A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Taormina vs. Sestri Levante for Food, Resorts, Couples, and Beaches

Should you visit Taormina or Sestri Levante?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Taormina and Sestri Levante 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.

Taormina

Taormina is a beautiful, exclusive, and opulent town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a relaxing, quiet, and scenic seaside town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the food and beaches.

Taormina and Sestri Levante: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Taormina or Sestri Levante?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Taormina. Although Taormina and Sestri Levante are popular destinations, Taormina has more sights and attractions for tourists. Taormina is very popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Sestri Levante attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Taormina is more touristy than Sestri Levante and is known for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views. It is also well known for The Greek Theater. Sestri Levante is famous for its two bays and coastal setting.

How is Taormina different from Sestri Levante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Taormina or Sestri Levante?

Taormina
Sestri Levante

Taormina is a town with good options for its historical sights. However, Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Taormina. The main landmark in town is the Greek Theater which dates back to the 3rd century BC. Also visit Madonna della Rocca as well as Castello di Taormina, which is perched above the sea.

Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Taormina or Sestri Levante? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Taormina
Sestri Levante

Both Taormina and Sestri Levante offer great local cuisine and restaurants.

Taormina has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local dishes draw on traditional Italian flavors such as pasta, tomato sauce, and vegetables, but they're also heavily influenced by the island's many historical invaders. You'll find a variety of ingredients in recipes including red chilies, tuna, swordfish, sardines, pine nuts, capers, and olives.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Sestri Levante makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find many restaurants along the central road in the old town, Via XXV Aprile. Seafood is popular, as are many other Italian favorites. If you're visiting during the summer months then it's best to make reservations as wait times can be long.

Is Taormina or Sestri Levante Better for Nightlife?

Taormina
Sestri Levante

Taormina is great for its evening party scene. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Taormina for the nightlife scene. The town has a bit of an exclusive vibe and that's felt in the nightlife scene as well. There are lounges and exclusive clubs that serve fine wine and cocktails. You'll also find some late night dance clubs around town.

People don't go to Sestri Levante for the nightlife. There are a few places to grab a drink, but if you're looking for nightlife, you'll really need to head out of town.

Is Taormina or Sestri Levante Better for Resorts?

Taormina
Sestri Levante

Taormina is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its resorts.

In Taormina, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.

Sestri Levante has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a number of hotels in the old town or by the beach. You'll also find a decent selection of vacation rentals. During peak season you'll want to make your reservations early.


Is Taormina or Sestri Levante Better for Beaches?

Taormina
Sestri Levante

Both Taormina and Sestri Levante are considered to be nice beach destinations.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Taormina. The easiest beaches to access from town are Mazzaro Beach and Isola Bella Beach. The beaches are near hotels and there are restaurants as well as beach umbrellas and chairs that you can rent.

Sestri Levante offers a nice beach destination. Home to two beaches, this makes a nice holiday spot if you're hoping to relax by the water. The beaches can get crowded with Italians during the summer months, but it still offers a charming seaside spot. Many people head to the beach by the the Bay of Silence in part because it's free. Make sure you arrive early. By the Bay of Fairytales you can rent chairs and umbrellas and enjoy a little more space.

Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or Sestri Levante?

Taormina
Sestri Levante

Taormina is a town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Taormina has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. It's a fashion-conscious town and you'll find boutiques and shops that carry high end Italian brands. There are also shops that sell local pottery and other items.

Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Taormina or Sestri Levante Better for Families?

Taormina
Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a seaside town with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Sestri Levante offers lots of family activities. This is a great spot for families that want a relaxing holiday with a small town vibe. The picturesque setting is said to have inspired fairytales, and today kids will enjoy playing on the playgrounds or exploring at the adventure park. There are also hikes, activities, and restaurants that are great for kids and adults alike.

Taormina is not the most family-friendly destination. Kids may not appreciate everything that the adults enjoy about this town, but they will likely have fun taking a ride on the cable car and visiting the Greek Theater. There are also wonderful desserts that kids will enjoy.


Is Taormina or Sestri Levante Better for Couples?

Taormina
Sestri Levante

Taormina is great for couples. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for romance.

