A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Biarritz vs. San Remo for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Biarritz or San Remo?

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

Should I visit Biarritz or San Remo? 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 quirky, dynamic, and cultural seaside town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

San Remo

San Remo is a relaxing, beautiful, and scenic coastal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Biarritz and San Remo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Biarritz or San Remo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Biarritz. Although Biarritz and San Remo are both popular with visitors, Biarritz has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Biarritz is more popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, shopping, and small town charm, while San Remo is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Biarritz is more touristy than San Remo and is known for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. It is also home to Grande Plage. San Remo is popular for its olives, lemons, and flower market.

How is Biarritz different from San Remo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between San Remo 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 San Remo?

Biarritz is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Biarritz specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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.

San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Biarritz and San Remo.

Biarritz has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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).

Dining out in San Remo is an experience not to be missed. The local restaurants are charming and sell a number of local specialties. Many traditional dishes are made with rabbit or chicken. There are also vegetable pies and sardenaira, which is a type of pizza that's made with tomatoes, garlic, and anchovies. Also make sure you pick up Baci di Sanremo, which are soft chocolate biscuits that are available in local bakeries.

Is Biarritz or San Remo Better for Nightlife?

Biarritz is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Biarritz has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

San Remo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has a number of clubs and bars where you can enjoy a drink or hang out late into the evening. It's a pretty mellow nightlife scene, but there's still plenty of places to go as well as a local vibe that doesn't have the influx of tourists that you find in many of other Italian cities.

Is Biarritz or San Remo Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, San Remo 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.

San Remo is not a resort destination.

Is Biarritz or San Remo Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Biarritz and San Remo are high quality choices.

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.

San Remo is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The beautiful sandy beaches are nice to visit and it's possible to rent chairs and umbrellas in many places. The main beach in town is Spiaggia dei Porti. Other popular nearby beaches include Spiaggia dei tre ponti, which is a large public beach, and Cala degli Orsi, which is one of the most beautiful public beaches in the area.

Is Biarritz or San Remo Better for its Old Town?

San Remo is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting San Remo. The old quarter of Pigna is a Medieval area with narrow streets that feel as if they're frozen in time. The hills offer impressive city views and the area has a unique historic character.

Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Biarritz or San Remo?

Biarritz is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

San Remo is a great destination for shopping. There are local and international brands as well as a shopping mall and outlets where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Biarritz or San Remo Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Biarritz or San Remo.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Biarritz is very family-friendly. 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.

San Remo is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The area offers plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family will enjoy. There's horseback riding, hiking, rowing, snorkeling, cooking classes, farm tours and more. There are also a number of hotels in the area that have kid-friendly activities.

Is Biarritz or San Remo Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Biarritz and San Remo make for a high quality place to visit.

Biarritz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Couples visit San Remo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's known as the city of flowers, and the many beautiful gardens make this a truly romantic place to visit. Couples will enjoy soaking up the city's history and enjoy the vibrant culture and outdoor activities that are available.

Is Biarritz or San Remo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, San Remo is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Biarritz. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

San Remo is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in town, and most backpackers head to more popular Italian destinations. If you're looking for a more off-the-beaten path destination, then this may be your style.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Biarritz and San Remo.

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 San Remo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses around town.

Is Biarritz or San Remo a more walkable city?

Biarritz and San Remo are high quality when it comes to walkability.

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

San Remo is a very walkable destination. The old quarter is fun to explore on foot and there are a number of walking tours through town.

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

Should I spend more time in San Remo or Biarritz?

How long in Biarritz or San Remo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Biarritz or San Remo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Biarritz than San Remo 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 San Remo.

Families should spend more time in Biarritz than San Remo. 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 San Remo. 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 San Remo 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 San Remo?

The seaside town of Biarritz offers nightlife and food. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The beautiful coastal city of San Remo offers nightlife 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.

A weekend in Biarritz or San Remo?

Biarritz is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

San Remo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Remo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Biarritz or San Remo?

Biarritz is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Biarritz, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

San Remo 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 San Remo?

Biarritz is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Biarritz has to offer. This seaside town offers something for everyone.

San Remo 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 coastal city 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Biarritz and San Remo, we can see that San Remo 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 Biarritz Expensive? and Is San Remo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Biarritz or San Remo?

San Remo has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Biarritz and San Remo, 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 San Remo?

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 Biarritz or San Remo in the Summer?

Both San Remo and Biarritz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Remo this time of year.

In the summer, Biarritz is cooler than San Remo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Biarritz in July average around 20°C (68°F), and San Remo averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in San Remo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than San Remo during summer. Biarritz gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Biarritz usually receives more rain than San Remo. Biarritz gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Biarritz or San Remo in the Autumn?

Both San Remo and Biarritz during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to San Remo for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Biarritz is generally around the same temperature as San Remo. Daily temperatures in Biarritz average around 16°C (60°F), and San Remo fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than San Remo. Biarritz gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 183 hours of full sun.

San Remo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. Biarritz usually gets more rain in October than San Remo. Biarritz gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Biarritz or San Remo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Biarritz and San Remo. Many travelers come to Biarritz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Remo in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

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

Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than San Remo during winter. Biarritz gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Biarritz usually receives more rain than San Remo. Biarritz gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Biarritz or San Remo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Biarritz as well as San Remo. Many visitors come to Biarritz in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm. Additionally, most visitors come to San Remo for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Biarritz is around the same temperature as San Remo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Biarritz in April average around 12°C (54°F), and San Remo averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than San Remo. Biarritz gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 198 hours of full sun.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the spring. Biarritz usually gets more rain in April than San Remo. Biarritz gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Remo and Biarritz