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

Should you visit Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a medieval, historical, and fairytale town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for 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.

Carcassonne and Sorrento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Carcassonne or Sorrento?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sorrento. Although Carcassonne and Sorrento are both popular with visitors, Sorrento has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sorrento is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Carcassonne is known for its museums, historical sights, and small town charm. Carcassonne is popular for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle. Sorrento 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.

How is Carcassonne different from Sorrento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Sorrento is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

Is Carcassonne or Sorrento Better for Nightlife?

Sorrento is a good destination for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy 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.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Carcassonne or Sorrento Better for Resorts?

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

Carcassonne is not a resort destination.

Is Carcassonne or Sorrento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Carcassonne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Carcassonne or Sorrento Better for Beaches?

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

Carcassonne is not a beach destination.

Is Carcassonne or Sorrento Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Carcassonne to see the historical old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

Is Carcassonne or Sorrento Better for Hiking?

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

Carcassonne is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Carcassonne or Sorrento?

Sorrento is a very popular place for shopping. However, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Carcassonne or Sorrento Better for Families?

Sorrento is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

Is Carcassonne or Sorrento Better for Couples?

Sorrento is very popular for romance. Also, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.

Is Carcassonne or Sorrento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sorrento is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

Is Carcassonne 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, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Sorrento is fairly effecient and thorough. 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 Carcassonne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

Is Carcassonne or Sorrento a more walkable city?

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

Getting around Carcassonne on foot is easy. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best 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 Carcassonne Worth Visiting? and Is Sorrento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sorrento or Carcassonne?

How long in Carcassonne or Sorrento?

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

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

The town of Carcassonne offers museums and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the accessible small city of Sorrento. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the food. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Carcassonne or Sorrento?

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the colorful destination of Sorrento. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This small city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Carcassonne or Sorrento?

Carcassonne 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 shopping and nightlife when visiting the historic small city of Sorrento. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Carcassonne or Sorrento?

Carcassonne 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 town offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Sorrento. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the food. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this small city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, The Best Historical 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 Carcassonne and Sorrento, we can see that Sorrento is more expensive. And not only is Carcassonne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carcassonne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carcassonne 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 Sorrento would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sorrento than you might in Carcassonne.

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

Which is Bigger, Carcassonne or Sorrento?

Carcassonne has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Sorrento. When comparing the sizes of Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne or Sorrento in the Summer?

Both Sorrento and Carcassonne during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is around the same temperature as Sorrento in the summer. The daily temperature in Carcassonne averages around 24°C (75°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 Carcassonne. In the summer, Carcassonne often gets less sunshine than Sorrento. Carcassonne gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 313 hours of full sun.

Carcassonne usually gets less rain in July than Sorrento. Carcassonne gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Sorrento in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Carcassonne and Sorrento. The autumn months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. 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, Carcassonne is around the same temperature as Sorrento. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Carcassonne in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Sorrento averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Carcassonne usually receives less sunshine than Sorrento during autumn. Carcassonne gets 161 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, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Carcassonne gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Sorrento in the Winter?

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

In January, Carcassonne is generally around the same temperature as Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Carcassonne average around 8°C (47°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Carcassonne often gets less sunshine than Sorrento. Carcassonne gets 88 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sorrento. Carcassonne usually gets less rain in January than Sorrento. Carcassonne gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Sorrento in the Spring?

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

Carcassonne is around the same temperature as Sorrento in the spring. The daily temperature in Carcassonne averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Sorrento fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

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

In April, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Carcassonne gets 56 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 Carcassonne