A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Sorrento vs. Como for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Hiking

Should you visit Sorrento or Como?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Sorrento and Como 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.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a accessible, laid back, and colorful small city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Como

Como is a fun, vibrant, and scenic lake area. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Sorrento and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sorrento or Como?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sorrento than Como, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sorrento is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and big city activities, while Como is more popular for its museums & sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Como is more touristy than Sorrento and is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. Sorrento is well known for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast. Also, Sorrento is famous for Marina Grande and Marina Piccola.

How is Sorrento different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Sorrento or Como?

Como is a lake area with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

Como offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit for the lakeside setting, but there's history throughout, with notable buildings including the Duomo, Museo Civico, and Basilica di Sant'Abbondio.

Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Sorrento or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at first-rate restaurants in both Sorrento and Como.

Many restaurants in Sorrento have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Eat your way through Como, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The area has its own style of Italian food. Polenta is one of the most popular dishes and it's usually served with meat, fish, or cheese. You can also enjoy several different types of fish such as misultitt (dried fish), salmon trout, pike, bleak, lavarello, and perch.

Is Sorrento or Como Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Sorrento or Como has a better nightlife scene.

Sorrento has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Como has a few options to choose from. It is more known for its glamour and sophistication than its raging party scene. There are fine dining restaurants where you can sip wine and enjoy the view. There are also theaters and jazz clubs that offer a relaxing vibe and a nice night out.

Is Sorrento or Como Better for Resorts?

Sorrento is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Como is not a resort destination.

Sorrento is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Como is not a resort destination.

Is Sorrento or Como Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sorrento is a decent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Como is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to 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.

Como is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sorrento or Como Better for Beaches?

Both Sorrento and Como are considered to be notable beach destinations.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Sorrento. 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.

Como offers a nice beach destination. You'll find lakeside beaches where you can relax, sunbath, or swim. Many are affiliated with clubs and the atmosphere is often trendy and upscale. Don't expect a secluded and natural setting, but there are often nice restaurants nearby.

Is Sorrento or Como Better for Hiking?

Both Sorrento and Como are destinations which offer high quality hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Sorrento. 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.

Many visitors go to Como for the hiking trails. There's a wide variety of hiking trails in the area that take you through the mountains or along the water's edge. One of the most popular trails is the Greenway del Lago di Como.

Is the Shopping Better in Sorrento or Como?

Como is renowned for shopping. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Como is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping is comparable to major cities, with everything from high end boutiques to outlets and local markets. There are clothing shops, jewelry stores, and places to pick up local souvenirs. Shopping is a favorite activity for many visitors to Lake Como.

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.

Is Sorrento or Como Better for Families?

Both Sorrento and Como are high quality to visit with kids.

Sorrento is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Como is very family-friendly. It has parks and gardens to explore, as well as Vezio Castle and many nice walking trails. A highlight for many kids is a visit to Lake Como Adventure Park.

Is Sorrento or Como Better for Couples?

Both Sorrento and Como are first-rate destinations for a couple's getaway.

Sorrento is a great small city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Como is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Its beautiful walks, charming towns, and surrounding natural setting make this a great honeymoon and couple's getaway destination. Dine on Italian cuisine as you sip wine and look out on the pristine waters of Lake Como.

Is Sorrento or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sorrento is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Sorrento, as it is a very popular small city for budget travelers. 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Como. It's a popular destination with all types of travelers, so you'll find a decent selection of hostels to choose from, and a number of other backpackers around to hang out with.

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

Sorrento is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Sorrento. 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.

You'll find some public transit in Como, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

Is Sorrento or Como a more walkable city?

Sorrento and Como both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Sorrento is very walkable. The old town is fun to walk around and window shop, but bring good walking shoes as the area has a lot of hills.

Como is a very walkable small city. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.

For even more information, also check out Is Sorrento Worth Visiting? and Is Como Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Como or Sorrento?

How long in Sorrento or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Sorrento or Como. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Sorrento due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Sorrento, and 2-4 days is enough time in Como.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sorrento than Como 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 Sorrento or Como?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Sorrento. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The beautiful lake area of Como offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Sorrento or Como?

Sorrento is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Como is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this lake area makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Como, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Sorrento or Como?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the laid back destination of Sorrento. This small city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Como 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.

A week in Sorrento or Como?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the colorful small city of Sorrento. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Como is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This lake area offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Sorrento or Como?

Como has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Sorrento. When comparing the sizes of Sorrento and Como, 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 Sorrento or Como?

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 Sorrento or Como in the Summer?

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

In July, Sorrento is generally around the same temperature as Como. Daily temperatures in Sorrento average around 23°C (74°F), and Como fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Como. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sorrento this time of the year. In the summer, Sorrento often gets more sunshine than Como. Sorrento gets 313 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun.

Sorrento usually gets less rain in July than Como. Sorrento gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sorrento or Como in the Autumn?

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

Sorrento is a little warmer than Como in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sorrento averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Sorrento usually receives more sunshine than Como during autumn. Sorrento gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Como. It's quite rainy in Sorrento. In October, Sorrento usually receives more rain than Como. Sorrento gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Sorrento or Como in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Como. In the winter, Sorrento is much warmer than Como. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sorrento in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Como averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Sorrento often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Como. Sorrento gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sorrento. Sorrento usually gets more rain in January than Como. Sorrento gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sorrento or Como in the Spring?

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

In April, Sorrento is generally around the same temperature as Como. Daily temperatures in Sorrento average around 13°C (55°F), and Como fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Sorrento usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Como during spring. Sorrento gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sorrento usually receives around the same amount of rain as Como. Sorrento gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Como and Sorrento