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

Should you visit Caen 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 Caen 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.

Caen

Caen is a historic, park-filled, and important city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and museums.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a colorful, historic, and relaxing small city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Caen and Sorrento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Caen or Sorrento?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sorrento. Although Caen and Sorrento are both popular with visitors, Sorrento has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sorrento is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Caen is known for its museums. Sorrento is more touristy than Caen and is popular for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast. It is also home to Marina Grande and Marina Piccola. Caen is popular for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

How is Caen different from Sorrento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Caen 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 Caen. There are many monuments around town commemorating the city's long history. You'll want to see Château de Caen, Pegasus Bridge, Mémorial de Caen, Musée de Normandie, and Musée des beaux-arts de Caen.

Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Sorrento is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Sorrento, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Caen. There's a market that's at its best on Sundays where you'll find fresh produce and other local ingredients. There are also Michelin starred restaurants, seafood restaurants, and other traditional dishes. Head to the Vaugueux Quarter for traditional dishes.

Is Caen or Sorrento Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Caen and Sorrento.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Caen. The nightlife scene stays active thanks to the 30,000 students living in town. Head to the Rue Ecuyère for a pub crawl or hit up any of the other bars around town.

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.

Is Caen or Sorrento Better for Resorts?

Sorrento is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Caen 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.

Caen is not a resort destination.

Is Caen or Sorrento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sorrento is a decent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Caen 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.

Caen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Caen or Sorrento Better for Beaches?

Sorrento is a good destination for its beaches. However, Caen 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.

Caen is not a beach destination.

Is Caen or Sorrento Better for Hiking?

Sorrento is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Caen 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.

Caen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Caen or Sorrento?

Sorrento is a very popular place for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Caen or Sorrento Better for Families?

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

Sorrento is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Caen. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

Is Caen or Sorrento Better for Couples?

Sorrento is renowned for romance. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Caen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

Is Caen or Sorrento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Caen. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

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

Visitors will find very good public transit in both Caen and Sorrento.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Caen. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

Public transit in Sorrento can get you to some 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.

Is Caen or Sorrento a more walkable city?

Sorrento is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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.

Caen is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Sorrento or Caen?

How long in Caen or Sorrento?

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

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

The city of Caen offers nightlife and food. 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Sorrento. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Caen or Sorrento?

Caen 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 Caen, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Sorrento is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Caen or Sorrento?

Caen 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the laid back destination of Sorrento. This small city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Caen or Sorrento?

Caen 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the colorful small city of Sorrento. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip 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 comparing the travel costs between Caen 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 Caen Expensive? and Is Sorrento Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Caen or Sorrento?

Caen has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Sorrento. When comparing the sizes of Caen 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 Caen 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 Caen or Sorrento in the Summer?

Both Sorrento and Caen during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Caen for the city activities 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.

Caen is cooler than Sorrento in the summer. The daily temperature in Caen averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Sorrento fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Sorrento, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Caen. In the summer, Caen often gets less sunshine than Sorrento. Caen gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 313 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets more rain in July than Sorrento. Caen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Sorrento in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Caen and Sorrento. The autumn months attract visitors to Caen because of the city's sights and attractions. 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 the autumn, Caen is cooler than Sorrento. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Caen in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Sorrento averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Caen usually receives less sunshine than Sorrento during autumn. Caen gets 128 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sorrento receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Caen usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Caen gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Caen or Sorrento in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Caen in the winter. In January, Caen is generally much colder than Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 5°C (41°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Caen often gets less sunshine than Sorrento. Caen gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sorrento. Caen usually gets less rain in January than Sorrento. Caen gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Sorrento in the Spring?

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

Caen is cooler than Sorrento in the spring. The daily temperature in Caen averages around 9°C (49°F) in April, and Sorrento fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Caen usually receives less sunshine than Sorrento during spring. Caen gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Caen usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Caen gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sorrento and Caen