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

Should you visit Valencia or Sestri Levante?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Valencia or Sestri Levante, 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.

Valencia

Valencia is a coastal, cultural, and historic coastal city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a quaint, relaxing, and quiet seaside town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food and beaches.

Valencia and Sestri Levante: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valencia or Sestri Levante?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Valencia. Although Valencia and Sestri Levante are both popular with visitors, Valencia has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Valencia is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Sestri Levante is known for its small town charm. Valencia is more touristy than Sestri Levante and is popular for its rich cultural, world class museums, beautiful old town, and local cuisine (which includes paella). It is also home to La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. Sestri Levante is popular for its two bays and coastal setting.

How is Valencia different from Sestri Levante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Valencia 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 Valencia. The city is famous for its architecture and culture. Most of the main attractions are concentrated in Ciutat Vella and can be easily accessed on foot. Notable landmarks include La Lonja de Seda, Catedral de València, and Plaza de la Virgen. There are also several world class museums including Oceanogràfic de València and La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València.

Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Valencia is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Valencia have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city is famous as the birthplace of paella, which is one of Spain's most famous dishes. Beyond the paella, there are a number of other amazing traditional dishes. Fideuà is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clóchinas are tiny local mussels. For dessert make sure you try the flan de calabaza, which is pumpkin flavored. Many restaurants also have tapas that can be shared. Restaurants in the old town are charming and delicious, but out by the beaches the quality isn't as good.

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 Valencia or Sestri Levante Better for Nightlife?

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

Valencia is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Dinner starts late, so you can expect the nightlife to pick up even later. During the summer there are all night terrace parties and year round you'll find nightclubs filled from evening to dawn. If all night raves aren't really your thing, you'll also find plenty of local bars where you can hang out with friends in a more relaxed setting. The nightlife scene really is varied enough that there's something for everyone.

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 Valencia or Sestri Levante Better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, good resorts can be found in both Valencia and Sestri Levante.

With a selection of resorts, Valencia makes a nice vacation spot. You can choose between staying near the old town (Ciutat Vella) or out by the beach. One of the best beach areas is El Cabanyal. It's still close enough in to be well connected by public transit but offers a great coastal vibe as well.

Sestri Levante has a few great resort options. 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 Valencia or Sestri Levante Better for Beaches?

Both Valencia and Sestri Levante have good beaches worth visiting.

Valencia has a beach worth visiting. There are several urban beaches in town that are accessible by public transit. Many offer surprisingly long stretches of sand with wide beaches and plenty of activity. The beaches can get crowded during the summer months, but they are generally large enough to accommodate the crowds. La Malvarrosa Beach is one of the most popular because of its proximity to the city. El Saler Beach is further out and popular with the locals and Port Saplaya is a colorful area with shopping and beaches.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Sestri Levante. 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 Valencia or Sestri Levante Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Valencia is one of the most recognized in the world. For culture, history, and the majority of the city's attractions, you'll want to spend your time in Ciutat Vella (old town).

Sestri Levante does not have a historic old town.

Is Valencia or Sestri Levante Better for Hiking?

Valencia is a coastal city with good options for hiking. However, Sestri Levante is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Valencia. Most people miss out on the beautiful hikes through the nearby countryside, but if you venture out of town you can enjoy some beautiful walking trails. Many run along the coastline or pass through rolling hills. There is varied landscape in the area with pine forests, orange groves, and vineyards all common.

Sestri Levante is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Valencia or Sestri Levante?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Valencia. As the third largest city in Spain, you'll find most designer brands around town. The main shopping street is Calle Colon where you'll find the well-known European brands mixed in with the lesser-known Spanish brands. For a more local experience head to Mercado Central where you'll find local produce, colorful seafood, and a unique foodie vibe.

Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Valencia or Sestri Levante Better for Families?

Valencia is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Valencia. The city has some kid-friendly museums, an impressive zoo, and the largest aquarium in Europe (with its own dolphin show). Head to the Science Museum or simply wander around the museum complex. There are water activities and a beautiful futuristic style that attracts families and influencers with its photogenic atmosphere. There are also countless playgrounds of all sizes around town and a number of parks and outdoor spaces where kids can run around. There's a city park that runs through town and has playgrounds and bike trails. You can also spend a fun-filled day at the beach.

Sestri Levante is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Valencia or Sestri Levante Better for Couples?

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

Valencia is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. The city is filled with interesting culture, beautiful weather, and delightful cuisine. There are sandy beaches and luxury hotels that will make for an amazing romantic getaway. There are also many beautiful gardens and charming neighborhoods that you can explore. Couples can split a paella and sip sangrias in one of the many charming restaurants around town.

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 Valencia or Sestri Levante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Valencia. It's often overlooked for more popular destinations, but this city has plenty to offer in the form of affordable accommodation and food as well as interesting sights.

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 Valencia or Sestri Levante Better for Students?

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

Valencia is a very popular coastal city for students. The city is young and vibrant with a lot of culture and beautiful neighborhoods. It's also well connected to the rest of Spain with a convenient central train station.

Sestri Levante is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Valencia and Sestri Levante.

You'll find some public transit in Valencia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Public transit is available in the form of buses and a tram/metro system but the system isn't as comprehensive as it could be and much of the city is surprisingly dependent on cars.

While Sestri Levante offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The town can be explored on foot and there are buses and trains that can be used for day trips.

Is Valencia or Sestri Levante a more walkable city?

Sestri Levante is an amazing seaside town to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Valencia is a very walkable destination. Walking is the best way to explore many parts of the city and you can walk from one side of the Ciutat Vella to the other in about 20 minutes. This area is where you'll find most of the city's main attractions. There are other neighborhoods that are a bit less pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Sestri Levante or Valencia?

How long in Valencia or Sestri Levante?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Valencia and Sestri Levante. In our opinion, Valencia has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Valencia than Sestri Levante. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Valencia, and 1-3 days is enough time in Sestri Levante.

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

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

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

One day in Valencia or Sestri Levante?

Because Valencia is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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. 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 Valencia or Sestri Levante?

Valencia is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Valencia or Sestri Levante?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Valencia. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Valencia or Sestri Levante?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the coastal city of Valencia. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Valencia 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 Valencia Expensive? and Is Sestri Levante Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Valencia or Sestri Levante?

Valencia has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Sestri Levante. When comparing the sizes of Valencia 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.