Which place is cheaper, Sorrento or Madrid?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Madrid or Sorrento?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Madrid and Sorrento 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.
Madrid
Madrid is a cultural, diverse, and compact city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.
Sorrento
Sorrento is a laid back, colorful, and historic small city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches.
Madrid and Sorrento: Pros and Cons
Madrid
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Big city activities
Sorrento
Pros- Active nightlife
- Nice resorts
- Good scuba and snorkeling destination
- Popular beach
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
Is there more to do in Madrid or Sorrento?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Madrid. Although Madrid and Sorrento are both popular with visitors, Madrid has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Madrid is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Sorrento is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Madrid is popular for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. It is also home to The Prado Museum. Sorrento is popular for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast.
How is Madrid different from Sorrento?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sorrento and Madrid. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Madrid or Sorrento?
Madrid
Sorrento
Madrid is a city with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.
Madrid is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of cultural sights in the city including Museo Nacional del Prado, the Royal Palace and Gardens, and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.
Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.
Is the Food Better in Madrid or Sorrento? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Madrid
Sorrento
There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at world-class restaurants in both Madrid and Sorrento.
Many restaurants in Madrid have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a mix of flavors that come from all of Spain. There are amazing markets where you can grab a meal or snack. There are also many high quality restaurants around town where you're guaranteed a good meal. Local favorites include roast suckling pig, Spanish omelette, and meat and chickpea stew.
Eat your way through Sorrento, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.
Is Madrid or Sorrento Better for Nightlife?
Madrid
Sorrento
Madrid is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.
The people in Madrid know how to have a good time. Many tourists and international students hang out in the Huertas area, while Malasaña has a bohemian, hipster vibe with small clubs that play indie music. Chueca is a fun area that's known for being gay-friendly with many good bars. Finally, you'll find that the area around Avenida de Brasil is where famous DJs often perform.
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 Madrid or Sorrento Better for Music?
Madrid
Sorrento
Madrid is renowned for live music. However, Sorrento is not a live music destination.
Madrid is a world class music destination. Rock, jazz, and flamenco are all popular in the city. Some of the most well known music venues include Sala Caracol, Sala Clamores, and Costello Club.
Sorrento is not a live music destination.
Is Madrid or Sorrento Better for Resorts?
Madrid
Sorrento
Sorrento is a great small city for its luxury resorts. However, Madrid is not a resort destination.
In Sorrento, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.
Madrid is not a resort destination.
Is Madrid or Sorrento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Madrid
Sorrento
Sorrento is adequate for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Madrid is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
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.
Madrid is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Madrid or Sorrento Better for Beaches?
Madrid
Sorrento
Sorrento is a small city with good options for its beaches. However, Madrid is not a beach destination.
Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Sorrento. 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.
Madrid is not a beach destination.
Is Madrid or Sorrento Better for Hiking?
Madrid
Sorrento
Sorrento is a great small city for hiking. However, Madrid is not a hiking destination.
Many visitors go to Sorrento for the hiking trails. 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.
Madrid is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Madrid or Sorrento?
Madrid
Sorrento
Madrid is renowned for shopping. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.
Madrid is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Gran Vía is a main thoroughfare in Madrid that is also popular for shopping. Calle Fuencarral is where you'll find the fashion shops and Calle Preciados is a fun pedestrian area to explore.
Sorrento is well-known for its shopping. 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.
Is Madrid or Sorrento Better for Families?
Madrid
Sorrento
Both Madrid and Sorrento are great to visit with kids.
Madrid is a very family-friendly destination. Kids love splashing around at Madrid Río, taking a ride on the cable car (Teleférico), and exploring the city's many parks and playgrounds. There's even a maze at Sabatini Gardens. Restaurants around the city are also very kid-friendly.
Sorrento is a very kid-friendly 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.
Is Madrid or Sorrento Better for Couples?
Madrid
Sorrento
Sorrento is renowned for romance. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.
Sorrento is a great small city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.
Madrid is a very popular place to visit for couples. Fun and romantic activities around town include taking a boat ride at Casa de Campo, riding a bike in one of the many parks, and enjoy dinner and show in the evening.
Is Madrid or Sorrento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Madrid
Sorrento
Sorrento is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.
Many backpackers frequent Sorrento. 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.
Madrid is a great city to visit for backpackers. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.
Is Madrid or Sorrento Better for Students?
Madrid
Sorrento
Madrid is renowned for students. However, Sorrento is not popular with students.
Madrid is a very popular city for students. With several great universities, this city is popular with international and study abroad students. The city also has a diverse population and an active nightlife that appeals to students.
Sorrento is not popular with students.
Is Madrid or Sorrento Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Madrid
Sorrento
Madrid is renowned for its public transit. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.
Madrid has a great public transit system. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.
