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

Should you visit Kos or Sestri Levante?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kos and Sestri Levante can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Kos

Kos is a ancient, cultural, and party-hard island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a relaxing, quiet, and scenic 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. Other reasons to visit include food and beaches.

Kos and Sestri Levante: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less attractive beach
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Kos or Sestri Levante?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kos than Sestri Levante, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kos is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Sestri Levante is more popular for its small town charm. Kos is well known for its sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water. Also, Kos is famous for Asklepieion Archeological Site. Sestri Levante is well known for its two bays and coastal setting.

How is Kos different from Sestri Levante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kos
Sestri Levante

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

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Kos has many famous sights for visitors. The small island is packed with archaeological sites and interesting history. Famous places worth visiting include the ruins of Asklepion, the ancient Agora, Roman Odeon, Neratzia Castle, and so many more!

Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Kos
Sestri Levante

Kos is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Kos have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The cuisine relies heavily on locally harvested ingredients with many dishes featuring cheese, seafood, vegetables, olive oil, and potatoes. The dishes are influenced by Italian and Turkish cuisines and common dishes include moussaka, souvlaki and tzatziki. Popular seafood options are prawns, squid, lobster and octopus. A great way to enjoy a sampling of local dishes is to visit an ouzeri, which is a Greek taverna that serves mezza style meals with small dishes that you can share.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Sestri Levante makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Kos or Sestri Levante Better for Nightlife?

Kos
Sestri Levante

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

Many people head to Kos for the nightlife scene. For such a small island you'll find a huge party scene during the peak summer months. There are almost nightly parties, beach raves, and late night clubs throughout the summer months. The bars and clubs are mostly concentrated around a couple of streets in the center of Kos Town, but Kardamena is also a lively party area. It's popular with British tourists who head here for the all-night clubs.

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 Kos or Sestri Levante Better for Resorts?

Kos
Sestri Levante

If luxury resorts are your style, both Kos and Sestri Levante have notable options.

Kos has a handful of resorts to choose from. It's a smaller island and there aren't as many resorts here as there are on some of the larger Greek islands. Some of the best resort areas include Lamp and Psalidi to the northwest, Tigaki on the west coast (a good option for families), as well as Mastihari and Marmari which both have relaxed atmospheres. The younger crowd often hangs out around Kardemena on the east coast.

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.


Is Kos or Sestri Levante Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kos
Sestri Levante

Kos is renowned for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Sestri Levante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Kos is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are countless snorkeling sports around the island where you can immerse yourself in the undersea world. Popular snorkeling areas include Camel Beach and Limnionas Beach. Make sure you understand the water conditions before heading into the water.

Sestri Levante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kos or Sestri Levante Better for Beaches?

Kos
Sestri Levante

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

Kos is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches, many of which are sandy with various shades of color. There are touristy beaches with plenty of amenities as well as less frequented beaches that offer a quieter and more remote atmosphere. Some of the most visited beaches on the island include Agios Stefanos, Kardamena, Kefalos and Lambi while some of the more peaceful areas are Cavo Paradiso and Helona Beach.

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 Kos or Sestri Levante Better for Hiking?

Kos
Sestri Levante

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

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Kos. This is a great walking island with a number of easy walks or hikes that take you along the coastline or through interesting landscapes.

Sestri Levante is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Kos or Sestri Levante?

Kos
Sestri Levante

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

Kos has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of traditional items that you can pick up while you're in town. Fun souvenirs include jewelry, leather items, and perfumes.

Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kos or Sestri Levante Better for Families?

Kos
Sestri Levante

Both Kos and Sestri Levante are notable to visit with kids.

Kos is a family-friendly island. It's comparable to other Greek islands when it comes to kids' activities. Kos Town can get a bit lively at night so if you want to avoid the party crowds, then those areas are easily avoided. Popular activities include exploring ancient ruins, going to the Kos Archaeological Museum, visiting The Castle of the Knights, and of course, hanging out at the beach. One of the best family-friendly resort areas is Tigaki along the west coast.

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 Kos or Sestri Levante Better for Couples?

Kos
Sestri Levante

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

Kos is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. This small island offers beautiful beaches and plenty of ancient ruins to explore. Kos Town is where you'll find the liveliest atmosphere but for some of the best resorts you'll want to stay in one of the resort suburbs like Lampi or Psalidi.

