples. If you have a car you can drive to the town of Moraira, which is near several nice beaches as well.

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.

Is Alicante or Sorrento Better for its Old Town?

Alicante is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Alicante to see the historical old town. The old district is filled with charming streets and some interesting museums. There are also a number of good restaurants in the area.

Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

Is Alicante or Sorrento Better for Hiking?

Sorrento is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Alicante 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.

Alicante is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Alicante or Sorrento?

Sorrento is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Sorrento is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Alicante has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city is known for its leather goods, but you'll also find international brands and shopping streets with fashion and different European names.

Is Alicante or Sorrento Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Alicante or Sorrento.

Alicante is a very kid-friendly city. This seaside city has many kid-friendly resorts, long sandy beaches, and adrenaline-filled theme parks. There's the Terra Mitica Park as well as a waterpark - Aqua Natura. Tabarca Island is also well worth a visit.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Sorrento. 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.

Is Alicante or Sorrento Better for Couples?

Sorrento is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Sorrento has plenty to offer. 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.

Alicante is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Nice resorts, long sandy beaches, and nearby vineyard tours make this a wonderful place for a couple's getaway. There are good restaurants and nice places where couples can take a stroll, hand in hand.

Is Alicante or Sorrento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sorrento is terrific for backpackers. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Sorrento. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Alicante. There are hostels around town, as well as many budget-friendly hotels, so this is an affordable oceanfront destination for the budget-minded.

Is Alicante or Sorrento Better for Students?

Alicante is a city with good options for students. However, Sorrento is not popular with students.

Alicante is popular with students. It's by the water and it's an affordable city, making it a good option for students. The beaches and active nightlife will keep you entertained when you take a break from your studies.

Sorrento is not popular with students.

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

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

Sorrento has some very good public transit options. 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 Alicante offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a comprehensive bus system through the city and region.

Is Alicante or Sorrento a more walkable city?

Sorrento is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Alicante is a somewhat walkable city. There are many parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Sorrento or Alicante?

How long in Alicante or Sorrento?

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

Families should spend more time in Sorrento than Alicante. 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 Alicante. 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 Alicante 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 Alicante or Sorrento?

The city of Alicante 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 beautiful small city of Sorrento offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Alicante or Sorrento?

Alicante 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Alicante, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Sorrento is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Alicante or Sorrento?

Alicante 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sorrento, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Alicante or Sorrento?

Alicante 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 city offers something for everyone.

Sorrento is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sorrento has to offer. This small city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Alicante 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 Alicante Expensive? and Is Sorrento Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Alicante or Sorrento?

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

Both Sorrento and Alicante are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Alicante for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Sorrento in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Alicante is generally around the same temperature as Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 25°C (77°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Sorrento. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Sorrento during summer. Alicante gets 341 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Alicante usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Alicante gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Alicante or Sorrento in the Autumn?

Both Sorrento and Alicante during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Alicante in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sorrento for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Alicante is a little warmer than Sorrento in the autumn. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Sorrento fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Alicante. In the autumn, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Sorrento. Alicante gets 225 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. Alicante usually gets less rain in October than Sorrento. Alicante gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Sorrento in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Alicante is a little warmer than Sorrento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Alicante in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Sorrento averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Sorrento during winter. Alicante gets 178 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, Alicante usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Alicante gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Alicante or Sorrento in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Alicante as well as Sorrento. The spring months attract visitors to Alicante because of the beaches. Additionally, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Sorrento this time of year.

In April, Alicante is generally a little warmer than Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 16°C (60°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alicante this time of the year. In the spring, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Sorrento. Alicante gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in April than Sorrento. Alicante gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sorrento and Alicante