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

Should you visit Sestri Levante or Imperia?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Sestri Levante and Imperia can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a scenic, local, and quaint seaside town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty in Sestri Levante as well. Other popular activities here include food and beaches. See Sestri Levante travel costs.

Imperia

Imperia is a undiscovered, authentic, and charming town. Imperia offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Imperia travel costs.

Sestri Levante and Imperia: Pros and Cons

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 for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less charming
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Sestri Levante or Imperia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Imperia. Although Sestri Levante and Imperia are popular destinations, Imperia has more sights and attractions for tourists. Imperia is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping, while Sestri Levante attracts visitors for its food, resorts, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Sestri Levante is more touristy than Imperia and is popular for its two bays and coastal setting. Imperia is famous for its access to the Ligurian coastline. It is also well known for The Waterfront.

How is Sestri Levante different from Imperia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Sestri Levante
Imperia

Imperia is a town 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 Imperia. There are several interesting buildings of importance around town.

Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Sestri Levante
Imperia

Sestri Levante is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Sestri Levante is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Imperia. Food ranges from typical Italian dishes to local recipes that use local ingredients. Unique ingredients in the area include trumpet zucchini, flat breads, and anchovies.

Is Sestri Levante or Imperia Better for Nightlife?

Sestri Levante
Imperia

Imperia is a town 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 Imperia has a few options to choose from. There are some bars and lively restaurants around town where you can spend an enjoyable evening.

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 Sestri Levante or Imperia Better for Resorts?

Sestri Levante
Imperia

Sestri Levante is a popular place for its resorts. However, Imperia is not a resort destination.

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.

Imperia is not a resort destination.


Is Sestri Levante or Imperia Better for Beaches?

Sestri Levante
Imperia

Sestri Levante is a popular place for the beach. However, Imperia is not a beach destination.

Sestri Levante is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Imperia is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Sestri Levante or Imperia?

Sestri Levante
Imperia

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

Imperia has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are some shopping streets in town that have a mix of local brands and standard clothing shops.

Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Sestri Levante or Imperia More Beautiful?

Sestri Levante
Imperia

Sestri Levante is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Sestri Levante as well. Set between two bays, it's said to have inspired several fairytales.

Imperia is a gorgeous place to visit. There are beautiful views and breathtaking countryside in the area.


Is Sestri Levante or Imperia Better for Families?

Sestri Levante
Imperia

Both Sestri Levante and Imperia are nice to visit with kids.

Sestri Levante offers lots of family activities. 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.

Imperia is a family-friendly place to visit. There's some nice walking trails in the countryside that the kids will enjoy.

Is Sestri Levante or Imperia Better for Couples?

Sestri Levante
Imperia

Both Sestri Levante and Imperia are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Sestri Levante is a good seaside town for couples to visit. 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.

Imperia is a nice destination for couples. It's a beautiful town with a nice atmosphere that offers a nice break from the tourist crowds.

Is Sestri Levante or Imperia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sestri Levante
Imperia

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

Imperia is a good town to visit for backpackers. Accommodation tends to be affordable and there's an off-the-beaten-path vibe that some backpackers will appreciate.

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

Sestri Levante
Imperia

Sestri Levante and Imperia both offer nice public transit to get you around.

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.

Imperia has a few public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to different areas.

Is Sestri Levante or Imperia a more walkable city?

Sestri Levante
Imperia

Sestri Levante is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its 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.

Imperia is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are convenient to walk around.

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

Should I spend more time in Imperia or Sestri Levante?

How long in Sestri Levante or Imperia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Sestri Levante or Imperia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Sestri Levante than Imperia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Sestri Levante, and 1-2 days is enough time in Imperia.

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

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

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


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

One day in Sestri Levante or Imperia?

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.

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


A weekend in Sestri Levante or Imperia?

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.

Imperia 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.

Five days in Sestri Levante or Imperia?

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.

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

A week in Sestri Levante or Imperia?

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the town of Imperia. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Imperia or Sestri Levante?

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

  • Sestri Levante Prices
    Italy Prices
    Imperia Prices
    Italy Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Sestri Levante 167
    Imperia 133

The average daily cost (per person) in Sestri Levante is €167, while the average daily cost in Imperia is €133. 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 Sestri Levante and Imperia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sestri Levante 75
    Imperia 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sestri Levante 150
    Imperia 102
Compare Hotels in Sestri Levante and Imperia

Looking for a hotel in Sestri Levante or Imperia? 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 Sestri Levante


Hotels in Imperia


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: Sestri Levante Hotel Prices and Imperia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sestri Levante 56
    Imperia 36

Is it cheaper to fly into Sestri Levante or Imperia?

Prices for flights to both Imperia and Sestri Levante 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
    Sestri Levante 59
    Imperia 61

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sestri Levante 7.86
    Imperia 7.50


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

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


Which is Bigger, Sestri Levante or Imperia?

Imperia has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Sestri Levante. When comparing the sizes of Sestri Levante and Imperia, 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.

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