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 Kos or Sestri Levante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kos
Sestri Levante

Kos is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Kos. It's a small island but has a few hostels and a variety of apartments available for rent. Despite its small size, there are areas where you'll want to have a car if you wish to explore, but if you stay in town you'll find getting around fairly easy. The island attracts its share of young travelers and you'll find plenty of people to hang out with.

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

Kos
Sestri Levante

Kos 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 Kos can get you to most places easily. Buses connect many of the tourist destinations including beaches, cultural sights, are resort areas.

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 Kos or Sestri Levante a more walkable city?

Kos
Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is very popular for its walkability. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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.

Kos is a very walkable island. It's small size means it's possible to explore parts of the island on foot or bicycle. There are some beautiful walks on the island, but some areas will require a car or bus.


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

Should I spend more time in Sestri Levante or Kos?

How long in Kos or Sestri Levante?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kos and Sestri Levante. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kos than in Sestri Levante. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Kos, and 1-3 days is enough time in Sestri Levante.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Kos or Sestri Levante? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kos 2-5 
    Sestri Levante 1-3

One day in Kos or Sestri Levante?

In Kos, you'll find nightlife and food. Most people come for the beaches. 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. 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 Kos or Sestri Levante?

Kos is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Kos or Sestri Levante?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kos. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Kos or Sestri Levante?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the island of Kos. 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 2-Week Tours from Athens, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Greece, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Sestri Levante or Kos?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kos 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 Kos and Sestri Levante in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kos 62
    Sestri Levante 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kos 124
    Sestri Levante 150
Compare Hotels in Kos and Sestri Levante

Looking for a hotel in Kos 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 Kos


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: Kos Hotel Prices and Sestri Levante Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kos 37
    Sestri Levante 56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kos

Also for Kos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private arrival Transfer from Kos Airport to any resort in the island: $85
  • Kos Airport to Kos Hotels Private One–Way Transfer: $65
  • Departure transfer to Kos Airport : $64
  • Arrival transfer from Kos Airport : $64
  • Arrival Transfer From Kos Airport : $61
  • Private Transfer Kos Airport to Kos Town: $60
  • Kos Hotels to Kos Airport Private One–Way Transfer: $60
  • Kalymnos, Pserimos & Plati Island Cruise with Hotel Transfer: $60
  • Artemis Hamam and Spa with Hotel Transfers Kos Island: $59
  • Kos - Airport Private Transfer: $55
  • Kos Town: Kalymnos & Pserimos Day Cruise & Optional Transfer: $30
  • Catamaran Ferry Transfer to/from Bodrum and Kos : $28

Is it cheaper to fly into Kos or Sestri Levante?

Prices for flights to both Sestri Levante and Kos 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
    Kos 43
    Sestri Levante 34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kos

For Kos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Greek Dinner with Music, Dancing, and Unlimited Wine: $43
  • Tavern Dinner Experience with Greek Dancing and Wine: $66
  • Kos Cooking Classes by Mama Contessa: $87
  • Private Greek Cooking Class in Kos with Lunch: $89
  • Sunset Safari Tour with Dinner: $97
  • Private Cooking Class in Kos, Local Recipes: $98
  • Half Day Wine Tasting with Dinner in Kos: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kos 33
    Sestri Levante 25

Tours and Activities in Kos

For Kos, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Dory's Glass Bottom Boat Adventure in Pserimos and Pserimos Beach: $30
  • From Boat Tour to the Volcanic Island of Nisyros: $38
  • From Cruise to Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Plati with Lunch: $41
  • From Kalymnos, Pserimos and Plati Day Cruise: $33
  • From Nissyros guided island tour and volcano: $58
  • From Pserimos Island Snorkeling Cruise by Diving Boat: $54
  • From Zia Sunset Tour: $27
  • From the Port of Full Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands: $33
  • Full Day 3-Island Boat Cruise from Port of Kos: $39
  • Full Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands with optional pickup: $33
  • Full-Day 3 Island Cruise Tour in Kos Island: $37
  • Full-Day Tour to Nisyros The Volcano Island: $33

Tours and Activities in Sestri Levante

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

  • Punta Manara Hiking Tour: $510

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kos 19
    Sestri Levante 7.86

Sample the Local Flavors in Kos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kos:

  • Wineries Tour w/ Wine Tastings, Lunch & Transportation: $60
  • Kos Island: Wine Tasting & Zia Village Visit for Sunset: $152


When comparing the travel costs between Kos 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 Kos Expensive? and Is Sestri Levante Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kos or Sestri Levante?

Kos has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Sestri Levante. When comparing the sizes of Kos 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.