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

Should you visit Cannes 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 Cannes and Sorrento can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cannes

Cannes is a glitzy, opulent , and luxury resort city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a relaxing, accessible, and laid back 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 hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Cannes and Sorrento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cannes or Sorrento?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cannes than Sorrento, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cannes is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Sorrento is more popular for its hiking and big city activities. Cannes is more touristy than Sorrento and is known for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. Also, Cannes is famous for Boulevard de la Croisette. Sorrento is well known for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast.

How is Cannes different from Sorrento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Cannes and Sorrento can be difficult as they are each amazing in their own way.

Cannes has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city is known for its fresh seafood and produce, local markets, and innovative chefs. There are also a number of traditional dishes that you should try in town including bouillabaisse, daube, and farcis niçois.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Sorrento is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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 Cannes or Sorrento Better for Nightlife?

Cannes is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Cannes know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is all about the glamour and prestige that this city is known for. There are exclusive nightclubs and luxury cocktail bars where the goal is to see and be seen. Parties last late into the night and the glitz and glamour fill the streets.

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 Cannes or Sorrento Better for Music?

Cannes is renowned for live music. However, Sorrento is not a live music destination.

Cannes is a world class music destination. The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Sorrento is not a live music destination.

Is Cannes or Sorrento Better for Resorts?

Cannes is renowned for its resorts. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Cannes is a world class resort vacation destination. The city is filled with luxury resorts and elegant hotels. Among the best are Hôtel Martinez, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, and Five Seas Hotel.

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.

Is Cannes or Sorrento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes is a resort city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Sorrento is a small city with minimal options for its diving and snorkeling.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Cannes. You can arrange scuba diving and snorkeling trips from a few vendors in town. You might see sponges, sea slugs octopus, cuttlefish, lobsters and even stingrays.

There are few places where you can 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.

Is Cannes or Sorrento Better for Beaches?

Cannes is a great destination for its beaches. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

The beaches at Cannes attract visitors from all over. You can choose from both public and private beaches in the area. You'll find more amenities and convenience at the private beaches which are closer to La Croisette (the main promenade in town). These beaches also come with a price tag attached. The public beaches have a more relaxed and natural vibe but are a little less convenient to get to.

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.

Is Cannes or Sorrento Better for its Old Town?

Cannes is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

Cannes is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Known as Le Suquet, the old town has many historic landmarks including the the Château de la Castre. There are also cobblestone streets and many great restaurants around town.

Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

Is Cannes or Sorrento Better for Hiking?

Sorrento is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Cannes is not a hiking destination.

Sorrento is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Cannes is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cannes or Sorrento?

Cannes is renowned for shopping. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Cannes is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. With its many affluent visitors, the shopping scene in town is filled with luxury brands and posh boutiques. Perfume and porcelain are both popular things to buy in the area.

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 Cannes or Sorrento Better for Families?

Sorrento is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit 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.

Cannes is a family-friendly resort city. Most people associate the city with the film festival and late night partying, but there are also kid-friendly restaurants, fun beach activities, and plenty of kid-friendly entertainment along La Croisette Boulevard. Make sure you check out the Grand Carousel and the many playgrounds around town.

Is Cannes or Sorrento Better for Couples?

Both Cannes and Sorrento are amazing destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Cannes has plenty to offer. It's grand hotels and luxury beach clubs make this a perfect romantic destination. There are world class restaurants, a vibrant nightlife scene, and many romantic spots around town that make for a memorable honeymoon or couple's getaway.

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.

Is Cannes or Sorrento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sorrento is an amazing small city to visit for backpackers. However, Cannes is not a good resort city 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.

Cannes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's more famous for it's celebrity jetsetters than young budget travelers, but there are still several hostels and budget accommodation options tucked away in town.

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

Sorrento is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Sorrento offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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.

Cannes has some public transit options. There are buses that travel around the city.

Is Cannes or Sorrento a more walkable city?

Cannes and Sorrento both are superb when exploring on foot.

Cannes is a very walkable destination. Many areas are easily explored on foot including the historic areas and the coastline.

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 Cannes Worth Visiting? and Is Sorrento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sorrento or Cannes?

How long in Cannes or Sorrento?

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

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

One day in Cannes or Sorrento?

The beautiful resort city of Cannes offers shopping and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Sorrento. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cannes or Sorrento?

Cannes is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this resort city makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cannes, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Sorrento is a great place to explore. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Cannes or Sorrento?

Cannes 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sorrento. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Cannes or Sorrento?

Cannes 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 resort city offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing destination of Sorrento. This small city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cannes or Sorrento?

Cannes has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Sorrento. When comparing the sizes of Cannes 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 Cannes 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 Cannes or Sorrento in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cannes and Sorrento. Many travelers come to Cannes for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sorrento in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cannes is around the same temperature as Sorrento. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cannes in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Sorrento averages at about 23°C (74°F).

In July, Cannes usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Cannes gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cannes or Sorrento in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cannes as well as Sorrento. Many visitors come to Cannes in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, 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.

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

It's quite rainy in Sorrento. Cannes receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cannes usually gets less rain in October than Sorrento. Cannes gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cannes or Sorrento in the Winter?

Both Sorrento and Cannes are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cannes for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Sorrento because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Cannes is around the same temperature as Sorrento in the winter. The daily temperature in Cannes averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Sorrento fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sorrento. In January, Cannes usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Cannes gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cannes or Sorrento in the Spring?

Both Sorrento and Cannes during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Cannes because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Sorrento this time of year.

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

Cannes usually gets less rain in April than Sorrento. Cannes gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sorrento and Cannes