Sorrento has some very good public transit options. 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 Madrid or Sorrento a more walkable city?
Madrid
Sorrento
Madrid is renowned for its walkability. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.
Getting around Madrid on foot is easy. Most tourists stay in the central part of Madrid where it's compact and relatively easy to walk to most tourist sights.
Sorrento is a very walkable 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.
For even more information, also check out Is Madrid Worth Visiting? and Is Sorrento Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Sorrento or Madrid?
How long in Madrid or Sorrento?
Both Madrid 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 Madrid. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Madrid, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sorrento.
Families should spend more time in Sorrento than Madrid. 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 Madrid. 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.
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How many days in Madrid or Sorrento? Ideal Length of StayMadrid 2-5Sorrento 3-7
One day in Madrid or Sorrento?
Madrid is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Sorrento. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in Madrid or Sorrento?
Madrid is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Madrid, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
Sorrento is a great place to explore. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Five days in Madrid or Sorrento?
Madrid is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Madrid, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sorrento. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
A week in Madrid or Sorrento?
Madrid is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.
Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the accessible destination of Sorrento. This small city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMadrid €136Sorrento €140
The average daily cost (per person) in Madrid is €136, while the average daily cost in Sorrento is €140. 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 Madrid and Sorrento in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMadrid €77Sorrento €90
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMadrid €154Sorrento €180
Compare Hotels in Madrid and Sorrento
Looking for a hotel in Madrid or Sorrento? 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.
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: Madrid Hotel Prices and Sorrento Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Madrid €19Sorrento €7.56
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:
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Taxi Ride€26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid
Also for Madrid, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private One-Way Transfer to OR from Madrid Airport with private pick up: $77
- Arrival Private Transfer Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid City by Van: $71
- Arrival Private Transfer by Business Car from MAD Airport to Madrid: $53
- Arrival Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Private Car: $80
- Arrival Transfer: Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Business Car: $80
- Departure Private Transfer Madrid to MAD Airport in a Minibus: $137
- Departure Transfer from Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Private Car: $80
- Departure Transfer from Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Private Van: $87
- Departure Transfer: Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Luxury Van: $87
- From Madrid Airport: 1-Way Private Hotel Transfer: $80
- From Hot Air Balloon over Segovia with Transfer: $262
- Hotel Madrid City Private Transfer To Madrid Barajas Airport: $26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Sorrento
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Sorrento are as follows:
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Local Bus Ticket€4.20
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Ferry to Capri (Round Trip)€35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sorrento
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sorrento:
- Transfer to Naples with Herculaneum Guided Tour: $404
- Transfer to Naples with Guided Tour of Pompeii: $404
- Private transfer from Sorrento to Rome: $281
- Private Transfer from Sorrento to Amalfi: $251
- Transfer Naples airport/station to Sorrento with stop in Pompeii: $240
- Naples: Private transfer to Sorrento one way: $235
- Naples Airport (NAP): Private One-Way Transfer from Sorrento: $235
- Private Transfer by Minivan from Sorrento to Naples Airport, Train Station, Port: $235
- Sorrento to Fiumucino Rome Airport (FCO) - Departure Private Transfer: $224
- Private Transfer by Car from Sorrento to Ravello or from Ravello to Sorrento: $218
- Private transfer from Sorrento to Naples: $218
- Private Airport Transfer from Sorrento to Naples Station: $218
Is it cheaper to fly into Madrid or Sorrento?
Prices for flights to both Sorrento and Madrid 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
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Food Meals for one dayMadrid €34Sorrento €38
Typical Food Prices in Madrid
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:
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Coffee€2.00
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Ice Cream€3.00
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Kebabs (for 2)€16
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Croissant€1.50
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Lunch at Airport (for 2)€16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Madrid
For Madrid, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Tipsy Tapas Food Tour with Drinks and Food: $27
- Drunken Tapas Food Tour with Dinner in Madrid: $33
- Tapas Dinner Party Food Tour with Guide: $33
- Tapas Crawl Food Tour with 6 Tapas and 4 Drinks: $35
- Madrid Tipsy Tapas Guided Food Tour with Dinner: $42
- Madrid Tipsy Tapas Tour with Dinner and Drinks: $43
- Madrid Tapas Dinner Party with Guide: $43
- Paella and Sangria Workshop with Dinner and Drinks: $47
- Skip the Line: Flamenco Show with Dinner and Workshop in Madrid Ticket: $49
- San Miguel Market and Street Food Tour: $52
- Traditional Paella & Sangría Workshop & Spanish Dinner in Madrid: $53
- The Authentic Morning Madrid's Food Tour: $59
Typical Food Prices in Sorrento
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sorrento:
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Pizza€6.00
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Sitdown Dinner (for Two)€43
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Casual Lunch (for Two)€21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sorrento
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sorrento.
