Comparison · Palermo vs Sorrento · Italy
Palermo vs Sorrento
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Lasterketak, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Palermo for Arab-Norman architecture, Street food and lower day-to-day costs; choose Sorrento for Limoncello, Bay of Naples views and free sights. Palermo is generally less expensive, and the two are about 292 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 292 km
- Less expensive
- Palermo
- Best time for Palermo
- April–June and September–October
- Best time for Sorrento
- May–June and September
Side by side
| Palermo | Sorrento | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Italy | Italy |
| Known for | Arab-Norman architecture, Street food and Ballarò market | Limoncello, Bay of Naples views and Ferries to Capri |
| Best time to visit | April–June and September–October | May–June and September |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $110–$200 | $180–$320 |
| Cost level | Affordable | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 31°C (88°F) | July, 30°C (86°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 15°C (59°F) | January, 13°C (55°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 6 | 14 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 7 |
| Beaches | Mondello | Marina Grande |
| Airports | PMO, TPS | NAP |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Palermo for…
Arab-Norman architecture, Street food and lower day-to-day costs. Palermo, Sicily's capital, has been ruled by Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans and Spanish viceroys, and its centre shows every layer: the gold mosaics of the Palatine Chapel, Baroque squares such as the Quattro Canti and the Arab-era markets of Ballarò…
Choose Sorrento for…
Limoncello, Bay of Naples views and free sights. Sorrento sits on tuff cliffs above the Bay of Naples, facing Vesuvius across the water, at the end of the Circumvesuviana railway from Naples. Its compact centre around Piazza Tasso and Corso Italia is flat and walkable, while lifts and stairways drop to…
Top sights compared
| # | Palermo | Sorrento |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Palazzo dei Normanni and the Palatine Chapel | Piazza Tasso |
| 2 | Palermo Cathedral | Vallone dei Mulini |
| 3 | Monreale Cathedral and Cloister | Villa Comunale |
| 4 | Quattro Canti | Cloister of San Francesco |
| 5 | Fontana Pretoria | Sorrento Cathedral |
Food compared
| Palermo | Sorrento |
|---|---|
| Arancine | Gnocchi alla sorrentina |
| Pane e panelle | Limoncello |
| Pani ca' meusa | Delizia al limone |
| Sfincione | Spaghetti alla Nerano |
Which is cheaper?
Palermo is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $110–$200 per person there, against $180–$320 in Sorrento (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Palermo on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Palermo and Sorrento are about 292 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Palermo and 5 in Sorrento.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Palermo or Sorrento cheaper?
Palermo is usually less expensive: about $110–$200 a day mid-range against $180–$320 (estimates).
+Is Palermo or Sorrento better for a first trip?
Pick Palermo for Arab-Norman architecture, Street food and lower day-to-day costs, or Sorrento for Limoncello, Bay of Naples views and free sights.
+How far is Palermo from Sorrento?
About 292 km in a straight line.