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

Should you visit Pamplona or Sestri Levante?

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

Should I visit Pamplona or Sestri Levante? 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.

Pamplona

Pamplona is a elegant, laid-back, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a scenic, local, and quaint seaside town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food and beaches.

Pamplona and Sestri Levante: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pamplona or Sestri Levante?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pamplona. Although Pamplona and Sestri Levante are both popular with visitors, Pamplona has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pamplona is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Sestri Levante is known for its resorts, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Pamplona is more touristy than Sestri Levante and is popular for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. It is also home to The Running of the Bulls Festival. Sestri Levante is popular for its two bays and coastal setting.

How is Pamplona different from Sestri Levante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pamplona is a city with good options for its historical sights. However, Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pamplona. Although most people visit in July for the Running of the Bulls, throughout the year there are some interesting museums and sights around town. You can check out the Cathedral of Pamplona, the Museo de Navarra, and the main plaza in town, Plaza del Castillo.

Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Pamplona and Sestri Levante.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Pamplona. Local cuisine includes lots of fresh vegetables like mushrooms, artichokes, asparagus, and onion. You'll find many unique dishes in the area, and you shouldn't leave without trying the txistorra (sausage), revuelto de setas (eggs and mushrooms), and ajoarriero (cod).

Sestri Levante has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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 Pamplona or Sestri Levante Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Pamplona for the nightlife scene. There's a good sized university population that keeps the nightlife active around town. The Old Quarter is likely where you'll find the most going on, particularly around Calle San Nicolás and Calle Estafeta. Earlier in the evening the crowd is pretty young, but as the evening passes you'll find the crowd matures a bit.

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 Pamplona or Sestri Levante Better for Resorts?

Sestri Levante is a popular place for its resorts. However, Pamplona 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.

Pamplona is not a resort destination.

Is Pamplona or Sestri Levante Better for Beaches?

Sestri Levante is a popular place for the beache. However, Pamplona is not a beach destination.

Sestri Levante is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Pamplona is not a beach destination.

Is Pamplona or Sestri Levante Better for its Old Town?

Pamplona is a city with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Sestri Levante does not have a historic old town.

Pamplona has an old town worth visiting. You'll find elegant buildings and grand plazas around the Old Quarter.

Sestri Levante does not have a historic old town.

Is Pamplona or Sestri Levante Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Pamplona for the hiking trails. It's a stop off on the famed Camino de Santiago, so if you want to walk part of the route, this is a nice place to explore.

Sestri Levante is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pamplona or Sestri Levante?

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

Pamplona has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find some good markets around town. It's also fun to shop for local handicrafts or souvenirs to remember your trip by.

Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Pamplona or Sestri Levante Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Pamplona or Sestri Levante.

Pamplona is a family-friendly place to visit. The city is very green, with many parks and gardens where kids can stretch their legs. There's also the Pamplona Planetarium and several museums that relate to environmental education.

Sestri Levante is a family-friendly city. 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 Pamplona or Sestri Levante Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Pamplona and Sestri Levante make for a good place to visit.

Pamplona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Although it's most known for the Running of the Bulls in July, the city also has some interesting sights at other times of the year. Couples can walk around the city walls, or explore the many parks in town. There are also some interesting museums.

Sestri Levante is a good city 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 Pamplona or Sestri Levante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Pamplona. Backpackers are drawn to this city during July for the Running of the Bulls festival. It's also a stop along the Camino de Santiago, which brings in a young, budget-oriented crowd.

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 Pamplona or Sestri Levante Better for Students?

Pamplona is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Sestri Levante is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Pamplona. This is a quiet city, which appeals to some students. The laid back atmosphere makes it a nice place to relax and learn.

Sestri Levante is not popular with students.

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

Both Pamplona and Sestri Levante offer good public transit options.

Pamplona has a few public transit options. There's a comprehensive bus system around town.

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.

Is Pamplona or Sestri Levante a more walkable city?

Sestri Levante is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Pamplona is a very walkable destination. It's a stop off on the Camino de Santiago, so many people arrive on foot. It's also an easy city to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Sestri Levante or Pamplona?

How long in Pamplona or Sestri Levante?

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

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

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

One day in Pamplona or Sestri Levante?

In Pamplona, you'll find museums and nightlife. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Sestri Levante is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. 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 Pamplona or Sestri Levante?

Pamplona is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Sestri Levante is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this seaside town makes for a great vacation. 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 Pamplona or Sestri Levante?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pamplona. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Sestri Levante 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.

A week in Pamplona or Sestri Levante?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Pamplona. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 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 seaside town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Pamplona or Sestri Levante?

Pamplona has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sestri Levante. When comparing the sizes of Pamplona 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.