A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ios vs. Sorrento for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Ios or Sorrento?

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

Should I visit Ios 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.

Ios

Ios is a backpacker-friendly, historical, and party-oriented island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Ios and Sorrento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ios or Sorrento?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sorrento. Although Ios and Sorrento are popular destinations, Sorrento has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sorrento is very popular for its food, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Ios attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Ios is famous for its party hard atmosphere that attracts a younger and rowdier crowd. Sorrento is famous 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.

How is Ios different from Sorrento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sorrento 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 Sorrento?

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

Ios is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Sorrento is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its 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.

Ios has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Is Ios or Sorrento Better for Nightlife?

Ios is renowned for nightlife. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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.

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.

Is Ios or Sorrento Better for Resorts?

Ios and Sorrento offer a relatively similar set of excellent luxury resort options.

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

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Sorrento. 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.

Is Ios or Sorrento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ios is a island with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Sorrento is a small city with minimal options for its diving and snorkeling.

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.

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.

Is Ios or Sorrento Better for Beaches?

Ios is renowned for its beaches. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

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.

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.

Is Ios or Sorrento Better for Hiking?

Sorrento is notable for the nearby hiking options. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its hiking trails.

Sorrento is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Many people include a hike when visiting 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Ios or Sorrento?

Sorrento is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

Sorrento is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

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.

Is Ios or Sorrento Better for Families?

Sorrento is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Ios is a mediocre island for its kid-friendly activities.

Sorrento is a very kid-friendly small city. 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.

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 Sorrento Better for Couples?

Sorrento is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit 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.

Ios makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Is Ios or Sorrento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ios and Sorrento are terrific destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Ios. 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.

A large number of backpackers visit Sorrento, as it is a very popular island for budget travelers. 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.

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

Both Ios and Sorrento offer excellent public transit options.

Ios has some very good public transit options. 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.

The public transit in Sorrento can get you to most places easily. 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 Ios or Sorrento a more walkable city?

Sorrento is notable 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.

Sorrento is a very walkable small city. The old town is fun to walk around and window shop, but bring good walking shoes as the area has a lot of hills.

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 Sorrento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sorrento or Ios?

How long in Ios or Sorrento?

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

Families should spend more time in Sorrento than Ios. 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 Ios. 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.

One day in Ios or Sorrento?

The beautiful island of Ios offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With food and shopping around the laid back destination of Sorrento, there's plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Ios or Sorrento?

Ios is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ios, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Many people visit Sorrento for a weekend. With shopping and nightlife around the relaxing small city of Sorrento, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Ios or Sorrento?

Ios 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Sorrento, there's plenty to do. Many people spend five days here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Ios or Sorrento?

Ios is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

Sorrento, a popular small city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for one week. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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 Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ios and Sorrento, we can see that Sorrento 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 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 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 Sorrento Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ios or Sorrento?

Sorrento has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Ios. When comparing the sizes of Ios 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.