A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sorrento vs. Kotor for Food, Hiking, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Sorrento 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 Sorrento 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.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a relaxing, accessible, and laid back small city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Kotor

Kotor is a scenic, beautiful, and charming coastal town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and food.

Sorrento and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sorrento or Kotor?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sorrento. Although Sorrento and Kotor are both popular with visitors, Sorrento has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sorrento is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Kotor is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Sorrento is more touristy than Kotor and is known for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast. It is also home to Marina Grande and Marina Piccola. Kotor is popular for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs.

How is Sorrento different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at amazing restaurants in both Sorrento and Kotor.

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 Kotor, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Sorrento or Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Sorrento is very good for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

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.

Is Sorrento or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Sorrento is well known for its resorts. However, Kotor is not particularly known for its luxury resorts.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Sorrento. 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.

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 Sorrento or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor is a coastal town with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Sorrento is a small city with minimal options for its diving and snorkeling.

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.

There are few places where you can 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.

Is Sorrento or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Both Sorrento and Kotor are considered to be good 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.

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 Sorrento or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Kotor is renowned for its historic old town. However, Sorrento 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.

Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

Is Sorrento or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is renowned for its hiking experiences. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

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.

Many visitors go to Sorrento for the hiking trails. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Sorrento or Kotor?

Sorrento is well known for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Sorrento is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Sorrento or Kotor Better for Families?

Sorrento is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Kotor offers lots of family activities. 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 Sorrento or Kotor Better for Couples?

Sorrento is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Sorrento 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.

Kotor is a great small city 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.

Is Sorrento or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sorrento is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sorrento is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Many 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.

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

Sorrento is well known for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Sorrento can move around easily with public transportation. 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.

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 Sorrento or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor is renowned for its walkability. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Kotor on foot is easy. The old town is best explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Sorrento?

How long in Sorrento or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Sorrento or Kotor. 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 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

In Sorrento, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this laid back destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the food. This small city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Kotor is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling 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 Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sorrento. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Sorrento or Kotor?

Sorrento is a fun place to experience. In Sorrento, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Kotor 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 Kotor?

In Sorrento, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this accessible destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Kotor 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 coastal 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sorrento and Kotor, we can see that Sorrento 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 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 Kotor.

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

Which is Bigger, Sorrento or Kotor?

Sorrento has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Sorrento 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.

When is the best time to visit Sorrento or Kotor?

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 Kotor in the Summer?

Both Kotor and Sorrento are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Sorrento in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Kotor for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Sorrento is cooler than Kotor in the summer. The daily temperature in Sorrento averages around 23°C (74°F) in July, and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Kotor. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sorrento. Sorrento usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during summer. Sorrento gets 313 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Sorrento usually receives less rain than Kotor. Sorrento gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Sorrento or Kotor in the Autumn?

Both Kotor and Sorrento during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Sorrento for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Kotor because of the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Sorrento is around the same temperature as Kotor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sorrento in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Kotor averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Kotor, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Sorrento often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor. Sorrento gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sorrento. Sorrento usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. Sorrento gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sorrento or Kotor in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sorrento and Kotor. The winter months attract visitors to Sorrento because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the cuisine are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

In January, Sorrento is generally a little warmer than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Sorrento average around 8°C (47°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Sorrento usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor during winter. Sorrento gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sorrento gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sorrento usually receives less rain than Kotor. Sorrento gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Sorrento or Kotor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sorrento as well as Kotor. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Sorrento this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Kotor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Sorrento is cooler than Kotor in the spring. The daily temperature in Sorrento averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Sorrento often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor. Sorrento gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Sorrento usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Sorrento gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Sorrento