A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sestri Levante vs. Crete for Food, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Sestri Levante or Crete?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Sestri Levante and Crete 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.

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. Other popular activities here include food and beaches.

Crete

Crete is a scenic, stunning, and breathtaking island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Sestri Levante and Crete: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sestri Levante or Crete?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Crete. Although Sestri Levante and Crete are popular destinations, Crete has more sights and attractions for tourists. Crete is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Sestri Levante attracts visitors for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Crete is more touristy than Sestri Levante and is popular for its breathtaking beaches, wild nightlife, and impressive archeological ruins. It is also well known for the Palace of Knossos. Sestri Levante is famous for its two bays and coastal setting.

How is Sestri Levante different from Crete?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Crete is great for its historical sights. However, Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Crete. The island is filled with archeological sites including the famous Palace of Knossos. While most people come to Crete for the natural beauty, in the cities you'll find some great museums and landmarks.

Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Crete is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Crete have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Local cuisine is influenced by the island's fertile environment and excellent agriculture. You'll find olive oil in most dishes and seafood is a major staple. You'll also find a lot of stews and recipes that incorporate local ingredients.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Sestri Levante makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Sestri Levante or Crete Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Crete for the nightlife scene. The island has excellent nightlife with clubs and bars found in Chania, Malia and Stalis to Elounda. The area is popular with British tourists and you'll find many bars open until 2 or 3 in the morning.

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 Sestri Levante or Crete Better for Resorts?

Crete is renowned for its luxury resorts. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its resorts.

Crete is a world class resort vacation destination. The island has world class resorts that include pools and buffet meals. There are many beachfront resorts that range in style from romantic to family-friendly.

Sestri Levante has a handful of resorts to choose from. 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.

Is Sestri Levante or Crete Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Crete is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Sestri Levante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Crete is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. The island is surrounded by clear waters that make for great snorkeling and diving. There's a number of beautiful fish and other sea life that you can see. Be on the lookout for crabs, sea stars, sponges, and even octopi.

Sestri Levante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sestri Levante or Crete Better for Beaches?

Crete is renowned for the beach. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its beaches.

Crete is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There are some of the best beaches in the world on Crete. The areas around Chania have some of the island's best beaches, with one of the most beautiful being Balos. On the northern side of the island, be on the lookout for strong winds, particularly in August, which can make for larger waves. The island is large, so you'll find everything from secluded and quiet beaches to more active and lively places.

Sestri Levante offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Is Sestri Levante or Crete Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Crete for the hiking trails. The island is filled with beautiful hikes that run along the shoreline or head inland through the island's beautiful landscapes. There are hikes for every ability level that offer spectacular views and an incredible experience.

Sestri Levante is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sestri Levante or Crete?

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

Crete has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The island has many markets that sell local foods and handicrafts. There are also shops and boutiques where you can buy anything from souvenirs to homemade artwork.

Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Sestri Levante or Crete Better for Families?

Crete is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its family-friendly activities.

Crete is an extremely popular island to visit for families. The island is large and filled with countless family-friendly activities. You can spend several days at the beach, explore Lake Kournas, visit a water park, or even take a pirate themed boat cruise. There's also the amusement park, ​​Labyrinth Park, aquariums and more.

Sestri Levante is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Sestri Levante or Crete Better for Couples?

Crete is renowned for couples. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for romance.

Crete is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes, world renowned restaurants, and amazing resorts make this a top honeymoon spot for international travelers and romance seekers.

Sestri Levante is a nice destination for couples. 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 Sestri Levante or Crete Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Crete. It's a large island with a great social scene and no shortage of hostels for backpackers to choose from.

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 Sestri Levante or Crete Better for Students?

Crete is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Sestri Levante is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Crete. It's affordability and great coastal activities is a big draw for students in the area.

Sestri Levante is not popular with students.

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

Sestri Levante and Crete both offer nice public transit to get you around.

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.

Crete has a few public transit options. There's a decent bus system that travels around the island and offers access to many areas.

Is Sestri Levante or Crete a more walkable city?

Sestri Levante is an amazing seaside town to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Crete is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Crete is generally not a very walkable seaside town. The island is large and requires a vehicle to get around, but there are short strolls that let you enjoy the stunning landscapes.

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

Should I spend more time in Crete or Sestri Levante?

How long in Sestri Levante or Crete?

Both Sestri Levante and Crete have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Crete than in Sestri Levante. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Sestri Levante, and 5-7 days is enough time in Crete.

Families should spend more time in Crete than Sestri Levante. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Crete, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

One day in Sestri Levante or Crete?

Even though Sestri Levante is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Crete, you'll find nightlife and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Sestri Levante or Crete?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sestri Levante. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Crete is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Sestri Levante or Crete?

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. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Crete. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Sestri Levante or Crete?

Sestri Levante is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

In Crete, you'll find shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece.

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

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

Which has a larger population, Sestri Levante or Crete?

Crete has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Sestri Levante. When comparing the sizes of Sestri Levante and Crete, 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.