A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pamplona vs. Sorrento for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Nightlife

Should you visit Pamplona or Sorrento?

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

Should I visit Pamplona or Sorrento? 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 laid-back, historic, and elegant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a historic, relaxing, and accessible small city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Pamplona and Sorrento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pamplona or Sorrento?

Both Sorrento and Pamplona have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Pamplona is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and historical sights, while Sorrento attracts visitors for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty. Pamplona is famous for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. Sorrento is famous for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast.

How is Pamplona different from Sorrento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sorrento 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 Sorrento?

Pamplona is a city with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

Pamplona is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Sorrento is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Sorrento is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Pamplona has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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).

Is Pamplona or Sorrento Better for Nightlife?

Pamplona is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Pamplona know how to have a good time. 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.

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 Pamplona or Sorrento Better for Resorts?

Sorrento is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Pamplona is not a resort destination.

Sorrento is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Pamplona is not a resort destination.

Is Pamplona or Sorrento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sorrento is a moderate small city for its diving and snorkeling. However, Pamplona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Sorrento. There are snorkeling excursions that you can book in the area, but this is often an overlooked activity for many visitors.

Pamplona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pamplona or Sorrento Better for Beaches?

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

Sorrento is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Pamplona is not a beach destination.

Is Pamplona or Sorrento Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Pamplona to see the historical old town. You'll find elegant buildings and grand plazas around the Old Quarter.

Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

Is Pamplona or Sorrento Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Pamplona and Sorrento both have excellent trails.

Pamplona is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Sorrento. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Pamplona or Sorrento?

Sorrento is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

Sorrento is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

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.

Is Pamplona or Sorrento Better for Families?

Sorrento is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Sorrento is a very kid-friendly small 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.

Pamplona is a family-friendly city. 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.

Is Pamplona or Sorrento Better for Couples?

Sorrento is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Sorrento makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Pamplona is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Is Pamplona or Sorrento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sorrento is terrific for backpackers. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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.

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.

Is Pamplona or Sorrento Better for Students?

Pamplona is a city with good options for students. However, Sorrento is not popular with students.

Pamplona is popular with students. This is a quiet city, which appeals to some students. The laid back atmosphere makes it a nice place to relax and learn.

Sorrento is not popular with students.

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

Sorrento is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Sorrento can get you to some places easily. 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.

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

Is Pamplona or Sorrento a more walkable city?

Pamplona and Sorrento both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Pamplona is a very walkable city. 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.

Sorrento is a very walkable destination. 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 Pamplona Worth Visiting? and Is Sorrento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sorrento or Pamplona?

How long in Pamplona or Sorrento?

Both Pamplona 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 Pamplona. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Pamplona, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sorrento.

Families should spend more time in Sorrento than Pamplona. 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 Pamplona. 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.

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

One day in Pamplona or Sorrento?

The city of Pamplona offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The beautiful small city of Sorrento offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

A weekend in Pamplona or Sorrento?

Pamplona 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pamplona, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Sorrento is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Pamplona or Sorrento?

Pamplona 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.

Sorrento is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sorrento, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Pamplona or Sorrento?

Pamplona is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

Sorrento is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sorrento has to offer. This small city 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 Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Pamplona or Sorrento?

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

When is the best time to visit Pamplona or Sorrento?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Pamplona or Sorrento in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamplona and Sorrento. Many visitors come to Pamplona in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sorrento for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Pamplona is generally cooler than Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Pamplona average around 20°C (68°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sorrento this time of the year. In Pamplona, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pamplona usually receives less sunshine than Sorrento during summer. Pamplona gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pamplona usually receives more rain than Sorrento. Pamplona gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pamplona or Sorrento in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Pamplona as well as Sorrento. Most visitors come to Pamplona for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Sorrento because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Pamplona is around the same temperature as Sorrento in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pamplona averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Sorrento fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Pamplona often gets less sunshine than Sorrento. Pamplona gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sorrento. Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pamplona usually gets more rain in October than Sorrento. Pamplona gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pamplona or Sorrento in the Winter?

Both Sorrento and Pamplona are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Sorrento this time of year.

In the winter, Pamplona is around the same temperature as Sorrento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pamplona in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Sorrento averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Pamplona usually receives less sunshine than Sorrento during winter. Pamplona gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sorrento. It's quite rainy in Pamplona. In January, Pamplona usually receives more rain than Sorrento. Pamplona gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pamplona or Sorrento in the Spring?

Both Sorrento and Pamplona during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sorrento for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Pamplona is generally around the same temperature as Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Pamplona average around 12°C (54°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Pamplona often gets less sunshine than Sorrento. Pamplona gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. Pamplona usually gets more rain in April than Sorrento. Pamplona gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sorrento and Pamplona