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

Should you visit Toulon or Sestri Levante?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Toulon and Sestri Levante can help you decide which place is right for you.

Toulon

Toulon is a industrial, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a local, quaint, and relaxing seaside town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food and beaches.

Toulon and Sestri Levante: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Toulon or Sestri Levante?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Toulon than Sestri Levante, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Toulon is better known for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, and shopping, while Sestri Levante is more popular for its food, resorts, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Sestri Levante is more touristy than Toulon and is popular for its two bays and coastal setting. Toulon is well known for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers. Also, Toulon is famous for The Old Town.

How is Toulon different from Sestri Levante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Toulon
Sestri Levante

Toulon is a port city 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 Toulon. Many of the sights are found in the old town and harbor areas. Some of the most interesting attractions include the Opera House, the Allied Landings Museum, the Naval Museum, and Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds.

Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Toulon
Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Toulon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a variety of cafes and restaurants that are found along the harbor or in the old town. Whether you want waterfront views or a charming street front cafe, there are great options available. Many restaurants offer local seafood but you'll also find pastries, traditional local food, a several Italian restaurants.

Is Toulon or Sestri Levante Better for Nightlife?

Toulon
Sestri Levante

Toulon is a port city with good options for its evening party scene. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Toulon has a few options to choose from. It's a relatively large city and traditionally a sailor's town, so the city has a long running tradition of partying into the night. While it doesn't have the party-hard reputation of some places, you likely won't be bored at night. Head to the harbor area or the beaches around Mourillon for the most lively bars and cafes.

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 Toulon or Sestri Levante Better for Resorts?

Toulon
Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is very good for its resorts. However, Toulon is not a resort destination.

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.

Toulon is not a resort destination.


Is Toulon or Sestri Levante Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon
Sestri Levante

Toulon is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Sestri Levante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Toulon. There are a few beaches in the area that are worth checking out with a mask and snorkel. You'll likely see some underwater life hanging out by the rocks in the quieter areas.

Sestri Levante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Toulon or Sestri Levante Better for Beaches?

Toulon
Sestri Levante

Toulon and Sestri Levante are notable choices for a beach vacation.

Many people head to Toulon to enjoy the beach. The beaches are sandy and less crowded than some of the more popular areas. The most accessible beach is Mourillon Beach which has public facilities and restaurants. If you're willing to venture a little farther from the center of town you'll find Mitre Beach which has some snorkeling. Battere Basse Beach is a bit quieter and also has snorkeling. Anse de Méjean is a popular spot with the locals.

Sestri Levante has a beach worth visiting. 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 Toulon or Sestri Levante Better for its Old Town?

Toulon
Sestri Levante

Toulon is adequate for its historic old town charm. However, Sestri Levante does not have a historic old town.

The old town area in Toulon is worth visiting. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

Sestri Levante does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Toulon or Sestri Levante?

Toulon
Sestri Levante

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Toulon. If you're looking for traditional local shopping opportunities then this is your place. There are a number of traditional Provençal markets around town but the most famous is Cours Lafayette. You can shop with the locals looking for produce or flowers. There's also a weekend farmers market, Petit Cours, that is fun to explore.

Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Toulon or Sestri Levante Better for Families?

Toulon
Sestri Levante

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Toulon or Sestri Levante.

Toulon is a family-friendly place to visit. The city may be known as a hub for the French navy, but there are also activities that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There are several military themed museums, a few good beaches, and local shopping. There's also the enjoyable cable car ride that you can take to the top of Mont Faron as well as several nice seaside walks in the area.

Sestri Levante is a family-friendly port city. 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 Toulon or Sestri Levante Better for Couples?

Toulon
Sestri Levante

Both Toulon and Sestri Levante are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Toulon is a nice destination for couples. Couples will appreciate the walks along the coast or through the harbor. There are also nice restaurants, interesting art galleries, and a few good hotels around town that make for a nice couple's weekend.

Sestri Levante makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Toulon or Sestri Levante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toulon
Sestri Levante

Toulon is a port city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for backpackers.

Toulon is a good port city to visit for backpackers. It doesn't have the reputation of many nearby towns along the French Riviera, so you can still find some affordable hostels and cafes in the area. You also won't find the crowds so you can enjoy a touch of the authentic local culture.

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

Toulon
Sestri Levante

Both Toulon and Sestri Levante offer notable public transit options.

Toulon has a few public transit options. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take around town.

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

Is Toulon or Sestri Levante a more walkable city?

Toulon
Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Toulon is a very walkable port city. You can walk around the old town and harbor area where many of the sights are concentrated.


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

Should I spend more time in Sestri Levante or Toulon?

How long in Toulon or Sestri Levante?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Toulon 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 Toulon.


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

One day in Toulon or Sestri Levante?

In Toulon, you'll find museums and nightlife. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Sestri Levante might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Toulon or Sestri Levante?

Toulon 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Toulon or Sestri Levante?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sestri Levante. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Toulon or Sestri Levante?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the port city of Toulon. 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 small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to France, The Best Budget Tours to France, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Sestri Levante or Toulon?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Toulon is €119, 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 Toulon and Sestri Levante in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Toulon 79
    Sestri Levante 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Toulon 158
    Sestri Levante 150
Compare Hotels in Toulon and Sestri Levante

Looking for a hotel in Toulon 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 Toulon


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: Toulon Hotel Prices and Sestri Levante Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Toulon 7.14
    Sestri Levante 56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toulon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Toulon:

  • Transfer from Toulon Cruise Port to Marseille Provence Airport: $118
  • Private Transfer from Toulon Cruise Port to Marseille city Hotels: $118

Is it cheaper to fly into Toulon or Sestri Levante?

Prices for flights to both Sestri Levante and Toulon 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
    Toulon 30
    Sestri Levante 34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toulon

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Toulon.

  • Culinary Heritage Guided Walking Food Tour: $103
  • Toulon Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $105

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Toulon 13
    Sestri Levante 25

Tours and Activities in Toulon

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Toulon are as follows:

  • Guided Tour in Port & Old City: $55
  • Private Heritage Walking Tour in Toulon: $180
  • Provence Abbey of Thoronet Entrance Ticket: $9.91
  • Toulon Private Tour: $282
  • Little Train Ticket: $9.77

Tours and Activities in Sestri Levante

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

  • Punta Manara Hiking Tour: $510

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Toulon 14
    Sestri Levante 7.86

Sample the Local Flavors in Toulon

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toulon:

  • Cellar Visit & Bandol Wine Tasting (in French): $13
  • Horse riding in the vineyards of Ramatuelle + wine tasting: $98
  • Porquerolles Island and Carmignac Museum of Art with wine tasting: $275


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

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


Which is Bigger, Toulon or Sestri Levante?

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