A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint-Etienne vs. Sorrento for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Hiking

Should you visit Saint-Etienne or Sorrento?

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 Saint-Etienne and Sorrento. 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.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a undiscovered, authentic, and historic city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and museums.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a colorful, historic, and relaxing 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. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Saint-Etienne and Sorrento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint-Etienne or Sorrento?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sorrento. Although Saint-Etienne and Sorrento are popular destinations, Sorrento has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sorrento is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Etienne attracts visitors for its museums. Sorrento is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast. It is also well known for Marina Grande and Marina Piccola. Saint-Etienne is famous for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Saint-Etienne different from Sorrento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sorrento and Saint-Etienne. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint-Etienne or Sorrento?

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

Saint-Etienne is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Saint-Etienne or Sorrento? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sorrento is an amazing small city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Saint-Etienne or Sorrento Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is nice in both Saint-Etienne and Sorrento.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint-Etienne has a few options to choose from. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Sorrento. 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 Saint-Etienne or Sorrento Better for Resorts?

Sorrento is great for its luxury resorts. However, Saint-Etienne is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Sorrento to choose from. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a resort destination.

Is Saint-Etienne or Sorrento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sorrento is adequate for its diving and snorkeling. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint-Etienne or Sorrento Better for Beaches?

Sorrento is a good destination for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Sorrento offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Is Saint-Etienne or Sorrento Better for Hiking?

Sorrento is great for hiking. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for hiking. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Etienne or Sorrento?

Sorrento is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Saint-Etienne or Sorrento Better for Families?

Sorrento is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Sorrento is very family-friendly. 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.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Saint-Etienne or Sorrento Better for Couples?

Sorrento is an amazing small city to visit for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

Sorrento is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Saint-Etienne or Sorrento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sorrento is an amazing small city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Sorrento is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

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

Sorrento is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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.

Saint-Etienne has a few public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Saint-Etienne or Sorrento a more walkable city?

Sorrento is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

Sorrento is a very walkable small 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.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting? and Is Sorrento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sorrento or Saint-Etienne?

How long in Saint-Etienne or Sorrento?

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

Families should spend more time in Sorrento than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne or Sorrento?

The city of Saint-Etienne offers museums and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the laid back destination of Sorrento. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Saint-Etienne or Sorrento?

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sorrento. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Five days in Saint-Etienne or Sorrento?

Saint-Etienne 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the colorful destination of Sorrento. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This small city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Saint-Etienne or Sorrento?

Saint-Etienne 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 shopping and nightlife when visiting the beautiful small city of Sorrento. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint-Etienne and Sorrento, we can see that Sorrento is more expensive. And not only is Saint-Etienne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint-Etienne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint-Etienne 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 Sorrento would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sorrento than you might in Saint-Etienne.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Saint-Etienne Expensive? and Is Sorrento Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint-Etienne or Sorrento?

Saint-Etienne has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sorrento. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne or Sorrento?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Sorrento in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint-Etienne as well as Sorrento. Most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sorrento because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint-Etienne is generally around the same temperature as Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 22°C (71°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sorrento. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint-Etienne this time of the year. In the summer, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than Sorrento. Saint-Etienne gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 313 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets more rain in July than Sorrento. Saint-Etienne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Sorrento in the Autumn?

Both Sorrento and Saint-Etienne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sorrento this time of year.

Saint-Etienne is cooler than Sorrento in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Sorrento fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Saint-Etienne usually receives less sunshine than Sorrento during autumn. Saint-Etienne gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sorrento. In October, Saint-Etienne usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Saint-Etienne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Sorrento in the Winter?

Both Sorrento and Saint-Etienne during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sorrento for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Saint-Etienne in the winter. In the winter, Saint-Etienne is much colder than Sorrento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint-Etienne in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Sorrento averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than Sorrento. Saint-Etienne gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 115 hours of full sun.

Sorrento gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint-Etienne usually gets less rain in January than Sorrento. Saint-Etienne gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Sorrento in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Etienne and Sorrento. Many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sorrento in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Saint-Etienne is generally cooler than Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 11°C (53°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Saint-Etienne usually receives less sunshine than Sorrento during spring. Saint-Etienne gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint-Etienne usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Saint-Etienne gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sorrento and Saint-Etienne