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

Should you visit Izmir 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 Izmir 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.

Izmir

Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food. See Izmir travel costs.

Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a quiet, scenic, and local seaside town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of Sestri Levante is one of the main draws. It's also known for food and beaches. See Sestri Levante travel costs.

Izmir and Sestri Levante: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Izmir or Sestri Levante?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Izmir than Sestri Levante, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Izmir is better known for its big city activities, while Sestri Levante is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Sestri Levante is more touristy than Izmir and is popular for its two bays and coastal setting. Izmir is well known for Also, Izmir is famous for .

How is Izmir different from Sestri Levante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Izmir
Sestri Levante

Foodies will find both Izmir and Sestri Levante both to be very good destinations.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Izmir makes for a great culinary experience. Located on the coast, the city is known for its fresh seafood like grilled fish, calamari, and midye dolma (stuffed mussels). Kumru, a local sandwich made with sesame-crusted bread and filled with sucuk or cheese, is a must-try street food. Also popular are meze, which are small plates of appetizers like hummus, stuffed grape leaves, and zeytinyağlılar (vegetables cooked in olive oil).

Sestri Levante has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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 Izmir or Sestri Levante Better for Nightlife?

Izmir
Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is not so good for nightlife. However, Izmir is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Sestri Levante. 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.

Izmir is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Izmir or Sestri Levante Better for Resorts?

Izmir
Sestri Levante

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

Izmir is not a resort destination.

Is Izmir or Sestri Levante Better for Beaches?

Izmir
Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a good destination for its beaches. However, Izmir 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.

Izmir is not a beach destination.


Is Izmir or Sestri Levante More Beautiful?

Izmir
Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Izmir is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Sestri Levante is one of the main draws. Set between two bays, it's said to have inspired several fairytales.

Izmir is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Izmir or Sestri Levante Better for Families?

Izmir
Sestri Levante

Izmir 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 Izmir. A visit to Kültürpark, a large park in the city center, is perfect for children to enjoy playgrounds, open spaces, and even a small amusement park. The Izmir Wildlife Park, located just outside the city, is another great spot, where kids can explore and interact with a variety of animals in a natural setting. For an educational experience, the Izmir Natural History Museum provides fascinating exhibits on local wildlife and natural science. Families will also enjoy taking a boat ride on the Izmir Bay or visiting the Aqua City Water Park.

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 Izmir or Sestri Levante Better for Couples?

Izmir
Sestri Levante

Izmir and Sestri Levante both notable destinations for a couple.

Izmir is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy walking along the scenic Kordon promenade at sunset or having a drink at a local cafe. You can also explore the Kadifekale Castle, which offers panoramic views of Izmir and is another great spot for watching the sunset together. Also popular is taking a boat tour around Izmir Bay, which lets you see the city from a different perspective.

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 Izmir or Sestri Levante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Izmir
Sestri Levante

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Izmir. It's a popular stop off for backpackers who enjoy the cultural scene around town. There are many hostels to choose from, particularly in areas like Konak and Alsancak.

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

Izmir
Sestri Levante

Izmir is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its public transit.

The public transit in Izmir can get you to most places easily. The public transit system is diverse and includes a metro with two lines, buses, ferries, and dolmuses (shared minibuses). In general, the system is reliable and affordable.

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

Is Izmir or Sestri Levante a more walkable city?

Izmir
Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Izmir is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Izmir is a somewhat walkable place. Some of the most pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods include Konak, Alsancak, and Kordon where you can easily walk between attractions, cafés, shops, and parks. The Kordon waterfront promenade is a popular place for strolling, jogging, or simply relaxing.


Should I spend more time in Sestri Levante or Izmir?

How long in Izmir or Sestri Levante?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Izmir or Sestri Levante?


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In Izmir, you'll find food. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Even though Sestri Levante is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Izmir or Sestri Levante?


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Izmir 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sestri Levante. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Izmir or Sestri Levante?


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

Sestri Levante is a fun place to experience. Sestri Levante is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Izmir or Sestri Levante?


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Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the of Izmir. 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 you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Sestri Levante or Izmir?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Izmir Prices
    Turkey Prices
    Sestri Levante Prices
    Italy Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Izmir $96
    Sestri Levante $196

The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $96, while the average daily cost in Sestri Levante is $196. 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 Izmir and Sestri Levante in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $47
    Sestri Levante $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $94
    Sestri Levante $176
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Sestri Levante

Looking for a hotel in Izmir 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 Izmir


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: Izmir Hotel Prices and Sestri Levante Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $23
    Sestri Levante $65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Transfer from Izmir to Didim: $287
  • Antalya Airport AYT Transfers to Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels: $251
  • Fethiye-Oludeniz Hotels to Antalya Airport AYT Transfers: $251
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Ayvalik Resort: $242
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Yalikoy (Didim) Hotels: $209
  • Bodrum Akyaka Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $161
  • Izmir Airport to Cesme/Alacati, Kusadasi, and Foca Transfers: $144
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Kusadasi International Golf Hotels: $143
  • Izmir Airport ADB Transfers to Cesme Hotels: $131
  • Private Transfer from Izmir Airport to Selcuk: $131
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Gümüldür, Seferihisar: $131
  • Ephesus Guided Tour From Izmir With Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $130

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Sestri Levante?

Prices for flights to both Sestri Levante and Izmir 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
    Izmir $33
    Sestri Levante $69

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Izmir

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

  • Authentic Turkish Home Cooking Class with Locals: $76
  • Izmir to Aphrodisias: Cooking & Ceramics Class: $251

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Izmir $16
    Sestri Levante $30

Tours and Activities in Izmir

Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Small Group Ephesus Tour From Izmir Hotels: $171
  • 2-Hour Private Guided The best of Izmir Walking Tour: $185
  • Alaçatı & Çeşme Chill Tour: Vibes, Streets & Snapshots: $120
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
  • Budget - Friendly Ephesus Tour from Izmir: $42
  • Daily Ephesus & Virgin Mary House Tour from Izmir: $161
  • Day Tour to Pamukkale from-to Izmir: $240
  • Ephesus & Sirince Village Tour from İzmir: $145
  • Ephesus Ancient City with Best Guides Only For Cruise Guests: $59
  • Ephesus Day Tour from Izmir with Lunch: $131
  • Ephesus Excursion For Cruisers: $586
  • Ephesus Full Day Tour From Izmir: $149

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $6.94
    Sestri Levante $9.22

Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:

  • Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $131


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

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


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Sestri Levante?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Sestri Levante. When comparing the sizes of Izmir 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.