A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Girona vs. Sestri Levante for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Girona 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 Girona 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.

Girona

Girona is a medieval, ancient, and charming city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a quiet, scenic, and local seaside town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food and beaches.

Girona and Sestri Levante: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Girona or Sestri Levante?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Girona. Although Girona and Sestri Levante are both popular with visitors, Girona has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Girona is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Sestri Levante is known for its resorts, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Girona is popular for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine. It is also home to The Girona Cathedral. Sestri Levante is popular for its two bays and coastal setting.

How is Girona different from Sestri Levante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Girona or Sestri Levante?

Girona
Sestri Levante

Girona is great for its historical sights. However, Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Girona. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.

Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Girona or Sestri Levante? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Girona
Sestri Levante

Dining out at restaurants in both Girona and Sestri Levante can be an enjoyable experience.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Girona. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

Sestri Levante has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Girona or Sestri Levante Better for Nightlife?

Girona
Sestri Levante

Girona is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for nightlife.

Girona doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

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 Girona or Sestri Levante Better for Resorts?

Girona
Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a good destination for its resorts. However, Girona is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Sestri Levante makes a nice vacation spot. 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.

Girona is not a resort destination.


Is Girona or Sestri Levante Better for Beaches?

Girona
Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a good destination for the beache. However, Girona 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.

Girona is not a beach destination.

Is Girona or Sestri Levante Better for its Old Town?

Girona
Sestri Levante

Girona is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Sestri Levante does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Girona is one of the most recognized in the world. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

Sestri Levante does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Girona or Sestri Levante?

Girona
Sestri Levante

Girona is great for its shopping areas. However, Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Girona. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Girona or Sestri Levante Better for Families?

Girona
Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.

Is Girona or Sestri Levante Better for Couples?

Girona
Sestri Levante

Girona is great for couples. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for romance.

Girona is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.

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 Girona or Sestri Levante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Girona
Sestri Levante

Girona is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for backpackers.

Girona is a good city to visit for backpackers. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

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 Girona or Sestri Levante Better for Students?

Girona
Sestri Levante

Girona is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Sestri Levante is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Girona. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

Sestri Levante is not popular with students.

Is Girona or Sestri Levante Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Girona
Sestri Levante

Both Girona and Sestri Levante offer good public transit options.

Girona has a few public transit options. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.

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

Is Girona or Sestri Levante a more walkable city?

Girona
Sestri Levante

Girona and Sestri Levante both are fantastic when exploring on foot.

It is easy to get around Girona on foot. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

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.


For even more information, also check out Is Girona Worth Visiting? and Is Sestri Levante Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sestri Levante or Girona?

How long in Girona or Sestri Levante?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Girona and Sestri Levante. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sestri Levante than in Girona. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Girona, and 1-3 days is enough time in Sestri Levante.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Girona 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 Girona.


  • How many days in Girona or Sestri Levante? Ideal Length of Stay
    Girona 1-2 
    Sestri Levante 1-3

One day in Girona or Sestri Levante?

In Girona, you'll find food and shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Sestri Levante might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Girona or Sestri Levante?

Girona is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Sestri Levante is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Girona or Sestri Levante?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Girona. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sestri Levante. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Girona or Sestri Levante?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint city of Girona. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

Sestri Levante is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Sestri Levante or Girona?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Girona is €140, while the average daily cost in Sestri Levante is €143. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Girona and Sestri Levante in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Girona 69
    Sestri Levante 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Girona 138
    Sestri Levante 150
Compare Hotels in Girona and Sestri Levante

Looking for a hotel in Girona or Sestri Levante? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Girona


Hotels in Sestri Levante


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Girona Hotel Prices and Sestri Levante Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Girona 49
    Sestri Levante 56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Girona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Girona:

  • Private Transfer from Tossa de Mar/ Lloret de Mar to Barcelona: $262
  • Transfer from Barcelona to girona Airport: $196
  • Girona Airport (GRO) to Costa Brava - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $98
  • Palamós to Barcelona Airport (BNC) Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Palamós to Girona Airport (GRO) - Departure Private Transfer : $33
  • Girona Airport Bus Transfer from/to Barcelona Center: $21

Is it cheaper to fly into Girona or Sestri Levante?

Prices for flights to both Sestri Levante and Girona change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Girona 41
    Sestri Levante 34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Girona

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Girona.

  • The 11 tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $88
  • Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $91
  • Girona Evening Food Tour & Tapas Bar Experience: $95
  • The 11 Tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $96
  • Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Girona 24
    Sestri Levante 25

Tours and Activities in Girona

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Girona are as follows:

  • 2h Guided Kayak Tour on the Costa Brava: $44
  • Basic Dali Experience & Costa Brava from Girona or Palamos: $196
  • Cadaqués & Dalí House-Museum day trip from Girona (tickets included): $158
  • Dalí Museum and Costa Brava Small Group Tour from Girona: $152
  • E-ticket to Girona's Cathedral, Art Museum & S.t Feliu Church: $29
  • Entrance ticket to the Girona Art Museum: $6.54
  • Fábrica-Museo de Anchoas Solés Ticket: $7.74
  • From Dalí Museum and Girona Small Group Tour: $149
  • From Dalí Museum, Cadaqués and Creus Cape Tour: $149
  • Girona - Private Historic Walking Tour: $374
  • Girona Art Museum: Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket & Audio Guide: $6.42
  • Girona City Tour Self-guided Audio Tour on Your Phone (no ticket): $11

Tours and Activities in Sestri Levante

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sestri Levante.

  • Punta Manara Hiking Tour: $503

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Girona 9.69
    Sestri Levante 7.86

Sample the Local Flavors in Girona

Also in Girona, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Spanish Wine Tasting in the Costa Brava: $82
  • Local Wineries Tour with Breakfast and Wine Tasting: $149


When comparing the travel costs between Girona and Sestri Levante, we can see that Sestri Levante 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 Girona Expensive? and Is Sestri Levante Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Girona or Sestri Levante?

Girona has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Sestri Levante. When comparing the sizes of Girona 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.

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