A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kalampaka (Meteora) vs. Sestri Levante for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Kalampaka (Meteora) 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) 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.

Kalampaka (Meteora)

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a dramatic, historic, and spiritual destination. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

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.

Kalampaka (Meteora) and Sestri Levante: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Sestri Levante?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kalampaka (Meteora). Although Kalampaka (Meteora) and Sestri Levante are both popular with visitors, Kalampaka (Meteora) has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kalampaka (Meteora) is more popular for its museums, while Sestri Levante is known for its food, resorts, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Kalampaka (Meteora) is more touristy than Sestri Levante and is known for its striking beauty, spiritual setting, and other-worldly rock formations. It is also home to The Meteora Monasteries. Sestri Levante is popular for its two bays and coastal setting.

How is Kalampaka (Meteora) different from Sestri Levante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Sestri Levante?

Kalampaka (Meteora)
Sestri Levante

Kalampaka (Meteora) is renowned for its historical sights. However, Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Kalampaka (Meteora) has many famous sights for visitors. The Meteora monasteries are an impressive spiritual site that are set against a dramatic rock formation. They date back centuries, and, of the original 24 monasteries, there are 6 that are currently open to the public. Several have museums and many people prefer to visit as a guided tour.

Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Sestri Levante? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kalampaka (Meteora)
Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Sestri Levante has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Kalampaka (Meteora) area. In town you'll find some authentic Greek restaurants. The dishes are local, and very different from the seafood based cuisine that is found along the coast. Instead, many dishes involve meatballs or stew and are slow cooked with rich flavors.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Sestri Levante Better for Nightlife?

Kalampaka (Meteora)
Sestri Levante

Neither Kalampaka (Meteora) or Sestri Levante offer decent nightlife.

Kalampaka (Meteora) doesn't offer many options. This is a spiritual destination where nightlife is not encouraged. There are some cafes in town that turn into bars at night and play relaxing music in a mellow setting. These can be found near the central square.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Sestri Levante. 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) or Sestri Levante Better for Resorts?

Kalampaka (Meteora)
Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) 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.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a resort destination.


Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Sestri Levante Better for Beaches?

Kalampaka (Meteora)
Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a good destination for the beache. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) 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.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a beach destination.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Sestri Levante Better for Families?

Kalampaka (Meteora)
Sestri Levante

Both Kalampaka (Meteora) and Sestri Levante are good family-friendly destinations.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a family-friendly destination. There are six monasteries of Meteora that will fascinate older children. There are also several museums affiliated with the monasteries including a Folklore Museum as well as spectacular views over the oddly shaped rock mountains.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Sestri Levante. 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) or Sestri Levante Better for Couples?

Kalampaka (Meteora)
Sestri Levante

Kalampaka (Meteora) and Sestri Levante both good destinations for a couple.

Kalampaka (Meteora) makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The setting is beautiful and unique, and its an interesting and fascinating place to visit as a couple.

Sestri Levante is a good destination for couples to visit. 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) or Sestri Levante Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kalampaka (Meteora)
Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Kalampaka (Meteora). While there is a bus service, many people prefer to explore the six monasteries with their own car or scooter. You could also hire a taxi to take you to and from. Alternatively, there are organized tours that will provide transportation as part of the package.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Sestri Levante a more walkable city?

Kalampaka (Meteora)
Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is terrific for its high level of walkability. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is lacking in good options 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.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is generally not very walkable. There are walking trails in the area but most people need access to a vehicle, whether its a rental car, scooter, taxi, or bus.

For even more information, also check out Is Kalampaka (Meteora) Worth Visiting? and Is Sestri Levante Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sestri Levante or Kalampaka (Meteora)?

How long in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Sestri Levante?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kalampaka (Meteora) and Sestri Levante. In our opinion, Sestri Levante has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Sestri Levante than Kalampaka (Meteora). In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kalampaka (Meteora), and 1-3 days is enough time in Sestri Levante.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sestri Levante than Kalampaka (Meteora) 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 Sestri Levante.


  • How many days in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Sestri Levante? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kalampaka (Meteora) 2-3 
    Sestri Levante 1-3

One day in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Sestri Levante?

In Kalampaka (Meteora), you'll find museums and food. 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) or Sestri Levante?

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. 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. 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) or Sestri Levante?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kalampaka (Meteora). It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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. 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) or Sestri Levante?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Kalampaka (Meteora). Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Greece, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Greece, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Sestri Levante or Kalampaka (Meteora)?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kalampaka (Meteora) is €134, 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) and Sestri Levante in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kalampaka (Meteora) 65
    Sestri Levante 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kalampaka (Meteora) 130
    Sestri Levante 150
Compare Hotels in Kalampaka (Meteora) and Sestri Levante

Looking for a hotel in Kalampaka (Meteora) 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 Kalampaka (Meteora)


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: Sestri Levante Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kalampaka (Meteora) 37
    Sestri Levante 56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kalampaka (Meteora)

Also for Kalampaka (Meteora), here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer From Kalabaka - Meteora To Athens: $274
  • Meteora Small Group Hiking tour with Transfer and Monastery Visit: $43

Is it cheaper to fly into Kalampaka (Meteora) or Sestri Levante?

Prices for flights to both Sestri Levante and Kalampaka (Meteora) 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
    Kalampaka (Meteora) 39
    Sestri Levante 34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kalampaka (Meteora) 44
    Sestri Levante 25

Tours and Activities in Kalampaka (Meteora)

For Kalampaka (Meteora), here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Meteora All Monasteries Tour with Photo Stops: $41
  • Meteora Sunset E-Bike Tour: $44
  • 3-Hour Hiking and Scramble Guided Tour of Great Saint in Meteora: $82
  • 4-Hour Tour Morning Highlights of Meteora on E-Bike: $43
  • 4-hours Monasteries Tour: $44
  • Amazing Morning Meteora Monasteries Tour: $44
  • Breath-taking Meteora Sunset Tour: $44
  • Discover Meteora's Monastic Heritage: Personalized Private Tour: $240
  • Golden Sunrise Meteora Private Photo Tour: $147
  • Half-Day Meteora Cultural Tour from Kalambaka train station: $47
  • Hiking Tour to Meteora from Kalambaka - Local Agency: $49
  • Kalambaka's Train Station: Meteora Monasteries Tour with Lunch: $52

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
    Kalampaka (Meteora) 11
    Sestri Levante 7.86

Sample the Local Flavors in Kalampaka (Meteora)

Also in Kalampaka (Meteora), these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Meteora Private Guided Wine Tasting Experience from Kalampaka : $76


When comparing the travel costs between Kalampaka (Meteora) 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) Expensive? and Is Sestri Levante Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kalampaka (Meteora) or Sestri Levante?

Sestri Levante has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kalampaka (Meteora). When comparing the sizes of Kalampaka (Meteora) 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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