A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Biarritz vs. Imperia for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Biarritz or Imperia?

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

Should I visit Biarritz or Imperia? 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.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a relaxing, quirky, and dynamic seaside town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Imperia

Imperia is a charming, undiscovered, and authentic town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Biarritz and Imperia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Biarritz or Imperia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Biarritz. Although Biarritz and Imperia are both popular with visitors, Biarritz has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Biarritz is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Imperia is known for its museums and impressive beauty. Biarritz is more touristy than Imperia and is popular for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. It is also home to Grande Plage. Imperia is popular for its access to the Ligurian coastline.

How is Biarritz different from Imperia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Biarritz or Imperia?

Imperia is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Imperia offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several interesting buildings of importance around town.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

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

Biarritz 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 Biarritz is an experience not to be missed. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

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 Biarritz or Imperia Better for Nightlife?

Biarritz is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.

Biarritz has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Imperia. There are some bars and lively restaurants around town where you can spend an enjoyable evening.

Is Biarritz or Imperia Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is notable for its resorts. However, Imperia is not a resort destination.

Biarritz is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Imperia is not a resort destination.

Is Biarritz or Imperia Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is notable for the beach. However, Imperia is not a beach destination.

Biarritz is considered a top beach destination. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Imperia is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Biarritz or Imperia?

Biarritz is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Biarritz. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Imperia. There are some shopping streets in town that have a mix of local brands and standard clothing shops.

Is Biarritz or Imperia Better for Families?

Biarritz is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Biarritz is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

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

Is Biarritz or Imperia Better for Couples?

Biarritz is notable for couples. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Biarritz is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples 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 Biarritz or Imperia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz is notable for backpackers. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Biarritz is a very popular seaside town for backpackers and budget travelers. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

Imperia is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Accommodation tends to be affordable and there's an off-the-beaten-path vibe that some backpackers will appreciate.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Biarritz and Imperia.

Biarritz has some public transit options. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

You'll find some public transit in Imperia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that connect the city to different areas.

Is Biarritz or Imperia a more walkable city?

Biarritz is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

Biarritz is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Imperia or Biarritz?

How long in Biarritz or Imperia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Biarritz or Imperia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Biarritz than Imperia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Biarritz, and 1-2 days is enough time in Imperia.

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

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

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

One day in Biarritz or Imperia?

In Biarritz, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This seaside town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The town of Imperia offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Biarritz or Imperia?

In Biarritz, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Imperia is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Imperia, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Biarritz or Imperia?

Biarritz is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Biarritz has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Imperia 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.

A week in Biarritz or Imperia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. In Biarritz, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Imperia is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to France, The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Biarritz and Imperia, we can see that Biarritz 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 Biarritz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Biarritz 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 Biarritz Expensive? and Is Imperia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Biarritz or Imperia?

Imperia has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Biarritz 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.

When is the best time to visit Biarritz or Imperia?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Biarritz or Imperia in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Biarritz as well as Imperia. The summer months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Imperia this time of year.

In the summer, Biarritz is cooler than Imperia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Biarritz in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Imperia averages at about 25°C (76°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Imperia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Biarritz this time of the year. In the summer, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Imperia. Biarritz gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 295 hours of full sun.

Biarritz usually gets more rain in July than Imperia. Biarritz gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Biarritz or Imperia in the Autumn?

Both Imperia and Biarritz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Imperia for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Biarritz is generally cooler than Imperia. Daily temperatures in Biarritz average around 16°C (60°F), and Imperia fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Imperia during autumn. Biarritz gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. In October, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Imperia. Biarritz gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Biarritz or Imperia in the Winter?

Both Imperia and Biarritz during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Biarritz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Imperia in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Biarritz is cooler than Imperia in the winter. The daily temperature in Biarritz averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Imperia fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Imperia. Biarritz gets 85 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 127 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. Biarritz usually gets more rain in January than Imperia. Biarritz gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Biarritz or Imperia in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Biarritz and Imperia. Many visitors come to Biarritz in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm. Also, most visitors come to Imperia for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Biarritz is cooler than Imperia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Biarritz in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Imperia averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Imperia during spring. Biarritz gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Imperia. Biarritz gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Imperia and Biarritz