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

Should you visit Caen or San Remo?

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 Caen and San Remo. 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.

Caen

Caen is a important, historic, and park-filled city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

San Remo

San Remo is a historic, relaxing, and beautiful coastal city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Caen and San Remo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Caen or San Remo?

You'll generally find more things to do in Caen than San Remo. Caen is bigger than San Remo, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Caen is better known for its museums and big city activities, while San Remo is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Caen is well known for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings. Also, Caen is famous for Pegasus Bridge. San Remo is well known for its olives, lemons, and flower market.

How is Caen different from San Remo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Caen or San Remo?

Caen is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

Caen offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are many monuments around town commemorating the city's long history. You'll want to see Château de Caen, Pegasus Bridge, Mémorial de Caen, Musée de Normandie, and Musée des beaux-arts de Caen.

San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Caen and San Remo.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Caen. There's a market that's at its best on Sundays where you'll find fresh produce and other local ingredients. There are also Michelin starred restaurants, seafood restaurants, and other traditional dishes. Head to the Vaugueux Quarter for traditional dishes.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit San Remo. 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 Caen or San Remo Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Caen and San Remo.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Caen. The nightlife scene stays active thanks to the 30,000 students living in town. Head to the Rue Ecuyère for a pub crawl or hit up any of the other bars around town.

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 Caen or San Remo Better for Beaches?

San Remo is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Caen is not a beach destination.

Many people visit San Remo for it's beautiful 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.

Caen is not a beach destination.

Is Caen or San Remo Better for its Old Town?

San Remo is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Caen does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of 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.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Caen or San Remo?

San Remo is a good destination for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in San Remo. There are local and international brands as well as a shopping mall and outlets where you can enjoy shopping.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Caen or San Remo Better for Families?

San Remo is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

San Remo is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Caen. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

Is Caen or San Remo Better for Couples?

San Remo is a very popular place for romance. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

San Remo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Caen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

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

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Caen. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

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

Caen is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Caen offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

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 Caen or San Remo a more walkable city?

San Remo is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Caen is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in San Remo or Caen?

How long in Caen or San Remo?

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

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

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

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

One day in Caen or San Remo?

The city of Caen offers nightlife and food. 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of San Remo. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Caen or San Remo?

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

San Remo is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Caen or San Remo?

Caen 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the scenic destination of San Remo. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Caen or San Remo?

Caen 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 city offers something for everyone.

The relaxing coastal city of San Remo offers shopping and nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Caen and San Remo, we can see that San Remo is more expensive. And not only is Caen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Caen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Caen 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 San Remo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Remo than you might in Caen.

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

Which is Bigger, Caen or San Remo?

Caen has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of San Remo. When comparing the sizes of Caen 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 Caen 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 Caen or San Remo in the Summer?

Both San Remo and Caen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Caen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Remo for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Caen is generally cooler than San Remo. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 18°C (64°F), and San Remo fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in San Remo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Caen. Caen usually receives less sunshine than San Remo during summer. Caen gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Caen usually receives more rain than San Remo. Caen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Caen or San Remo in the Autumn?

Both San Remo and Caen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Caen for the city's sights and attractions. Also, many visitors come to San Remo in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Caen is cooler than San Remo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Caen averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and San Remo fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Caen often gets less sunshine than San Remo. Caen gets 128 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. Caen usually gets less rain in October than San Remo. Caen gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or San Remo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Caen and San Remo. Many visitors come to Caen in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to San Remo for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Caen can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Caen is much colder than San Remo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Caen in January average around 5°C (41°F), and San Remo averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Caen usually receives less sunshine than San Remo during winter. Caen gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Caen usually receives less rain than San Remo. Caen gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Caen or San Remo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Caen as well as San Remo. Most visitors come to Caen for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to San Remo because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Caen is generally cooler than San Remo. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 9°C (49°F), and San Remo fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Caen often gets less sunshine than San Remo. Caen gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 198 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets less rain in April than San Remo. Caen gets 46 mm (1.8 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 Caen