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

Should you visit Lagos 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 Lagos 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.

Lagos

Lagos is a dramatic, vibrant, and beautiful resort town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a quiet, scenic, and local seaside town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for food and beaches.

Lagos and Sestri Levante: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • 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
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as many resort options
  • Less attractive beach
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Lagos or Sestri Levante?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lagos than Sestri Levante, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lagos is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Sestri Levante is more popular for its small town charm. Lagos is more touristy than Sestri Levante and is popular for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. Also, Lagos is famous for Ponta da Piedade. Sestri Levante is well known for its two bays and coastal setting.

How is Lagos different from Sestri Levante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lagos
Sestri Levante

Both Lagos and Sestri Levante offer a number of very good restaurants to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Lagos makes for a great culinary experience. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

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.


Is Lagos or Sestri Levante Better for Nightlife?

Lagos
Sestri Levante

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

Many people head to Lagos for the nightlife scene. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

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 Lagos or Sestri Levante Better for Resorts?

Lagos
Sestri Levante

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

Lagos is a world class resort vacation destination. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

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 Lagos or Sestri Levante Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos
Sestri Levante

Lagos is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Sestri Levante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Lagos is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

Sestri Levante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Lagos or Sestri Levante Better for Beaches?

Lagos
Sestri Levante

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

Lagos is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

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 Lagos or Sestri Levante Better for Hiking?

Lagos
Sestri Levante

Lagos is great for hiking. However, Sestri Levante is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Lagos for the hiking trails. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

Sestri Levante is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lagos or Sestri Levante?

Lagos
Sestri Levante

Lagos is a resort town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Lagos has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Lagos or Sestri Levante Better for Families?

Lagos
Sestri Levante

Lagos is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its family-friendly activities.

Lagos is an extremely popular resort town to visit for families. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

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.

Is Lagos or Sestri Levante Better for Couples?

Lagos
Sestri Levante

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

Lagos is a great resort town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

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 Lagos or Sestri Levante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lagos
Sestri Levante

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

A large number of backpackers visit Lagos, as it is a very popular resort town for budget travelers. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy to meet other travelers.

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

Lagos
Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lagos is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Sestri Levante, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town can be explored on foot and there are buses and trains that can be used for day trips.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Is Lagos or Sestri Levante a more walkable city?

Lagos
Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a must-visit destination for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

Lagos is not a very walkable resort town. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

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

Should I spend more time in Sestri Levante or Lagos?

How long in Lagos or Sestri Levante?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Lagos or Sestri Levante?

In Lagos, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Even though Sestri Levante is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.


A weekend in Lagos or Sestri Levante?

Lagos is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sestri Levante. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Lagos or Sestri Levante?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lagos. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Sestri Levante is a fun place to experience. Sestri Levante is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lagos or Sestri Levante?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the resort town of Lagos. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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 you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Sestri Levante or Lagos?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Lagos is €118, 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 Lagos and Sestri Levante in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lagos 61
    Sestri Levante 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lagos 122
    Sestri Levante 150
Compare Hotels in Lagos and Sestri Levante

Looking for a hotel in Lagos 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 Lagos


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: Lagos Hotel Prices and Sestri Levante Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lagos 31
    Sestri Levante 56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lagos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lagos:

  • Private Transfer from Lisbon Airport Up to 8 pax: $494
  • Private Transfer: Lagos to Lisbon: $434
  • Private Transfer: Faro to Lisbon: $434
  • Private Transfer: Lagos to Seville: $380
  • Private Transfer: Faro/FAO to Seville: $326
  • Private Transfer from Vila do Bispo to Faro (FAO) Airport: $149
  • Private Transfer from Faro Airport Up to 8 passengers: $134
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer With Options To or From Lagos: $130
  • Faro Airport to/from Lagos/Private Transfer max 4 passengers: $119
  • Private Transfer to Faro Airport (60 min): $109
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to/from Monchique or Lagos: $104
  • Private Transfer from Lagos to Faro (FAO) Airport: $104

Is it cheaper to fly into Lagos or Sestri Levante?

Prices for flights to both Sestri Levante and Lagos 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
    Lagos 34
    Sestri Levante 34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lagos

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

  • Classic Food Tour - Lagos: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lagos 26
    Sestri Levante 25

Tours and Activities in Lagos

Here are a few actual costs in Lagos for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2-hour Kayak Tour of Ponta da Piedade Caves and Beaches: $44
  • 4x4 Off-road Algarve Natural Park West Coast Tour : $58
  • Adventure to the Benagil Caves on a Family Friendly Catamaran - Start at Lagos: $44
  • Algarve Private Tour: Sagres and Benagil from Lisbon: $847
  • Algarve: Aljezur, Arrifana, and Costa Vicentina Private Tour: $147
  • Algarve: Family photoshoot experience: $217
  • Algarve: Lagos Sightseeing guided Tour with e-bikes: $64
  • Algarve: Lagos sightseeing guided tour with E-bikes: $64
  • Boat Cruise to Algar de Benagil from Lagos: $39
  • Catamaran Cruise in Lagos: $43
  • Coast Cruise Trip to Ponta da Piedade from Lagos: $33
  • Coastal Tour 2H30M / Lagos / Grottos / Aqua Trampoline: $38

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
    Lagos 6.79
    Sestri Levante 7.86

Sample the Local Flavors in Lagos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lagos:

  • Lagos Wine Tasting and Tapas: $39
  • Small group Wine Tasting Tour from Lagos: $66
  • Small-Group Day Tour of Silves and Monchique with Wine Tasting: $87
  • Benagil Secrets: Jeep and Boat Tour with Wine Tasting: $105


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lagos and Sestri Levante, we can see that Sestri Levante is more expensive. And not only is Lagos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lagos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lagos 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 Lagos.

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


Which is Bigger, Lagos or Sestri Levante?

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