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

Should you visit Sestri Levante or Kotor?

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 Kotor 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 local, quaint, and relaxing 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. It's also known for food and beaches.

Kotor

Kotor is a scenic, beautiful, and charming coastal town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Sestri Levante and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere


Is there more to do in Sestri Levante or Kotor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kotor than Sestri Levante, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kotor is better known for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Sestri Levante is more popular for its resorts. Sestri Levante is well known for its two bays and coastal setting. Kotor is well known for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. Also, Kotor is famous for The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral).

How is Sestri Levante different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sestri Levante
Kotor

Kotor 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 Kotor have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Sestri Levante
Kotor

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

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

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 Kotor Better for Resorts?

Sestri Levante
Kotor

Sestri Levante is very good for its resorts. However, Kotor is not particularly known for its luxury resorts.

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.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Kotor offers a few options. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

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

Sestri Levante
Kotor

Kotor is a coastal town with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Sestri Levante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Kotor. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Sestri Levante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Sestri Levante or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Sestri Levante
Kotor

Both Sestri Levante and Kotor are considered to be notable beach destinations.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Sestri Levante. 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.

Kotor offers a nice beach destination. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Is Sestri Levante or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Sestri Levante
Kotor

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

The old town of Kotor is one of the most recognized in the world. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Sestri Levante does not have a historic old town.

Is Sestri Levante or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Sestri Levante
Kotor

Kotor is renowned for hiking. However, Sestri Levante is not a hiking destination.

Around Kotor visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Sestri Levante is not a hiking destination.


Is Sestri Levante or Kotor Better for Families?

Sestri Levante
Kotor

Both Sestri Levante and Kotor are notable to visit with kids.

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.

Kotor is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Sestri Levante or Kotor Better for Couples?

Sestri Levante
Kotor

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

Kotor is a great coastal town if you're traveling as a couple. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

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 Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sestri Levante
Kotor

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Kotor. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

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 Kotor Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sestri Levante
Kotor

Sestri Levante is very good for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Sestri Levante, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town can be explored on foot and there are buses and trains that can be used for day trips.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Sestri Levante or Kotor a more walkable city?

Sestri Levante
Kotor

Sestri Levante and Kotor are amazing when it comes to walkability.

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

It is easy to get around Kotor on foot. The old town is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Sestri Levante?

How long in Sestri Levante or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Sestri Levante or Kotor. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kotor due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Sestri Levante, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Sestri Levante or Kotor? Ideal Length of Stay
    Sestri Levante 1-3 
    Kotor 3-4

One day in Sestri Levante or Kotor?

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 Kotor, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling 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 Kotor?

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.

Kotor is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor. 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.

A week in Sestri Levante or Kotor?

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.

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the quaint coastal town of Kotor. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.


Which place is cheaper, Kotor or Sestri Levante?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Sestri Levante is €143, while the average daily cost in Kotor is €100. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Sestri Levante and Kotor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sestri Levante 75
    Kotor 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sestri Levante 150
    Kotor 98
Compare Hotels in Sestri Levante and Kotor

Looking for a hotel in Sestri Levante or Kotor? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Sestri Levante


Hotels in Kotor


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Sestri Levante Hotel Prices and Kotor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sestri Levante 56
    Kotor 9.26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kotor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kotor:

  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Kotor: $331
  • Podgorica Airport (TGD): Transfer to Kotor Cruise Port: $296
  • Kotor Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Podgorica hotels: $296
  • Airport Transfer Tivat / Porto Montenegro to Podgorica City: $272
  • Private Transfer from Lustica to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $261
  • Airport Transfer Tivat / Porto Montenegro to Budva /Sveti Stefan: $217
  • Private Transfer from Herceg Novi to Dubrovnik City: $193
  • Private transfer from Tivat to Dubrovnik airport: $185
  • Private Transfer from Herceg Novi to Podgorica Airport (TGD): $154
  • Private Transfer from Herceg Novi to Podgorica: $154
  • Airport Transfer Tivat / Porto Montenegro to Lustica Bay: $152
  • Private transfer Tivat(Kotor)-Dubrovnik: $147

Is it cheaper to fly into Sestri Levante or Kotor?

Prices for flights to both Kotor and Sestri Levante change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Sestri Levante 34
    Kotor 43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kotor

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kotor.

  • Kotor private cooking class with lunch and Old town guided tour: $225
  • Kotor and Perast Private Tour with Cooking Class and Boat Ride: $261
  • Cooking class in a local home & old town walking tour: $304

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sestri Levante 25
    Kotor 8.32

Tours and Activities in Sestri Levante

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sestri Levante.

  • Punta Manara Hiking Tour: $501

Tours and Activities in Kotor

Here are a few actual costs in Kotor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private Speedboat Tour to Lady of the Rocks and Perast Old Town : $177
  • "Adriatic Adventure: Blue Cave & Islands Speedboat Tour": $46
  • 1-Day Montenegro Hiking Tour to Durmitor National Park : $118
  • 3-Hour Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks Private Speedboat Tour: $293
  • All inclusive - Lovcen tour: $130
  • Ancient Budva & Unique St.Stephen Private Tour: $92
  • Bay of 2-Hour Stand Up Paddle Board Tour: $53
  • Bay of 2.5-Hour Kayak Tour: $53
  • Bay of 2.5-Hour Kayak Tour : $54
  • Bike & hike tour : $81
  • Bike tour - Downhill from Njegos Mausoleum to Kotor bay: $130
  • Bike tour - Downhill from Njegos Mausoleum to Kotor bay: $133

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sestri Levante 7.86
    Kotor 8.51

Sample the Local Flavors in Kotor

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kotor:

  • Private tour: Homemade food and wine tasting at my family home: $125
  • Private National Park Lovcen with food and wine tasting: $136
  • Wine tasting and magical tour from Kotor, Budva, Tivat (Lovcen,Skadar lake): $250
  • National Parks Skadar Lake and Lovcen+Wine tasting (Private tour): $259
  • Skadar Lake National Park with Wine Tasting: $426


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

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 Kotor Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sestri Levante or Kotor?

Sestri Levante has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Sestri Levante and Kotor, 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.