A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chamonix-Mont-Blanc vs. Sestri Levante for Resorts, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Sestri Levante?

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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Sestri Levante. 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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a spectacular, awe-inspiring, and epic mountain town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, and nightlife.

Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a quiet, scenic, and local 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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Sestri Levante: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Sestri Levante?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Although Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Sestri Levante are both popular with visitors, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Sestri Levante is known for its beaches and small town charm. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is more touristy than Sestri Levante and is known for its world famous skiing, stunning natural beauty, and access to Mont Blanc. It is also home to Mont Blanc. Sestri Levante is popular for its two bays and coastal setting.

Mont Blanc

How is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc different from Sestri Levante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Sestri Levante Better for Skiing?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is renowned for skiing. However, Sestri Levante is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. It is one of the most famous and best ski areas in the world. There are 5 ski resorts in the area (Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere and Le Brevent) and many options for expert skiers. You can take the Aiguille du Midi cable car from the middle of town to the top of the 3840 meter peak.

Sestri Levante is not a skiing destination.

Is the Food Better in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Sestri Levante? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Sestri Levante.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Regional food is wonderful and hearty, making for a great energy boost for all of your hiking or skiing. Dishes often include a lot of cream and cheese as well as local meats and potatoes. Local specialties include Crozets (buckwheat pasta), Fondue, and Galette des Rois (cake).

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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Sestri Levante Better for Nightlife?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is great for its evening party scene. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc for the nightlife scene. The town offers a great après-ski scene with many places to grab a drink or listen to live music. It's a tourist area with many young and adventurous vacationers who are out to have a good time.

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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Sestri Levante Better for Resorts?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is renowned for its luxury resorts. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its resorts.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a world class resort vacation destination. The region has 5 ski resorts (Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere and Le Brevent), making it an excellent ski destination.

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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Sestri Levante Better for Beaches?

Sestri Levante is a good destination for the beache. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not a beach destination.

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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not a beach destination.

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Sestri Levante Better for Hiking?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is renowned for hiking. However, Sestri Levante is not a hiking destination.

Around Chamonix-Mont-Blanc visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Filled with panoramic views and breathtaking natural scenes, the hiking is among the best in the world. Some of the best hikes in the area include Plan de l'Aiguille - Montenvers Train Mer de Glace, Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve Hiking, and any of the "Glacier Views" Hikes.

Sestri Levante is not a hiking destination.

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Sestri Levante Better for Families?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. The mountains are the perfect playground for families. Kids will love the gondolas, chairlifts, and kid-friendly hikes that take them over rocks and to spectacular viewpoints. This is the perfect addition to a European family vacation.

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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Sestri Levante Better for Couples?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is renowned for couples. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for romance.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a great mountain town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Nature-lovers, skiers, and outdoor enthusiasts will love a couples vacation to Chamonix. The setting is romantic and filled with adventures for thrill-seekers.

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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Sestri Levante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. You'll find a nice selection of hostels with affordable dorms and fun atmospheres.

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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Sestri Levante Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its public transit.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has a great public transit system. It's easy to explore the region by public transport. There are buses and trains available, most of which are free with a local transport card.

Sestri Levante has a few public transit options. The town can be explored on foot and there are buses and trains that can be used for day trips.

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Sestri Levante a more walkable city?

Sestri Levante is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a very walkable destination. It's generally walkable and there are plenty of walking trails outside of town.

For even more information, also check out Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Worth Visiting? and Is Sestri Levante Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sestri Levante or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

How long in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Sestri Levante?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Sestri Levante. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than in Sestri Levante. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, and 1-3 days is enough time in Sestri Levante.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.

One day in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Sestri Levante?

In Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, you'll find skiing and nightlife. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Sestri Levante is a small town with plenty to do. 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Sestri Levante?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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.

Many people visit Sestri Levante for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Sestri Levante?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

Because Sestri Levante is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Sestri Levante?

In Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, you'll find skiing and nightlife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Since Sestri Levante is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. This seaside town offers something for everyone. One week 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.

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

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Expensive? and Is Sestri Levante Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Sestri Levante?

Sestri Levante has a larger population, and is about 80% larger than the population of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. When comparing the sizes of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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.