Taormina is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's a truly beautiful town with impressive views and a great atmosphere. It makes a wonderful stop off for couples or honeymooners who want to soak up the region's beauty.

Sestri Levante is a nice destination for couples. This scenic setting offers a relaxing holiday for couples who want to enjoy quiet time together. There are plenty of outdoor activities and a cultural town with a lot of beauty to explore. It's one of the lesser known destinations in the area, so you will have a peaceful small town vibe that's great for a romantic getaway.

Is Taormina or Sestri Levante Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Taormina
Sestri Levante

Taormina and Sestri Levante both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Taormina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are minibuses that travel to the more far-reaching parts of the town.

Sestri Levante has a few public transit options. The town can be explored on foot and there are buses and trains that can be used for day trips.

Is Taormina or Sestri Levante a more walkable city?

Taormina
Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Sestri Levante is a very easy seaside town to get around on foot. There are pedestrian promenades and charming streets through town that are best explored on foot.

Taormina is very walkable. Walking is one of the best ways to explore the town.


For even more information, also check out Is Taormina Worth Visiting? and Is Sestri Levante Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sestri Levante or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or Sestri Levante?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Taormina and Sestri Levante. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Taormina than in Sestri Levante. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Taormina, and 1-3 days is enough time in Sestri Levante.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sestri Levante than Taormina 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 Sestri Levante.


  • How many days in Taormina or Sestri Levante? Ideal Length of Stay
    Taormina 2-4 
    Sestri Levante 1-3

One day in Taormina or Sestri Levante?

Taormina might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful seaside town of Sestri Levante offers food. 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 Taormina or Sestri Levante?

Taormina is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

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

Five days in Taormina or Sestri Levante?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Taormina. It's also a relaxing resort destination. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Sestri Levante 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 Taormina or Sestri Levante?

Taormina is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.

Sestri Levante 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 seaside town offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Sestri Levante or Taormina?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Taormina is €108, while the average daily cost in Sestri Levante is €143. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Taormina and Sestri Levante in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Taormina 70
    Sestri Levante 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Taormina 140
    Sestri Levante 150
Compare Hotels in Taormina and Sestri Levante

Looking for a hotel in Taormina or Sestri Levante? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Taormina


Hotels in Sestri Levante


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Taormina Hotel Prices and Sestri Levante Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Taormina 4.29
    Sestri Levante 56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Taormina

Also for Taormina, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Roundtrip Transfer from Messina: $40
  • Sicily Catania Airport: Bus Transfer to and from Taormina: $7.46

Is it cheaper to fly into Taormina or Sestri Levante?

Prices for flights to both Sestri Levante and Taormina change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Taormina 33
    Sestri Levante 34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Taormina 11
    Sestri Levante 25

Tours and Activities in Taormina

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Taormina.

  • 5 Hours Private Tour of Taormina from Messina: $604
  • From Catania or Agrigento and Piazza Armerina Tour: $741
  • From Catania: Guided Tour of Mount Etna and Taormina: $95
  • From Catania: Guided Tour of Taormina and Castelmola: $105
  • Sicily: Best of Taormina and Castelmola Private Tour: $212
  • Small Group Sicily Food & Wine Lovers Tour: 8 Days: $2,659
  • Small Group Tour of Sicily Highlights: 8 Days: $2,659
  • Taormina & Castelmola: Shore tour from Messina cruise port: $426
  • Taormina Walking Tour & Ancient theather Private or shared: $586
  • Taormina private tour: $160
  • Taormina. Highlights Tour with Isolabella and Castelmola: $266
  • Tour Messina Taormina Castelmola: $149

Tours and Activities in Sestri Levante

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sestri Levante.

  • Punta Manara Hiking Tour: $501

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Taormina 8.57
    Sestri Levante 7.86

Sample the Local Flavors in Taormina

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Taormina:

  • Mt Etna Private guided walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $180
  • Catania: Mt. Etna Private Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $298


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

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


Which is Bigger, Taormina or Sestri Levante?

Sestri Levante has a larger population, and is about 77% larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Taormina and Sestri Levante, 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.

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