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

Should you visit Chartres or Sorrento?

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

Should I visit Chartres or Sorrento? 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.

Chartres

Chartres is a historic, grand, and spectacular town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for food and museums.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a historic, relaxing, and accessible small city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Chartres and Sorrento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chartres or Sorrento?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sorrento. Although Chartres and Sorrento are popular destinations, Sorrento has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sorrento is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Chartres attracts visitors for its museums and small town charm. Sorrento is more touristy than Chartres and is popular for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast. It is also well known for Marina Grande and Marina Piccola. Chartres is famous for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Chartres different from Sorrento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chartres is a town with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

Chartres is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most visitors make the trip to see the spectacular Gothic cathedral, Cathédrale Notre-Dame. It was completed in 1220 and is famous for its beautiful stained glass windows.

Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Sorrento is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Sorrento is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Chartres area. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

Is Chartres or Sorrento Better for Nightlife?

Sorrento is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Chartres or Sorrento Better for Resorts?

Sorrento is great for its luxury resorts. However, Chartres is not a resort destination.

Sorrento is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Chartres is not a resort destination.

Is Chartres or Sorrento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sorrento is adequate for its diving and snorkeling. However, Chartres is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Chartres is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chartres or Sorrento Better for Beaches?

Sorrento is a popular place for the beache. However, Chartres is not a beach destination.

Sorrento is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Chartres is not a beach destination.

Is Chartres or Sorrento Better for Hiking?

Sorrento is great for hiking. However, Chartres is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Sorrento for the hiking trails. 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.

Chartres is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chartres or Sorrento?

Sorrento is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chartres or Sorrento Better for Families?

Sorrento is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Sorrento is very family-friendly. 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.

Chartres is not the most family-friendly destination. The main attraction in town is the cathedral, but the surrounding area is also filled with history. This may not keep your kids entertained for long, so you can also check out the Stained Glass Museum, La Tanière (a zoo), or one of the parks around town.

Is Chartres or Sorrento Better for Couples?

Sorrento is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

Sorrento makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Chartres is a good town for couples to visit. With its cathedral and rich history, many couples enjoy exploring the town. It is filled with history and interesting sights.

Is Chartres or Sorrento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sorrento is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Sorrento is extremely popular 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.

Chartres is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's easy enough to visit as a day trip from Paris, so backpackers and other tourists typically allow themselves a few hours to explore.

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

Chartres and Sorrento both offer excellent public transit to get you around.

The public transit in Chartres can get you around easily. There are trains that leave Paris Montparnasse 1 Et 2 every half hour and travel to Chartres. The trip takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.

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.

Is Chartres or Sorrento a more walkable city?

Chartres and Sorrento are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Chartres is a very walkable town. It's easy to see the sights around town on foot.

Sorrento is a very walkable destination. 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 Chartres Worth Visiting? and Is Sorrento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sorrento or Chartres?

How long in Chartres or Sorrento?

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

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

The town of Chartres 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.

The beautiful small city of Sorrento offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

A weekend in Chartres or Sorrento?

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

Sorrento is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Chartres or Sorrento?

Chartres 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.

Sorrento is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sorrento, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Chartres or Sorrento?

Chartres 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.

Sorrento is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sorrento has to offer. This small city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary 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 Chartres and Sorrento, we can see that Sorrento is more expensive. And not only is Chartres much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chartres would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chartres 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 Chartres.

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

Which is Bigger, Chartres or Sorrento?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Chartres as well as Sorrento. Many visitors come to Chartres in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Sorrento for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Chartres is generally cooler than Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Chartres average around 20°C (68°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sorrento. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chartres this time of the year. In the summer, Chartres often gets less sunshine than Sorrento. Chartres gets 239 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 313 hours of full sun.

Chartres usually gets more rain in July than Sorrento. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chartres or Sorrento in the Autumn?

Both Sorrento and Chartres are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Chartres for the small town atmosphere during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sorrento because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Chartres is cooler than Sorrento in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chartres averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Sorrento fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Chartres usually receives less sunshine than Sorrento during autumn. Chartres gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sorrento. In October, Chartres usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Chartres gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Chartres or Sorrento in the Winter?

Both Sorrento and Chartres during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Chartres because of the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Sorrento this time of year.

The weather in Chartres can be very cold. In the winter, Chartres is much colder than Sorrento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chartres in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Sorrento averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Chartres often gets less sunshine than Sorrento. Chartres gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 115 hours of full sun.

Sorrento gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Chartres usually gets less rain in January than Sorrento. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chartres or Sorrento in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chartres and Sorrento. The small town charm are the main draw to Chartres this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sorrento for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Chartres is generally cooler than Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Chartres average around 11°C (52°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Chartres usually receives less sunshine than Sorrento during spring. Chartres gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chartres usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Chartres gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sorrento and Chartres