A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Biarritz vs. Sestri Levante for Food, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Biarritz or Sestri Levante?

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

Should I visit Biarritz or Sestri Levante? 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.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a cultural, relaxing, and quirky seaside town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a scenic, local, and quaint seaside town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food and beaches.

Biarritz and Sestri Levante: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Biarritz or Sestri Levante?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Biarritz. Although Biarritz and Sestri Levante are both popular with visitors, Biarritz has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Biarritz is more popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Sestri Levante is known for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Biarritz is more touristy than Sestri Levante and is known for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. It is also home to Grande Plage. Sestri Levante is popular for its two bays and coastal setting.

How is Biarritz different from Sestri Levante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Biarritz or Sestri Levante?

Biarritz is adequate for its historical sights. However, Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Biarritz specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Biarritz or Sestri Levante? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Biarritz and Sestri Levante.

Biarritz has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

Dining out in Sestri Levante is an experience not to be missed. You'll find many restaurants along the central road in the old town, Via XXV Aprile. Seafood is popular, as are many other Italian favorites. If you're visiting during the summer months then it's best to make reservations as wait times can be long.

Is Biarritz or Sestri Levante Better for Nightlife?

Biarritz is great for its evening party scene. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Biarritz for the nightlife scene. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

People don't go to Sestri Levante for the nightlife. There are a few places to grab a drink, but if you're looking for nightlife, you'll really need to head out of town.

Is Biarritz or Sestri Levante Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its resorts.

In Biarritz, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Sestri Levante has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a number of hotels in the old town or by the beach. You'll also find a decent selection of vacation rentals. During peak season you'll want to make your reservations early.

Is Biarritz or Sestri Levante Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is great for the beach. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its beaches.

The beaches at Biarritz attract visitors from all over. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Sestri Levante offers a nice beach destination. Home to two beaches, this makes a nice holiday spot if you're hoping to relax by the water. The beaches can get crowded with Italians during the summer months, but it still offers a charming seaside spot. Many people head to the beach by the the Bay of Silence in part because it's free. Make sure you arrive early. By the Bay of Fairytales you can rent chairs and umbrellas and enjoy a little more space.

Is the Shopping Better in Biarritz or Sestri Levante?

Biarritz is great for its shopping areas. However, Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Biarritz. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Biarritz or Sestri Levante Better for Families?

Biarritz is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Biarritz. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

Sestri Levante is a family-friendly place to visit. This is a great spot for families that want a relaxing holiday with a small town vibe. The picturesque setting is said to have inspired fairytales, and today kids will enjoy playing on the playgrounds or exploring at the adventure park. There are also hikes, activities, and restaurants that are great for kids and adults alike.

Is Biarritz or Sestri Levante Better for Couples?

Biarritz is great for couples. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for romance.

Biarritz is a great seaside town if you're traveling as a couple. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

Sestri Levante is a nice destination for couples. This scenic setting offers a relaxing holiday for couples who want to enjoy quiet time together. There are plenty of outdoor activities and a cultural town with a lot of beauty to explore. It's one of the lesser known destinations in the area, so you will have a peaceful small town vibe that's great for a romantic getaway.

Is Biarritz or Sestri Levante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Biarritz. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

Sestri Levante is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are some dorm rooms in town, but most backpackers head to one of the more well known destinations in the area. The atmosphere and history makes for a unique experience for those who do make the trip.

Is Biarritz or Sestri Levante Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both Biarritz and Sestri Levante.

Biarritz has some public transit options. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

You'll find some public transit in Sestri Levante, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town can be explored on foot and there are buses and trains that can be used for day trips.

Is Biarritz or Sestri Levante a more walkable city?

Sestri Levante is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Sestri Levante. There are pedestrian promenades and charming streets through town that are best explored on foot.

Biarritz is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

For even more information, also check out Is Biarritz Worth Visiting? and Is Sestri Levante Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sestri Levante or Biarritz?

How long in Biarritz or Sestri Levante?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Biarritz and Sestri Levante. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Biarritz than in Sestri Levante. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Biarritz, and 1-3 days is enough time in Sestri Levante.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Biarritz than Sestri Levante 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 Biarritz.

One day in Biarritz or Sestri Levante?

In Biarritz, you'll find nightlife and food. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Sestri Levante is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Biarritz or Sestri Levante?

Biarritz is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

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

Five days in Biarritz or Sestri Levante?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Sestri Levante 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.

A week in Biarritz or Sestri Levante?

In Biarritz, you'll find nightlife and food. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Sestri Levante 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 seaside town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to France, The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Biarritz and Sestri Levante, we can see that Sestri Levante 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 Biarritz Expensive? and Is Sestri Levante Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Biarritz or Sestri Levante?

Biarritz has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of Sestri Levante. When comparing the sizes of Biarritz and Sestri Levante, 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.