A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ios vs. Sestri Levante for Beaches, Backpackers, Food, and Resorts

Should you visit Ios or Sestri Levante?

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

Should I visit Ios or Sestri Levante? 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.

Ios

Ios is a backpacker-friendly, historical, and party-oriented island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a scenic, local, and quaint 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.

Ios and Sestri Levante: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ios or Sestri Levante?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ios. Although Ios and Sestri Levante are both popular with visitors, Ios has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ios is more popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Sestri Levante is known for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Ios is more touristy than Sestri Levante and is popular for its party hard atmosphere that attracts a younger and rowdier crowd. It is also home to Skarkos Archeological Site. Sestri Levante is popular for its two bays and coastal setting.

How is Ios different from Sestri Levante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ios is a island with good options for its historical sights. However, Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ios. If you can pull yourself away from the beaches or parties, there are a number of archaeological and historic sights around the island. Churches like Panayia Gremiotissa Church and Evangelisimos Cathedral are worth visiting. Other attractions include Odysseas Elytis Theatre, Homer’s Tomb, and Skarkos Hill.

Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Ios and Sestri Levante offer excellent local cuisine and restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Ios. Most of the island's restaurants are found in the port area or in the town of Chora, but you'll also find several options near Mylopotas Beach. Most restaurants offer typical Greek dishes, but they often have a local twist. You'll often find local cheeses or a slightly different take on an old favorite. Popular ingredients include cheese, yogurt, fish, olives, honey, olive oil, and grains. Common meats include lamb, beef, and even rabbit, but seafood is obviously popular as well.

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 Ios or Sestri Levante Better for Nightlife?

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

Ios is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. This is one of the quintessential party islands in Greece. Many young backpackers come here just to party, particularly during the summer months. You'll find many parties start around midnight or later and carry on well into the morning. Most of the clubs and bars are around the main square and nearby streets in Chora, but there are also clubs spread throughout the town. Outside of town, Mylopotas Beach is another popular party area.

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 Ios or Sestri Levante Better for Resorts?

Ios is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its resorts.

In Ios, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are a number of resort areas around the island with families preferring the areas around Yialos Beach and Manganari Beach. Partiers usually head to Chora and the great beaches near Mylopotas, but if you want to escape the crowds, head to Agia Theodoti.

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 Ios or Sestri Levante Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ios is a island with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Sestri Levante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Ios. There are some nice snorkeling and diving areas around the island as well as vendors who organize snorkeling and dive trips.

Sestri Levante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ios or Sestri Levante Better for Beaches?

Ios is renowned for the beach. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its beaches.

Ios is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The island has beautiful sandy beaches that range from family-friendly to party hard. There are popular and more developed beaches near Chora like Koumbara and Mylopotas as well as more relaxing beaches a little more removed like Kalamos and Manganari. Because of their striking beauty, the beaches around the island have been featured in a few films.

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.

Is Ios or Sestri Levante Better for Hiking?

Ios is a island with good options for hiking. However, Sestri Levante is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Ios. The island has a barren and rocky landscape that offers spectacular views. Many of the hikes are quite challenging, but there are a few options for beginners as well. Many also pass by the spectacular ruins around the island.

Sestri Levante is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ios or Sestri Levante?

Ios is a island with good options for its shopping areas. However, Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Ios has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of local souvenirs that you can pick up. Many visitors prefer to take home unique items such as a tin of olives or olive oil. Jewelry, honey, and local ceramics also make good gifts.

Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ios or Sestri Levante Better for Families?

Sestri Levante is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Ios is a mediocre island 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.

Ios is not always a place people visit with their families. While the island is known as one of the top party destinations in Greece, it also has a more cultural side. There are impressive archaeological ruins and stunning beaches that kids will enjoy. The island also has snorkeling and plenty of kid-friendly food. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are in Manganari Bay and Yialos Beach is a nice family-friendly area.

Is Ios or Sestri Levante Better for Couples?

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

Ios is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. Because it's so close to Santorini, many people visit as a day trip. While the island is synonymous with partying, there are still many world-class archaeological sites and romantic beaches that make for an active and fun honeymoon. It's a bit quieter outside of the peak summer months.

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 Ios or Sestri Levante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ios is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Ios, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. For many backpackers, partying in Ios is a quintessential European experience. Nights are spent at all night clubs or beach raves, while days are spent nursing a hangover on the beach. There are plenty of venues that cater to the budget crowd, with cheap food available at different places.

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

Ios is great 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.

The public transit in Ios can get you to most places easily. There are public buses that travel to most of the tourist sights around the island including several of the more remote beaches like Manganari and Agia Theodoti.

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 Ios or Sestri Levante a more walkable city?

Sestri Levante is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Sestri Levante on foot. There are pedestrian promenades and charming streets through town that are best explored on foot.

Ios is a somewhat walkable island. Chora is the most walkable part of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Sestri Levante or Ios?

How long in Ios or Sestri Levante?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ios and Sestri Levante. In our opinion, Ios has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Ios than Sestri Levante. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Ios or Sestri Levante?

In Ios, you'll find nightlife and food. Most people come for the beaches. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Sestri Levante is a small town with plenty to do. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Ios or Sestri Levante?

Ios is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many people visit Sestri Levante for a weekend. Sestri Levante might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Ios or Sestri Levante?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ios. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Because Sestri Levante is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. It offers something for everyone. 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.

A week in Ios or Sestri Levante?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the island of Ios. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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, a popular seaside town, is full of activities for travelers. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best 3-Day Tours in Greece, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Ios or Sestri Levante?

Sestri Levante has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ios. When comparing the sizes of Ios 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.