A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Thessaloniki vs. Sestri Levante for Food, Backpackers, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Sestri Levante?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Sestri Levante? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a historic, vibrant, and high energy city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a scenic, local, and quaint seaside town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food and beaches.

Thessaloniki and Sestri Levante: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Sestri Levante?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Thessaloniki. Although Thessaloniki and Sestri Levante are both popular with visitors, Thessaloniki has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Thessaloniki is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Sestri Levante is known for its resorts, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Thessaloniki is more touristy than Sestri Levante and is known for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. It is also home to The Monument of Rotonda. Sestri Levante is popular for its two bays and coastal setting.

How is Thessaloniki different from Sestri Levante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Thessaloniki is great for its historical sights. However, Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Thessaloniki. There are a huge number of historic and archeological sights in the city. These include the Rotunda of Galerius, the White Tower, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Arch of Galerius.

Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Thessaloniki and Sestri Levante both to be excellent destinations.

Thessaloniki has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a huge culinary scene in the city, and you'll find everything from fun street food options to traditional tavernas and even some great international restaurants.

Dining out in Sestri Levante is an experience not to be missed. 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 Thessaloniki or Sestri Levante Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Thessaloniki for the nightlife scene. It's the second largest city in Greece, and it has large student and tourist populations, so the nightlife scene is among the best in Greece. There are clubs, bars, and lounges that stay busy late into the night.

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 Thessaloniki or Sestri Levante Better for Resorts?

Sestri Levante is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Thessaloniki is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Sestri Levante makes a nice vacation spot. 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.

Thessaloniki is not a resort destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Sestri Levante Better for Beaches?

Sestri Levante is a popular place for the beache. However, Thessaloniki is lacking in options for the beach.

Sestri Levante is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

The beach in Thessaloniki is worth checking out. Although the city's not known for its beaches, there are some places where you can relax by the water, particularly if you're willing to get a bit out of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Sestri Levante?

Thessaloniki is great for its shopping areas. However, Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Thessaloniki. There are shopping streets as well as large malls and shopping centers. You'll find everything from fashion, jewelry, and handicrafts to most European and international brands.

Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Sestri Levante Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Thessaloniki or Sestri Levante.

Thessaloniki is a family-friendly city. The port city has a number of museums and attractions for kids including Dinosaur Park, the Noesis Science and Technology Museum, and the water park known as Waterland. There's also the fascinating Kapani Market that is fun to explore.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Sestri Levante. 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.

Is Thessaloniki or Sestri Levante Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Thessaloniki and Sestri Levante make for a good place to visit.

Thessaloniki makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a bustling city that is filled with history and excellent restaurants. Couples who enjoy history and fun cities will appreciate a visit here.

Sestri Levante is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Thessaloniki or Sestri Levante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Thessaloniki. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Sestri Levante is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are some dorm rooms in town, but most backpackers head to one of the more well known destinations in the area. The atmosphere and history makes for a unique experience for those who do make the trip.

Is Thessaloniki or Sestri Levante Better for Students?

Thessaloniki is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Sestri Levante is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Thessaloniki. There's a large student population in the city and you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene, easy transportation options, and a reasonable cost of living.

Sestri Levante is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Thessaloniki and Sestri Levante.

Thessaloniki has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

You'll find some public transit in Sestri Levante, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town can be explored on foot and there are buses and trains that can be used for day trips.

Is Thessaloniki or Sestri Levante a more walkable city?

Sestri Levante is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Sestri Levante. There are pedestrian promenades and charming streets through town that are best explored on foot.

Thessaloniki is a somewhat walkable city. You can explore much of the city center on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Sestri Levante or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Sestri Levante?

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

Families should spend more time in Sestri Levante than Thessaloniki. 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.

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

One day in Thessaloniki or Sestri Levante?

In Thessaloniki, you'll find museums and nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Sestri Levante is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this seaside town.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Sestri Levante?

Thessaloniki is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. 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 fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Thessaloniki or Sestri Levante?

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

Sestri Levante is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Thessaloniki or Sestri Levante?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Thessaloniki. 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 popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Thessaloniki and Sestri Levante, we can see that Sestri Levante 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 Thessaloniki Expensive? and Is Sestri Levante Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Sestri Levante?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Sestri Levante. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki 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.