A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Sorrento vs. Imperia for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Sorrento or Imperia?

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 Imperia 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 historic, relaxing, and accessible 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. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Imperia

Imperia is a authentic, charming, and undiscovered town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Sorrento and Imperia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sorrento or Imperia?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sorrento than Imperia, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sorrento is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Imperia is more popular for its museums. Sorrento is more touristy than Imperia and is 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. Imperia is well known for its access to the Ligurian coastline.

How is Sorrento different from Imperia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Imperia is a town with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

Imperia is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several interesting buildings of importance around town.

Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Sorrento is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Sorrento is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Imperia. Food ranges from typical Italian dishes to local recipes that use local ingredients. Unique ingredients in the area include trumpet zucchini, flat breads, and anchovies.

Is Sorrento or Imperia Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Sorrento or Imperia 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 Imperia has a few options to choose from. There are some bars and lively restaurants around town where you can spend an enjoyable evening.

Is Sorrento or Imperia Better for Resorts?

Sorrento is notable for its resorts. However, Imperia is not a resort destination.

Sorrento is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Imperia is not a resort destination.

Is Sorrento or Imperia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sorrento is a moderate small city for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Imperia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Sorrento. There are snorkeling excursions that you can book in the area, but this is often an overlooked activity for many visitors.

Imperia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sorrento or Imperia Better for Beaches?

Sorrento is a popular place for the beach. However, Imperia is not a beach destination.

Sorrento is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Imperia is not a beach destination.

Is Sorrento or Imperia Better for Hiking?

Sorrento is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Imperia is not a hiking destination.

Sorrento is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Imperia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sorrento or Imperia?

Sorrento is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Sorrento. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Imperia. There are some shopping streets in town that have a mix of local brands and standard clothing shops.

Is Sorrento or Imperia Better for Families?

Sorrento is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Sorrento is known to be 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.

Imperia is a family-friendly small city. There's some nice walking trails in the countryside that the kids will enjoy.

Is Sorrento or Imperia Better for Couples?

Sorrento is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Sorrento makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Imperia is a nice destination for couples. It's a beautiful town with a nice atmosphere that offers a nice break from the tourist crowds.

Is Sorrento or Imperia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sorrento is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sorrento is a very popular small city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Imperia is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Accommodation tends to be affordable and there's an off-the-beaten-path vibe that some backpackers will appreciate.

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

Sorrento is notable for its public transit. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Sorrento can get you to most places easily. 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.

Imperia has some public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to different areas.

Is Sorrento or Imperia a more walkable city?

Sorrento is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Imperia is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are convenient to walk around.

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

Should I spend more time in Imperia or Sorrento?

How long in Sorrento or Imperia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Sorrento or Imperia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Sorrento than Imperia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Sorrento, and 1-2 days is enough time in Imperia.

Families should spend more time in Sorrento than Imperia. 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 Imperia. 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 Imperia 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 Imperia?

In Sorrento, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This small city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The town of Imperia offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Sorrento or Imperia?

In Sorrento, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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

Five days in Sorrento or Imperia?

Sorrento is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sorrento has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Imperia 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 Imperia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sorrento. In Sorrento, you'll find shopping and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Imperia is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town 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 Imperia, we can see that Sorrento is more expensive. And not only is Imperia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Imperia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Imperia 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 Sorrento would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sorrento than you might in Imperia.

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

Which is Bigger, Sorrento or Imperia?

Imperia has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Sorrento. When comparing the sizes of Sorrento and Imperia, 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 Imperia?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Sorrento or Imperia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sorrento and Imperia. Many travelers come to Sorrento for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Imperia in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Sorrento is generally around the same temperature as Imperia. Daily temperatures in Sorrento average around 23°C (74°F), and Imperia fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Imperia this time of the year. In Sorrento, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sorrento usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Imperia during summer. Sorrento gets 313 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Sorrento usually receives more rain than Imperia. Sorrento gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sorrento or Imperia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Sorrento as well as Imperia. Many visitors come to Sorrento in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Imperia for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Sorrento is cooler than Imperia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sorrento averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Imperia fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In the autumn, Sorrento often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Imperia. Sorrento gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 183 hours of full sun.

Sorrento receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sorrento usually gets more rain in October than Imperia. Sorrento gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sorrento or Imperia in the Winter?

Both Imperia and Sorrento are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Sorrento for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Imperia because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Sorrento is cooler than Imperia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sorrento in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Imperia averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Sorrento usually receives less sunshine than Imperia during winter. Sorrento gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Sorrento. In January, Sorrento usually receives more rain than Imperia. Sorrento gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sorrento or Imperia in the Spring?

Both Imperia and Sorrento during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Sorrento because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Imperia this time of year.

In April, Sorrento is generally cooler than Imperia. Daily temperatures in Sorrento average around 13°C (55°F), and Imperia fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the spring, Sorrento often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Imperia. Sorrento gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 198 hours of full sun.

Sorrento usually gets more rain in April than Imperia. Sorrento gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Imperia and Sorrento