A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Calais vs. Ventimiglia for Food, Couples, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Calais or Ventimiglia?

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

Should I visit Calais or Ventimiglia? 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.

Calais

Calais is a coastal, authentic, and undiscovered city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is a authentic, elegant, and scenic seaside town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, food, and beaches.

Calais and Ventimiglia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Calais or Ventimiglia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Calais. Although Calais and Ventimiglia are popular destinations, Calais has more sights and attractions for tourists. Calais is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Ventimiglia attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Calais is famous for being a gateway for travelers to France. It is also well known for The Town Hall. Ventimiglia is famous for its weekly market, colorful old town, and nice beaches.

How is Calais different from Ventimiglia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Calais or Ventimiglia?

Calais is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Ventimiglia 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 Calais. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

Ventimiglia does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Calais or Ventimiglia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ventimiglia is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Ventimiglia is an experience not to be missed. Italian classics are abundant including tiramisus, Italian pizzas, risotto alla milanese, and traditional lasagna. If you're in town on a Friday you should visit the local market which has stalls selling local produce and foods.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Calais or Ventimiglia Better for Nightlife?

Calais is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Ventimiglia is a seaside town with minimal options for nightlife.

Calais has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Ventimiglia Most people don't head to town for the nightlife, but there are some bars where you can grab a drink or sip a glass of wine.

Is Calais or Ventimiglia Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Calais and Ventimiglia are nice choices.

Calais is a good option for a beach vacation. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Many people head to Ventimiglia to enjoy the beach. The lungomare is a promenade along the sea that allows visitors to wander and take in waterfront views. Most of the beaches are free to access and have been influenced by the coastal erosion efforts which have led to a series of scalloped bays. If you reach the end of the lungomare you'll find a natural area where the Roya and Nervia rivers meet the ocean. This is also a popular spot for breeding birds.

Is Calais or Ventimiglia Better for its Old Town?

Ventimiglia is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Calais does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Ventimiglia. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming pastel buildings. There are also a number of historic buildings and monuments that give the town a special atmosphere.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Calais or Ventimiglia?

Ventimiglia is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Ventimiglia. Most people head in town on Friday for the market, which has stalls selling crafts and local products.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Calais or Ventimiglia Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Calais or Ventimiglia.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Calais. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Ventimiglia offers lots of family activities. The charming town is a great place for kids to explore. There is a botanical garden and hiking trails that the whole family can enjoy as well as quiet beaches where they can play. The Italian food is also perfect for young palates.

Is Calais or Ventimiglia Better for Couples?

Ventimiglia is well known for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Ventimiglia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This quintessential Italian town offers a romantic setting with cobblestone streets and pastel buildings. There are many culinary delights and romantic settings that are perfect for couples. The hiking trails and botanical gardens are also fun places to explore.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Calais or Ventimiglia Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Calais and Ventimiglia.

You'll find some public transit in Calais, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

While Ventimiglia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains and buses to town. Once you're in town it's easy to explore on foot.

Is Calais or Ventimiglia a more walkable city?

Ventimiglia is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Ventimiglia is a very walkable destination. It's small size and charming atmosphere make it a great town to explore on foot.

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Calais Worth Visiting? and Is Ventimiglia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ventimiglia or Calais?

How long in Calais or Ventimiglia?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Calais than Ventimiglia 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 Calais.

One day in Calais or Ventimiglia?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the undiscovered city of Calais. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Ventimiglia might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Calais or Ventimiglia?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the coastal destination of Calais. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Ventimiglia is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Calais or Ventimiglia?

The coastal city of Calais offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ventimiglia. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Calais or Ventimiglia?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Calais. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Ventimiglia is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to France, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Calais and Ventimiglia, we can see that Calais 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 Calais Expensive? and Is Ventimiglia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Calais or Ventimiglia?

Calais has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Ventimiglia. When comparing the sizes of Calais and Ventimiglia, 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 Calais or Ventimiglia?

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 Calais or Ventimiglia in the Summer?

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

Calais is cooler than Ventimiglia in the summer. The daily temperature in Calais averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Ventimiglia fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Ventimiglia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Calais. Calais usually receives less sunshine than Ventimiglia during summer. Calais gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Ventimiglia receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Calais usually receives more rain than Ventimiglia. Calais gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Calais or Ventimiglia in the Autumn?

Both Ventimiglia and Calais during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Calais this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ventimiglia for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Calais is cooler than Ventimiglia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Calais in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Ventimiglia averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Calais often gets less sunshine than Ventimiglia. Calais gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ventimiglia receives 183 hours of full sun.

Ventimiglia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Calais usually gets less rain in October than Ventimiglia. Calais gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Calais or Ventimiglia in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Calais. In January, Calais is generally much colder than Ventimiglia. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 4°C (40°F), and Ventimiglia fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Calais usually receives less sunshine than Ventimiglia during winter. Calais gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Ventimiglia receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Calais usually receives less rain than Ventimiglia. Calais gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Calais or Ventimiglia in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Calais as well as Ventimiglia. Many visitors come to Calais in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, most visitors come to Ventimiglia for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Calais is much colder than Ventimiglia in the spring. The daily temperature in Calais averages around 9°C (47°F) in April, and Ventimiglia fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Calais often gets less sunshine than Ventimiglia. Calais gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ventimiglia receives 198 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets less rain in April than Ventimiglia. Calais gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ventimiglia and Calais