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

Should you visit Varenna or Sestri Levante?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Varenna and Sestri Levante. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Varenna

Varenna is a pristine, beautiful, and scenic village. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a quiet, scenic, and local 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.

Varenna and Sestri Levante: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Varenna or Sestri Levante?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Varenna. Although Varenna and Sestri Levante are both popular with visitors, Varenna has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Varenna is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Sestri Levante is known for its resorts, beaches, and small town charm. Varenna is more touristy than Sestri Levante and is known for its beautiful location by Lake Como. It is also home to Lake Como. Sestri Levante is popular for its two bays and coastal setting.

Lake Como

How is Varenna different from Sestri Levante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Varenna is a village 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 Varenna. Most people visit the town for its beautiful setting on Lake Como. There are some popular sights around town though such as the Church of San Giorgio and Castello di Vezio.

Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Varenna 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 Varenna have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around town.

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 Varenna or Sestri Levante Better for Nightlife?

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

Varenna doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The best way to enjoy the evening is to head to a restaurant and spend the time sipping wine in a laid back setting.

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 Varenna or Sestri Levante Better for Resorts?

Sestri Levante is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Varenna 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.

Varenna is not a resort destination.

Is Varenna or Sestri Levante Better for Beaches?

Sestri Levante is a good destination for the beache. However, Varenna is not a beach destination.

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.

Varenna is not a beach destination.

Is Varenna or Sestri Levante Better for Hiking?

Varenna is great for hiking. However, Sestri Levante is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Varenna for the hiking trails. There are lakefront trails and other hiking options near town. The Lungolago di Varenna - Baia di Varenna loop follows the water and makes for a pleasant stroll.

Sestri Levante is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Varenna or Sestri Levante?

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

Varenna has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Varenna or Sestri Levante Better for Families?

Both Varenna and Sestri Levante are good family-friendly destinations.

Varenna is a family-friendly village. The charming village has play areas for children and the beautiful Villa Monastero, which are gardens that they'll enjoy exploring. It's also worth visiting the Castle of Vezio.

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 Varenna or Sestri Levante Better for Couples?

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

Varenna is a great village for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This beautiful village has a romantic atmosphere with a "lovers promenade" and many stunning views. It makes the perfect couples trip, whether you're on your honeymoon or just need some time away.

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 Varenna or Sestri Levante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Varenna is a village with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for backpackers.

Varenna is a good village to visit for backpackers. There are some hostels and guesthouses that cater to budget travelers. There's also plenty of outdoor activities that are free.

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

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

Varenna has some public transit options. The town is easily accessible by public transit and once you're in town you can walk everywhere.

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 Varenna or Sestri Levante a more walkable city?

Varenna and Sestri Levante are fantastic when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Varenna. Everything is walkable and the town is best explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Sestri Levante or Varenna?

How long in Varenna or Sestri Levante?

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

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

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

One day in Varenna or Sestri Levante?

In Varenna, you'll find food and shopping. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Sestri Levante is a small town with plenty to do. This seaside town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Varenna or Sestri Levante?

Varenna is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Sestri Levante might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sestri Levante has to offer.

Five days in Varenna or Sestri Levante?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Varenna. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Sestri Levante is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Varenna or Sestri Levante?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the village of Varenna. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sestri Levante. Since Sestri Levante is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, The Best Contiki Tours to Italy, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Varenna or Sestri Levante?

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