A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Ventimiglia vs. Sorrento for Food, Couples, Families, and Beaches

Should you visit Ventimiglia or Sorrento?

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

Should I visit Ventimiglia or Sorrento? 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.

Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is a understated, classic, and authentic seaside town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a historic, relaxing, and accessible small city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Ventimiglia and Sorrento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ventimiglia or Sorrento?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sorrento than Ventimiglia, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sorrento is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and big city activities, while Ventimiglia is more popular for its historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Sorrento is more touristy than Ventimiglia and is known for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast. Also, Sorrento is famous for Marina Grande and Marina Piccola. Ventimiglia is well known for its weekly market, colorful old town, and nice beaches.

How is Ventimiglia different from Sorrento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sorrento is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Sorrento is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Ventimiglia. Italian classics are abundant including tiramisus, Italian pizzas, risotto alla milanese, and traditional lasagna. If you're in town on a Friday you should visit the local market which has stalls selling local produce and foods.

Is Ventimiglia or Sorrento Better for Nightlife?

Sorrento is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Ventimiglia is a seaside town with minimal options for nightlife.

Sorrento has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Ventimiglia Most people don't head to town for the nightlife, but there are some bars where you can grab a drink or sip a glass of wine.

Is Ventimiglia or Sorrento Better for Resorts?

Sorrento is a great destination for its resorts. However, Ventimiglia is not a resort destination.

Sorrento is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Ventimiglia is not a resort destination.

Is Ventimiglia or Sorrento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sorrento is a small city with a few options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ventimiglia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Sorrento has a few snorkeling spots. There are snorkeling excursions that you can book in the area, but this is often an overlooked activity for many visitors.

Ventimiglia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ventimiglia or Sorrento Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Ventimiglia and Sorrento are notable choices.

Ventimiglia is a good option for a beach vacation. The lungomare is a promenade along the sea that allows visitors to wander and take in waterfront views. Most of the beaches are free to access and have been influenced by the coastal erosion efforts which have led to a series of scalloped bays. If you reach the end of the lungomare you'll find a natural area where the Roya and Nervia rivers meet the ocean. This is also a popular spot for breeding birds.

Many people head to Sorrento to enjoy the beach. 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 Ventimiglia or Sorrento Better for its Old Town?

Ventimiglia is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

Ventimiglia is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming pastel buildings. There are also a number of historic buildings and monuments that give the town a special atmosphere.

Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

Is Ventimiglia or Sorrento Better for Hiking?

Sorrento is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Ventimiglia is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Sorrento. 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.

Ventimiglia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ventimiglia or Sorrento?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Sorrento and Ventimiglia.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Ventimiglia. Most people head in town on Friday for the market, which has stalls selling crafts and local products.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Sorrento. 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 Ventimiglia or Sorrento Better for Families?

Sorrento is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Sorrento is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Ventimiglia offers lots of family activities. The charming town is a great place for kids to explore. There is a botanical garden and hiking trails that the whole family can enjoy as well as quiet beaches where they can play. The Italian food is also perfect for young palates.

Is Ventimiglia or Sorrento Better for Couples?

Sorrento is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Sorrento makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Ventimiglia is a great seaside town if you're traveling as a couple. This quintessential Italian town offers a romantic setting with cobblestone streets and pastel buildings. There are many culinary delights and romantic settings that are perfect for couples. The hiking trails and botanical gardens are also fun places to explore.

Is Ventimiglia or Sorrento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sorrento is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Sorrento is a very popular small city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Ventimiglia or Sorrento Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sorrento is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Sorrento offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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.

While Ventimiglia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains and buses to town. Once you're in town it's easy to explore on foot.

Is Ventimiglia or Sorrento a more walkable city?

Ventimiglia and Sorrento both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Ventimiglia is a very walkable destination. It's small size and charming atmosphere make it a great town to explore on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Sorrento or Ventimiglia?

How long in Ventimiglia or Sorrento?

Both Ventimiglia and Sorrento have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sorrento than in Ventimiglia. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Ventimiglia, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sorrento.

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

Couples should spend more time in Sorrento than Ventimiglia. 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 Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia or Sorrento?

Ventimiglia is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the colorful small city of Sorrento. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the food. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Ventimiglia or Sorrento?

Ventimiglia 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ventimiglia, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the laid back destination of Sorrento. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This small city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Ventimiglia or Sorrento?

Ventimiglia 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the historic small city of Sorrento. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Ventimiglia or Sorrento?

Ventimiglia is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Sorrento. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the food. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this small city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia Expensive? and Is Sorrento Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ventimiglia or Sorrento?

Ventimiglia has a larger population, and is about 49% larger than the population of Sorrento. When comparing the sizes of Ventimiglia and Sorrento, 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.

When is the best time to visit Ventimiglia or Sorrento?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Ventimiglia or Sorrento in the Summer?

Both Sorrento and Ventimiglia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Ventimiglia in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Sorrento for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Ventimiglia is around the same temperature as Sorrento. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ventimiglia in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Sorrento averages at about 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Sorrento. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ventimiglia. Ventimiglia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sorrento during summer. Ventimiglia gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ventimiglia usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Ventimiglia gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ventimiglia or Sorrento in the Autumn?

Both Sorrento and Ventimiglia during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Ventimiglia for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sorrento because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Ventimiglia is generally around the same temperature as Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Ventimiglia average around 17°C (63°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Ventimiglia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sorrento. Ventimiglia gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun.

Sorrento gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ventimiglia. Ventimiglia usually gets less rain in October than Sorrento. Ventimiglia gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ventimiglia or Sorrento in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ventimiglia and Sorrento. The winter months attract visitors to Ventimiglia because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Sorrento this time of year.

Ventimiglia is around the same temperature as Sorrento in the winter. The daily temperature in Ventimiglia averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Sorrento fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Ventimiglia usually receives more sunshine than Sorrento during winter. Ventimiglia gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sorrento receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Ventimiglia usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Ventimiglia gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ventimiglia or Sorrento in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ventimiglia as well as Sorrento. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Ventimiglia this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sorrento for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Ventimiglia is around the same temperature as Sorrento. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ventimiglia in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Sorrento averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Ventimiglia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sorrento. Ventimiglia gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun.

Ventimiglia usually gets less rain in April than Sorrento. Ventimiglia gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sorrento and Ventimiglia