A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sorrento vs. Split for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Sorrento or Split?

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 Split 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.

Split

Split is a historic, active, and touristy city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Sorrento and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sorrento or Split?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Split. Although Sorrento and Split are popular destinations, Split has more sights and attractions for tourists. Split is very popular for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while Sorrento attracts visitors for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Split is more touristy than Sorrento and is popular for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. It is also well known for Diocletian's Palace. Sorrento is famous for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast.

How is Sorrento different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Split 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 Split. The city is filled with historical sights, some of which were used in the shooting of the famed television series, Game of Thrones. Highlights include Diocletian's Palace, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery.

Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Sorrento is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Split 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 Split is an experience not to be missed. It's the second largest city in Croatia and the food scene reflects this. You'll find a mix of Dalmatian restaurants and international options. There's also everything from fine dining to local taverns, so whatever your budget or food preference, you won't be disappointed.

Is Sorrento or Split Better for Nightlife?

Split is renowned for nightlife. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Split is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It has some of the best nightlife on mainland Croatia. Backpackers and students flock to this city for its parties and nightclubs. There's a great live music scene as well as DJs who keep the party going well into the early morning.

If you're looking for night time activities Sorrento has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Sorrento or Split Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Sorrento and Split have very good options.

In Sorrento, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

There are plenty of resorts in Split to choose from. You'll find a mix of popular resort chains, local boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels. Whatever your budget or travel style there are options available.

Is Sorrento or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is a great destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Sorrento is a small city with minimal options for its diving and snorkeling.

Split is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. Some of the best snorkeling is found around the Kornati Islands. There are many boat trips that take visitors to some of the best snorkeling spots near Split.

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 Split Better for Beaches?

Split is a great destination for its beaches. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

The beaches at Split attract visitors from all over. There are many beaches in the area that are a mix of pebbly or sandy. Many have restaurants or bars nearby and the vibe is social and laid back. Some of the best beaches near town are Bacvice Beach, Žnjan Beach, and Kasjuni Beach.

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.

Is Sorrento or Split Better for its Old Town?

Split is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Split to see the historical old town. The old town spreads out from Diocletian's Palace and People's Square. It's filled with cobblestone streets and restaurants that spill into the outdoors.

Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

Is Sorrento or Split Better for Hiking?

Sorrento is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Split 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.

Split is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sorrento or Split?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Split and Sorrento.

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.

Split is well-known for its shopping. Shopping and sightseeing are intermixed in town. Make sure you don't miss the Old Market, which is the city's main outdoor market. There are many shops all through the old town as well.

Is Sorrento or Split Better for Families?

Both Sorrento and Split 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, Split is very family-friendly. With its parks, beaches, and outdoor activities, kids will love this spot. Zvonac Park is one of the best in town for kids. Young kids will appreciate the Dinasour Playground. Also make sure you allow time to explore Diocletian's Palace and Klis Fortress. There are also beaches and other water activities that are fun for the whole family.

Is Sorrento or Split Better for Couples?

Both Sorrento and Split are fantastic 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.

Split is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's not uncommon for couples to choose Split as their honeymoon destination. The old town is filled with character and charm. There are also parks where you can enjoy a picnic and beaches where you can soak up the fun of the Adriatic Sea. Cafes serving local cuisine spill into the streets and the old world charm offers a romantic ambiance that can only be found in Croatia.

Is Sorrento or Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sorrento and Split are fantastic places to visit 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.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Split is extremely popular for backpackers. There's no shortage of hostels in town. This is a not-to-be-missed backpacker destination in Croatia and the social scene, beaches, water activities, and history all make Split a highlight for many backpackers.

Is Sorrento or Split Better for Students?

Split is a great destination for students. However, Sorrento is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Split. It's easy to visit on a student's budget. There are plenty of hostels and a huge party scene that bring backpackers and students together.

Sorrento is not popular with students.

Is Sorrento or Split 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, Split 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 Split, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are bus services that will help you get around town.

Is Sorrento or Split a more walkable city?

Sorrento and Split 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.

Split is a very walkable small city. The city is laid out in a pedestrian-friendly way so it's easy to explore on foot, particularly in the old town. It's also easy to get lost, but that's all part of the fun.

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

Should I spend more time in Split or Sorrento?

How long in Sorrento or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either Sorrento or Split. 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 Split.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Split than Sorrento 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 Split.

One day in Sorrento or Split?

In Sorrento, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this relaxing 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.

The city of Split offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Split?

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.

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

Five days in Sorrento or Split?

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.

Split is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. 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 Split?

In Sorrento, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this historic 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.

Split is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city 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 Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Sorrento or Split?

Split has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sorrento. When comparing the sizes of Sorrento and Split, 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 Split?

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 Split in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Sorrento is cooler than Split. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sorrento in July average around 23°C (74°F), and Split averages at about 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sorrento this time of the year. In the summer, Sorrento often gets less sunshine than Split. Sorrento gets 313 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun.

Sorrento usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Split. Sorrento gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sorrento or Split in the Autumn?

Both Split 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 Split in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Sorrento is generally around the same temperature as Split. Daily temperatures in Sorrento average around 17°C (63°F), and Split fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. Sorrento usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Split during autumn. Sorrento gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Sorrento. In October, Sorrento usually receives more rain than Split. Sorrento gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Sorrento or Split in the Winter?

Both Split 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. Also, most visitors come to Split for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Sorrento is around the same temperature as Split in the winter. The daily temperature in Sorrento averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Sorrento often gets less sunshine than Split. Sorrento gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sorrento. Sorrento usually gets more rain in January than Split. Sorrento gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sorrento or Split in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Sorrento is cooler than Split. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sorrento in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Split averages at about 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. Sorrento usually receives less sunshine than Split during spring. Sorrento gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sorrento usually receives around the same amount of rain as Split. Sorrento gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Split and Sorrento