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

Should you visit Sestri Levante or Rijeka?

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 Rijeka 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. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include food and beaches.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a diverse, slow-paced, and coastal town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Sestri Levante and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sestri Levante or Rijeka?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rijeka. Although Sestri Levante and Rijeka are popular destinations, Rijeka has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rijeka is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Sestri Levante attracts visitors for its food, resorts, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Sestri Levante is famous for its two bays and coastal setting. Rijeka is famous for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port. It is also well known for Trsat Castle.

How is Sestri Levante different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rijeka is a town with good options for its historical sights. However, Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Rijeka. Historical sights around town include Trsat Castle, the Petar Druzic Stairway, and Our Lady of Trsat. There are also museums such as PEEK&POKE Computer Museum and the Governor's Palace and Maritime and Historical Museum.

Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Sestri Levante is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Sestri Levante is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Rijeka. It's known for its Mediterranean cuisine which includes more than seafood. There are local vegetable specialties in the area as well including asparagus and white truffles. Codfish stew and cuttlefish risotto are also popular.

Is Sestri Levante or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Rijeka for the nightlife scene. The city center has plenty of bars and clubs. Restaurants also stay open late and are popular places to hang out for locals and tourists alike.

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 Rijeka Better for Resorts?

Sestri Levante is very good for its resorts. However, Rijeka is not a resort destination.

Sestri Levante has a few great resort options. 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.

Rijeka is not a resort destination.

Is Sestri Levante or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Sestri Levante is very good for the beach. However, Rijeka is not a good town for its beaches.

Many people head to Sestri Levante to enjoy the beach. 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.

Rijeka is a good spot to see the beach. There are pebbly and gravelly beaches in the area, with the best beaches to the west of the city. You'll need to take a public bus to reach most of them.

Is the Shopping Better in Sestri Levante or Rijeka?

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

Rijeka has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Sestri Levante or Rijeka Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Rijeka. The city has a number of outdoor activities for kids like nature parks and nearby beaches. There's also a puppet theater as well as the Astronomical Center of Rijeka.

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 Rijeka Better for Couples?

Both Sestri Levante and Rijeka are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Sestri Levante is a good seaside town 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.

Rijeka is a nice destination for couples. It's a gateway to the Croatian islands. Many couples enjoy walking down the waterfront promenade or dining at a nice local restaurant. There are also beaches, parks, and historical sights to explore.

Is Sestri Levante or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rijeka is a town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for backpackers.

Rijeka is a good town to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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 Rijeka Better for Students?

Rijeka is a town with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Sestri Levante is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Rijeka. It's a laid back seaside city that makes a nice semester abroad destination. As a gateway to the Croatian islands, it also offers transportation connections to other points of interest.

Sestri Levante is not popular with students.

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

Sestri Levante and Rijeka 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.

Rijeka has a few public transit options. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.

Is Sestri Levante or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Sestri Levante is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Rijeka is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Sestri Levante?

How long in Sestri Levante or Rijeka?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Sestri Levante or Rijeka to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Sestri Levante than Rijeka because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Sestri Levante, and 1-2 days is enough time in Rijeka.

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

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

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

One day in Sestri Levante or Rijeka?

Sestri Levante might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Rijeka, you'll find museums and nightlife. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Sestri Levante or Rijeka?

Sestri Levante is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Rijeka is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Sestri Levante or Rijeka?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sestri Levante. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rijeka. 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 Rijeka?

Sestri Levante is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the town of Rijeka. 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 Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.

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

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 Rijeka Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Sestri Levante or Rijeka?

Rijeka has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Sestri Levante. When comparing the sizes of Sestri Levante and Rijeka, 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.