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

Should you visit Tenerife or Sorrento?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tenerife or Sorrento, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Tenerife

Tenerife is a beautiful, volcanic, and scenic island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a accessible, laid back, and colorful 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. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Tenerife and Sorrento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tenerife or Sorrento?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sorrento. Although Tenerife and Sorrento are both popular with visitors, Sorrento has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sorrento is more popular for its food and big city activities, while Tenerife is known for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Tenerife is more touristy than Sorrento and is popular for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. Sorrento is popular for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast. It is also home to Marina Grande and Marina Piccola.

How is Tenerife different from Sorrento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tenerife or Sorrento?

Tenerife is not so good for its museums and landmarks. However, Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

Tenerife offers a few options for museum-goers. The island is filled with national parks, beautiful landscapes, and stunning beaches, but if you're not into outdoor activities, then you won't find many museums or other historical sights to visit.

Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Sorrento is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Sorrento is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Tenerife. Many visitors stick to the major touristy areas, eating in their resorts or other nearby restaurants. If you want to try a bit of the island's authentic Canarian cuisine, you'll need to do a little research. Head into the local areas near the markets for the best chance of finding something a little more authentic. Local dishes often include fish and seafood as well as local meats, but you'll rarely find beef as there isn't a lot of land for cows to graze on the island.

Is Tenerife or Sorrento Better for Nightlife?

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

Tenerife is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The island has a variety of nightclubs that range in style and personality. There are all night wild beach parties as well as laid back beach clubs and hole-in-the-wall pubs. Many bars have happy hours where you can relax with a drink and many nightclubs host famous DJs that keep the party going into the early morning hours.

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 Tenerife or Sorrento Better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, high quality resorts can be found in both Tenerife and Sorrento.

Tenerife is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find everything from world-class resorts like the Ritz to more budget-friendly hotels and even some hostels around the island. You'll find most of the resorts on the south side of the island, which is also where you'll find the best weather.

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.

Is Tenerife or Sorrento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tenerife 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.

Tenerife is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. A highlight of snorkeling in this area is the opportunity to swim with sea turtles. Some of the best snorkeling is in El Puertito, which is known for its many turtles and there is no shortage of organized snorkeling trips to the area. The island also has excellent scuba diving trips with a variety of shipwrecks and marine species.

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 Tenerife or Sorrento Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Tenerife attract visitors from all over. The island has a large number of beaches that attract tourists, particularly during the peak winter months. The island's volcanic nature means that many of its natural beaches have black sand. The golden sand from the more developed beaches typically comes from the Sahara Desert. A favorite beach on the island is the 2 kilometer long Playa de las Teresitas.

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 Tenerife or Sorrento Better for Hiking?

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

Around Tenerife visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The island's volcanic landscapes mean that there are dramatic and breathtaking hikes throughout the island. Some of the best hikes are found in the Anaga Rural Park, Teide National Park, and the Teno Mountains.

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 Tenerife or Sorrento?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Tenerife and Sorrento.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Tenerife. The island's low tax rates make it a popular shopping destination for tourists. The are shopping streets, local markets, and luxury malls that you can explore.

Sorrento is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Is Tenerife or Sorrento Better for Families?

Tenerife is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Tenerife is an extremely popular island to visit for families. The island has many great waterparks for kids, with one of the best being Siam Park. Other family-friendly destinations include Aqualand, Loro Parque, Jungle Park, and Monkey Park. There are whale watching trips, outdoor adventures, and kid-friendly beaches as well.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Sorrento is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Tenerife or Sorrento Better for Couples?

Sorrento is very popular for romance. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Sorrento has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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 Tenerife frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The natural beauty, great landscapes, and lively beaches make this a great island for a romantic getaway. There's hiking and outdoor adventures as well as swimming, boat rides, and even whale watching.

Is Tenerife or Sorrento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sorrento is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Sorrento. 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.

Tenerife is a good island to visit for backpackers. The island is large enough that there are a decent number of hostels and budget-friendly places to stay for backpackers.

Is Tenerife or Sorrento 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, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Sorrento is fairly effecient and thorough. 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 Tenerife, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The island has a decent bus service that is operated by a company called "TITSA".

Is Tenerife or Sorrento a more walkable city?

Sorrento is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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.

Tenerife is a somewhat walkable place. There are many walks on the island that make for a fun way to explore the setting.

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

Should I spend more time in Sorrento or Tenerife?

How long in Tenerife or Sorrento?

Both Tenerife and Sorrento have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Tenerife has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Tenerife than Sorrento. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sorrento than Tenerife 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 Tenerife or Sorrento?

The beautiful island of Tenerife offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

The beautiful small city of Sorrento offers nightlife 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 Tenerife or Sorrento?

Tenerife is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Sorrento is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Tenerife or Sorrento?

Tenerife is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tenerife, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Sorrento is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sorrento, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Tenerife or Sorrento?

Tenerife is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tenerife has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

Sorrento is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sorrento has to offer. This small city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Tenerife and Sorrento, we can see that Sorrento is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

When is the best time to visit Tenerife or Sorrento?

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 Tenerife or Sorrento in the Summer?

Both Sorrento and Tenerife during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tenerife this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sorrento for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Tenerife is around the same temperature as Sorrento in the summer. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Sorrento fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Sorrento, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tenerife. In the summer, Tenerife often gets less sunshine than Sorrento. Tenerife gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 313 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in July than Sorrento. Tenerife gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Sorrento in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tenerife and Sorrento. Many travelers come to Tenerife for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, 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.

In the autumn, Tenerife is a little warmer than Sorrento. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tenerife in October average around 22°C (72°F), and Sorrento averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Tenerife, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tenerife usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sorrento during autumn. Tenerife gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sorrento receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Tenerife gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tenerife or Sorrento in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tenerife as well as Sorrento. Many visitors come to Tenerife in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Sorrento for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Tenerife is generally much warmer than Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 17°C (63°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Tenerife often gets more sunshine than Sorrento. Tenerife gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sorrento. Tenerife usually gets less rain in January than Sorrento. Tenerife gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Sorrento in the Spring?

Both Sorrento and Tenerife are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tenerife for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Sorrento because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Tenerife is a little warmer than Sorrento in the spring. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 18°C (64°F) in April, and Sorrento fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tenerife. Tenerife usually receives more sunshine than Sorrento during spring. Tenerife gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Tenerife gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sorrento and Tenerife