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

Should you visit Sorrento or Ravenna?

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 Ravenna 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 colorful, historic, and relaxing small city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Ravenna

Ravenna is a charming, authentic, and historic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Sorrento and Ravenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sorrento or Ravenna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sorrento. Although Sorrento and Ravenna are popular destinations, Sorrento has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sorrento is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Ravenna attracts visitors for its museums and small town charm. Sorrento is more touristy than Ravenna and is popular for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast. It is also well known for Marina Grande and Marina Piccola. Ravenna is famous for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires.

How is Sorrento different from Ravenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ravenna is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Ravenna. Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Sorrento is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Sorrento, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Dining out in Ravenna is an experience not to be missed. The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

Is Sorrento or Ravenna Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Sorrento or Ravenna 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 Ravenna has a few options to choose from. You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

Is Sorrento or Ravenna Better for Resorts?

Sorrento is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Ravenna is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Sorrento to choose from. 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.

Ravenna is not a resort destination.

Is Sorrento or Ravenna Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sorrento is a decent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Sorrento or Ravenna Better for Beaches?

Sorrento is a good destination for the beache. However, Ravenna is not a beach destination.

Sorrento offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Ravenna is not a beach destination.

Is Sorrento or Ravenna Better for Hiking?

Sorrento is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Ravenna is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Ravenna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sorrento or Ravenna?

Sorrento is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

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.

Many visitors go to Ravenna to go shopping. There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

Is Sorrento or Ravenna Better for Families?

Both Sorrento and Ravenna are very good 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, Ravenna is very family-friendly. In town you'll find mosaics, museums, and a charming town, and ten kilometers outside of town you'll find Italy's largest amusement park - Mirabilandia. The city is also filled with parks where kids can explore and learn, and the food, like any Italian city, is very kid-friendly.

Is Sorrento or Ravenna Better for Couples?

Sorrento is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Sorrento is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Couples visit Ravenna frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Many visitors to Italy don't add this charming town to their itinerary, but for couples who want to experience a small town setting with beautiful art and architecture, then Ravenna is a great option. There are parks to explore and great restaurants to experience as well.

Is Sorrento or Ravenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sorrento is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Sorrento is extremely popular 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ravenna. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, so you won't find a large number of hostels or a lot of backpackers to hang out with. That doesn't mean it won't make a great addition to your itinerary though.

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

Sorrento is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Sorrento can get you to some 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.

You'll find some public transit in Ravenna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

Is Sorrento or Ravenna a more walkable city?

Sorrento and Ravenna both are very good 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.

Ravenna is a very walkable small city. There are care-free areas to the town that can only be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ravenna or Sorrento?

How long in Sorrento or Ravenna?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Sorrento or Ravenna to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Sorrento than Ravenna 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 Ravenna.

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

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.

Ravenna is a small town where visitors enjoy the 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 Ravenna?

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.

Ravenna 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 Ravenna, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Sorrento or Ravenna?

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.

Ravenna 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 Ravenna?

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.

Ravenna 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 Ravenna, we can see that Sorrento is more expensive. And not only is Ravenna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ravenna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ravenna 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 Ravenna.

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

Which is Bigger, Sorrento or Ravenna?

Ravenna has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Sorrento. When comparing the sizes of Sorrento and Ravenna, 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 Ravenna?

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 Ravenna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sorrento as well as Ravenna. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sorrento this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ravenna for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Sorrento is around the same temperature as Ravenna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sorrento in July average around 23°C (74°F), and Ravenna averages at about 22°C (72°F).

Sorrento usually gets less rain in July than Ravenna. Sorrento gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sorrento or Ravenna in the Autumn?

Both Ravenna and Sorrento are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Sorrento for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Ravenna in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Sorrento is generally a little warmer than Ravenna. Daily temperatures in Sorrento average around 17°C (63°F), and Ravenna fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Sorrento. In October, Sorrento usually receives more rain than Ravenna. Sorrento gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Sorrento or Ravenna in the Winter?

Both Ravenna and Sorrento during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Sorrento in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ravenna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ravenna can be very cold during winter. Sorrento is much warmer than Ravenna in the winter. The daily temperature in Sorrento averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Ravenna fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sorrento. Sorrento usually gets more rain in January than Ravenna. Sorrento gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sorrento or Ravenna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sorrento and Ravenna. Most visitors come to Sorrento for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Ravenna because of the small town charm.

In the spring, Sorrento is a little warmer than Ravenna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sorrento in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Ravenna averages at about 11°C (53°F).

In April, Sorrento usually receives more rain than Ravenna. Sorrento gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ravenna and Sorrento