- Private Virtual Cooking Class from Sorrento : $33
- Amalfi Coast Cooking Class and Wine Tasting: $48
- Sorrento Art & Food Tour on Breathless 'Views Village: $50
- Pizza Making Class at Tirabusciò Cooking School: $64
- Pizza Making Class: $64
- Sorrento Pizza Making: $65
- Pizza Making Course: $70
- Dinner in Sorrento with Love, Laugh and Spaghetti: $70
- Pizza School Experience from Sorrento: $71
- Farm Visit with Pizza Lesson, Wine, and Limoncello: $75
- Pizza School with Wine and Limoncello Tasting in a Local Farm: $76
- Private Cooking Class in Sant'Agnello: $76
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Madrid €34Sorrento €33
Tours and Activities in Madrid
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
- Madrid Essential: Free Walking City Tour: $1.07
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Madrid Mountains Free Walking Tour: $3.27
- History & Culture Guided Walking Tour: $4.28
- Escape Game and Tour: $4.28
- 2 Hour Madrid Walking Tour : $4.36
- Wonders of Madrid Walking Tour : $4.36
- Wonders of Madrid Walking Tour: $5.35
- Marvels of Madrid Walking Tour: $5.35
- Madrid Old Town & Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $5.35
- Ticket Entrance to the Madrid Nougat Museum: $5.35
- Wonders of Madrid City Walking Tour: $5.35
Typical Entertainment Prices in Sorrento
Here are a few typical costs in Sorrento for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Chair & Umbrella at Beach€10
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Bike Rental (24 Hours)€20
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Scuba Diving (Single Dive)€45
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Blue Mini Cruise€22
Tours and Activities in Sorrento
Here are a few actual costs in Sorrento for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- All inclusive Herculaneum Skip the Line Tour From Sorrento: $115
- Positano, Amalfi and Ravello Small-Group Tour From Sorrento: $130
- 2-Hour Private Guided Walking Tour of Sorrento : $199
- 3 Hour Walking Tour of Sorrento with Local Food Tasting: $39
- 3 Hours Guided Boat Tour for Small Groups on the Island of Capri: $164
- 3 hours Private Capri Boat Tour : $239
- 8 Hour Tour of Capri and Anacapri: $66
- AMALFI COAST FULL DAY PRIVATE TOUR ON ALLEGRA21: $1,390
- AMALFI COAST FULL DAY PRIVATE TOUR ON SAVER HARD TOP: $2,299
- Amalfi Boat Tour From Sorrento with Positano Trip: $152
- Amalfi Coast Boat Tour: $206
- Amalfi Coast Boat Tour From Sorrento: $166
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMadrid €20Sorrento €8.72
Typical Alcohol Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Madrid are as follows:
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Beer€5.00
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Drinks and Tapas (for 2)€13
Sample the Local Flavors in Madrid
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Madrid:
- Pub Crawl with Tapas and VIP Club Entry: $9.62
- Madrid Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entrance: $11
- Visit to the Winery with Wine Tasting and Appetizers in Navarra: $12
- Pub crawl & Party Tour Madrid: $14
- Pub Crawl Madrid Running since 2005 Bar Exploration: $16
- Guided Pub Crawl Madrid Experience and Club Entry: $16
- Pub Crawl Madrid-The Original since 2005-Shots-Fun-Clubs-Dance: $16
- Pub Crawl Madrid: $19
- Wine Tasting near Plaza Mayor: $22
- Wine Tasting Experience with 4 Spanish Wines: $26
- Wine Tour with tasting in the Natural Park of La Mata: $38
- Wine Tasting Experience: $49
Typical Alcohol Prices in Sorrento
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Sorrento are as follows:
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Bottle of Wine€11
Sample the Local Flavors in Sorrento
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sorrento:
- Walking Tour Wine Tasting and Typical Products in Sorrento Farm: $71
- Campania wine tasting with traditional foods: $75
- Sorrento Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $97
- Sorrento Farm and Food Experience including Olive Oil, Limoncello, Wine tasting : $98
- Small Group Sorrento Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $104
- From Mount Vesuvius Tour with Lunch & Wine Tasting: $107
- Wine Tasting Including Lunch: $108
- Lemon, Olive Oil and Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $109
- From Full-Day Pompeii & Wine Tasting Tour: $136
- Full Day Small Group Pompeii Tour from Sorrento with Local Wine Tasting: $139
- Pompeii Guided Tour & Wine tasting + Easy lunch: $185
- Guided Tour of Pompei and Wine Tasting from Sorrento: $205
When comparing the travel costs between Madrid and Sorrento, we can see that Sorrento 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 Madrid Expensive? and Is Sorrento Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Madrid or Sorrento?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Sorrento. When comparing the sizes of Madrid 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.