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

Should you visit Avignon or Sorrento?

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 Avignon and Sorrento. 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.

Avignon

Avignon is a historical, quaint, and charming town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a colorful, historic, and relaxing 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. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and hiking.

Avignon and Sorrento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Avignon or Sorrento?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sorrento than Avignon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sorrento is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Avignon is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and small town charm. Avignon is well known for its architectural beauty and historical importance. 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 Avignon different from Sorrento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Avignon is renowned for its museums and landmarks. However, Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Avignon that are not to be missed. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at fantastic restaurants in both Avignon and Sorrento.

Eat your way through Avignon, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.

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.

Is Avignon or Sorrento Better for Nightlife?

Sorrento is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Avignon is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Sorrento. 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.

Avignon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Is Avignon or Sorrento Better for Resorts?

Sorrento is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Avignon is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Sorrento to choose from. 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.

Avignon is not a resort destination.

Is Avignon or Sorrento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sorrento is a decent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Avignon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Sorrento. There are snorkeling excursions that you can book in the area, but this is often an overlooked activity for many visitors.

Avignon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Avignon or Sorrento Better for Beaches?

Sorrento is a good destination for the beach. However, Avignon is not a beach destination.

Sorrento offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Avignon is not a beach destination.

Is Avignon or Sorrento Better for its Old Town?

Avignon is renowned for its historic old town. However, Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Avignon is one of the most recognized in the world. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

Is Avignon or Sorrento Better for Hiking?

Sorrento is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Avignon is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Avignon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Avignon or Sorrento?

Sorrento is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Avignon is a great destination for shopping. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

Is Avignon or Sorrento Better for Families?

Sorrento is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Avignon. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

Is Avignon or Sorrento Better for Couples?

Sorrento is renowned for couples. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Sorrento is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Couples visit Avignon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

Is Avignon or Sorrento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sorrento is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Sorrento, as it is a very popular small city for budget travelers. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Avignon. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

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

Sorrento is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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.

You'll find some public transit in Avignon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

Is Avignon or Sorrento a more walkable city?

Avignon is renowned for its walkability. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Avignon on foot is easy. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore on foot.

Sorrento is a very walkable town. 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 Avignon Worth Visiting? and Is Sorrento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sorrento or Avignon?

How long in Avignon or Sorrento?

Both Avignon 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 Avignon. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Avignon, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sorrento.

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

Avignon is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Sorrento, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This small city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Avignon or Sorrento?

Avignon 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Avignon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Sorrento, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Avignon or Sorrento?

Avignon 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. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sorrento has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Avignon or Sorrento?

Avignon is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sorrento. In Sorrento, you'll find shopping and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Avignon or Sorrento?

Avignon has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Sorrento. When comparing the sizes of Avignon 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 Avignon or Sorrento?

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 Avignon or Sorrento in the Summer?

Both Sorrento and Avignon during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Avignon for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Sorrento because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Avignon is around the same temperature as Sorrento. Typically, the summer temperatures in Avignon in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Sorrento averages at about 23°C (74°F).

In Sorrento, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Avignon. In the summer, Avignon often gets more sunshine than Sorrento. Avignon gets 354 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 313 hours of full sun.

Avignon usually gets more rain in July than Sorrento. Avignon gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Avignon or Sorrento in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Avignon and Sorrento. The autumn months attract visitors to Avignon because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sorrento this time of year.

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

Avignon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sorrento during autumn. Avignon gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sorrento receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Avignon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Avignon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sorrento. Avignon gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Avignon or Sorrento in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Avignon as well as Sorrento. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Avignon this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Sorrento for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Avignon often gets more sunshine than Sorrento. Avignon gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sorrento. Avignon usually gets less rain in January than Sorrento. Avignon gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Avignon or Sorrento in the Spring?

Both Sorrento and Avignon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Avignon for the small town charm. Also, many visitors come to Sorrento in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Avignon. Avignon usually receives more sunshine than Sorrento during spring. Avignon gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Avignon usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Avignon gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sorrento and Avignon