A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santiago de Compostela vs. Sestri Levante for Food, Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Santiago de Compostela or Sestri Levante?

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

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela 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.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a iconic, historic, and religious city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a scenic, local, and quaint 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. And you can't forget about the food and beaches.

Santiago de Compostela and Sestri Levante: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santiago de Compostela or Sestri Levante?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santiago de Compostela. Although Santiago de Compostela and Sestri Levante are both popular with visitors, Santiago de Compostela has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santiago de Compostela is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, and shopping, while Sestri Levante is known for its resorts, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Sestri Levante and is popular for its classic old town, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and its significance as the culmination point for the Camino de Santiago. It is also home to the Cathedral of Santiago. Sestri Levante is popular for its two bays and coastal setting.

How is Santiago de Compostela different from Sestri Levante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santiago de Compostela or Sestri Levante?

Santiago de Compostela is renowned for its historical sights. However, Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Santiago de Compostela has many famous sights for visitors. The iconic Cathedral of Santiago has long attracted pilgrims and travelers from around Europe and the world. The spectacular sight includes a museum and the crypt and tomb of Saint James. Another interesting sight in town is the former hostel for pilgrims, the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos. Also make sure you visit Plaza del Obradoiro and the Galician Center of Contemporary Art.

Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Santiago de Compostela or Sestri Levante? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Santiago de Compostela and Sestri Levante.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Santiago de Compostela. Galician food has plenty of fresh seafood, lots of local beef, and regional vegetables that are seasonal and locally grown. Make sure you try the polbo á feira (boiled octopus), pimientos de padrón (fried green peppers), and steamed mussels.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Sestri Levante Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Santiago de Compostela for the nightlife scene. As a university city, much of the nightlife is created by the student population. You'll find a lot of bars around Rúa de Santiago de Chile and Rúa de San Pedro de Mezonzo as well as along Rúa do Franco.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Sestri Levante Better for Resorts?

Sestri Levante is a popular place for its resorts. However, Santiago de Compostela 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.

Santiago de Compostela is not a resort destination.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Sestri Levante Better for Beaches?

Sestri Levante is a popular place for the beache. However, Santiago de Compostela 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.

Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Sestri Levante Better for its Old Town?

Santiago de Compostela is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Sestri Levante does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Santiago de Compostela is one of the most recognized in the world. The old town reflects the city's importance in the Christian religion. There are Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings that draw Christian pilgrims from around the world.

Sestri Levante does not have a historic old town.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Sestri Levante Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is renowned for hiking. However, Sestri Levante is not a hiking destination.

Around Santiago de Compostela visitors will find world-class hiking trails. This small city is the culmination point for the famed Camino de Santiago. The 780 kilometer route is followed by pilgrims and travelers who seek enlightenment or adventure. Hikers travel both independently or as part of organized tours.

Sestri Levante is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santiago de Compostela or Sestri Levante?

Santiago de Compostela is great for its shopping areas. However, Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Santiago de Compostela. There are local markets, souvenir shops, and boutiques where you can buy items to commemorate the completion of your hike or your visit to town.

Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Sestri Levante Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Santiago de Compostela or Sestri Levante.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Santiago de Compostela. The city has a sightseeing train as well as parks and playgrounds that kids can enjoy. A visit to the Museum of the Galician People is also fascinating for the whole family. Visiting the colorful markets around town is fun as well.

Sestri Levante offers lots of family activities. 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 Santiago de Compostela or Sestri Levante Better for Couples?

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

Santiago de Compostela makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The cobblestone streets and beautiful gardens make this a nice place for a couple's getaway. There are viewpoints that look out over the town as well as interesting buildings and great architecture.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Sestri Levante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Santiago de Compostela. Backpackers hiking the Camino del Santiago will be rewarded with a beautiful city and many nice sights. There are plenty of hostels around town where backpackers can meet other travelers and swap stories.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Sestri Levante Better for Students?

Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela. It's a small city with many students during the week, but on weekends it quiets down as many students leave town.

Sestri Levante is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Santiago de Compostela and Sestri Levante.

You'll find some public transit in Santiago de Compostela, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are operated by Tralusa.

While Sestri Levante offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The town can be explored on foot and there are buses and trains that can be used for day trips.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Sestri Levante a more walkable city?

Sestri Levante is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Santiago de Compostela is a very walkable destination. Many visitors reach the city on foot by doing the pilgrimage of the Camino del Santiago. The city itself and small and fairly walkable as well.

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

Should I spend more time in Sestri Levante or Santiago de Compostela?

How long in Santiago de Compostela or Sestri Levante?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela.

One day in Santiago de Compostela or Sestri Levante?

In Santiago de Compostela, 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 might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this seaside town has to offer.

A weekend in Santiago de Compostela or Sestri Levante?

Santiago de Compostela is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Even though Sestri Levante is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This seaside town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Santiago de Compostela or Sestri Levante?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santiago de Compostela. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sestri Levante. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Santiago de Compostela or Sestri Levante?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Santiago de Compostela. 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 fun place to experience. Sestri Levante is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Santiago de Compostela or Sestri Levante?

Santiago de Compostela has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Sestri Levante. When comparing the sizes of Santiago de Compostela 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.