A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cannes vs. Ventimiglia for Food, Couples, Beaches, and Old Town

Should you visit Cannes or Ventimiglia?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Cannes and Ventimiglia can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cannes

Cannes is a glitzy, opulent , and luxury resort city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

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. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include shopping, food, and beaches.

Cannes and Ventimiglia: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Cannes or Ventimiglia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cannes. Although Cannes and Ventimiglia are popular destinations, Cannes has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cannes is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Ventimiglia attracts visitors for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Cannes is more touristy than Ventimiglia and is known for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. It is also well known for Boulevard de la Croisette. Ventimiglia is famous for its weekly market, colorful old town, and nice beaches.

How is Cannes different from Ventimiglia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cannes
Ventimiglia

Cannes is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Cannes is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city is known for its fresh seafood and produce, local markets, and innovative chefs. There are also a number of traditional dishes that you should try in town including bouillabaisse, daube, and farcis niçois.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Ventimiglia. 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.


Is Cannes or Ventimiglia Better for Nightlife?

Cannes
Ventimiglia

Cannes is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Ventimiglia is a seaside town with minimal options for nightlife.

The people in Cannes know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is all about the glamour and prestige that this city is known for. There are exclusive nightclubs and luxury cocktail bars where the goal is to see and be seen. Parties last late into the night and the glitz and glamour fill the streets.

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 Cannes or Ventimiglia Better for Music?

Cannes
Ventimiglia

Cannes is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Ventimiglia is not a live music destination.

In Cannes you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Ventimiglia is not a live music destination.

Is Cannes or Ventimiglia Better for Resorts?

Cannes
Ventimiglia

Cannes is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Ventimiglia is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Cannes is a great choice. The city is filled with luxury resorts and elegant hotels. Among the best are Hôtel Martinez, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, and Five Seas Hotel.

Ventimiglia is not a resort destination.


Is Cannes or Ventimiglia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes
Ventimiglia

Cannes is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ventimiglia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cannes has a few good snorkeling spots. You can arrange scuba diving and snorkeling trips from a few vendors in town. You might see sponges, sea slugs octopus, cuttlefish, lobsters and even stingrays.

Ventimiglia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cannes or Ventimiglia Better for Beaches?

Cannes
Ventimiglia

Cannes is a great destination for the beach. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Cannes is considered a top beach destination. You can choose from both public and private beaches in the area. You'll find more amenities and convenience at the private beaches which are closer to La Croisette (the main promenade in town). These beaches also come with a price tag attached. The public beaches have a more relaxed and natural vibe but are a little less convenient to get to.

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 Cannes or Ventimiglia Better for its Old Town?

Cannes
Ventimiglia

Cannes and Ventimiglia are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Cannes. Known as Le Suquet, the old town has many historic landmarks including the the Château de la Castre. There are also cobblestone streets and many great restaurants around town.

Many visitors go to Ventimiglia to see the historical old town. 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.


Is the Shopping Better in Cannes or Ventimiglia?

Cannes
Ventimiglia

Cannes is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Cannes is a world class destination for shoppers. With its many affluent visitors, the shopping scene in town is filled with luxury brands and posh boutiques. Perfume and porcelain are both popular things to buy in the area.

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

Is Cannes or Ventimiglia Better for Families?

Cannes
Ventimiglia

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Cannes or Ventimiglia.

Cannes is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people associate the city with the film festival and late night partying, but there are also kid-friendly restaurants, fun beach activities, and plenty of kid-friendly entertainment along La Croisette Boulevard. Make sure you check out the Grand Carousel and the many playgrounds around town.

Ventimiglia is a family-friendly resort city. 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 Cannes or Ventimiglia Better for Couples?

Cannes
Ventimiglia

Cannes is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Cannes makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's grand hotels and luxury beach clubs make this a perfect romantic destination. There are world class restaurants, a vibrant nightlife scene, and many romantic spots around town that make for a memorable honeymoon or couple's getaway.

Ventimiglia is a great resort city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.


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

Cannes
Ventimiglia

Both Cannes and Ventimiglia offer nice public transit options.

Cannes has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel around the city.

Ventimiglia has some public transit options. There are trains and buses to town. Once you're in town it's easy to explore on foot.

Is Cannes or Ventimiglia a more walkable city?

Cannes
Ventimiglia

Cannes and Ventimiglia both are great when exploring on foot.

Cannes is a very walkable destination. Many areas are easily explored on foot including the historic areas and the coastline.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ventimiglia or Cannes?

How long in Cannes or Ventimiglia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cannes or Ventimiglia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cannes than Ventimiglia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Cannes, and 1-2 days is enough time in Ventimiglia.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Cannes or Ventimiglia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cannes 2-4 
    Ventimiglia 1-2

One day in Cannes or Ventimiglia?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the lavish resort city of Cannes. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. 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 Cannes or Ventimiglia?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the lavish destination of Cannes. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This resort 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 Cannes or Ventimiglia?

The lavish resort city of Cannes offers shopping and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Cannes or Ventimiglia?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Cannes. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Bicycle Tours in France, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Ventimiglia or Cannes?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cannes is €137, while the average daily cost in Ventimiglia is €121. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cannes and Ventimiglia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cannes 75
    Ventimiglia 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cannes 150
    Ventimiglia 102
Compare Hotels in Cannes and Ventimiglia

Looking for a hotel in Cannes or Ventimiglia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cannes


Hotels in Ventimiglia


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cannes Hotel Prices and Ventimiglia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cannes 16
    Ventimiglia 49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cannes

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cannes:

  • Cannes Private Transfer from Cannes city centre to Nice Airport: $295
  • Cannes-Mandelieu Airport (CEQ) to Port de la Santé- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $174
  • Cannes-Mandelieu Airport (CEQ): Transfer to Port de la Santé: $431
  • Private Transfer to/from Marseille: $309
  • Private Transfer to/from Monaco: $180
  • Private Transfer to/from Saint-Tropez: $223
  • Round-Trip Boat Transfer to Saint Tropez: $77
  • Copenhagen: One Way Transfer to & from International Airport: $71
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Nice Airport: $128
  • Mandelieu to St Tropez Round Trip Ferry Transfer: $95
  • Private Direct Transfer From Cannes to Monaco: $139
  • Private Direct Transfer From Cannes to Nice: $102

Is it cheaper to fly into Cannes or Ventimiglia?

Prices for flights to both Ventimiglia and Cannes change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cannes 45
    Ventimiglia 38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cannes

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cannes.

  • The Flavors of Cannes Food Tour: $112

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ventimiglia

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ventimiglia.

  • Cooking Class Pesto Sauce: $75
  • Cooking Class Tiramisu': $86
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Sanremo with Show Cooking: $92
  • SANREMO FOOD TOUR - Authentic Ligurian street food and Medieval town: $94
  • Pizza Making Class in Sanremo: $140
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Sanremo: $157
  • Sanremo Home Cooking Class: $221

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cannes 30
    Ventimiglia 27

Tours and Activities in Cannes

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cannes are as follows:

  • Explore Guided walking Tour with a local guide: $37
  • Scenic Coves RIB Boat Tour: $48
  • Boat and Snorkeling Tour: $48
  • Cannes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Guided Tour in Cannes by a Screenwriter: History, Glamour & Cinema: $55
  • 1 or 2-Hour Gyropod Tour: $57
  • Exclusive 2 hours City Tour in Cannes in a Vintage Bus: $64
  • City Tour in Cannes aboard our Classic French Bus!: $66
  • Half Day Tour to Nice Antibes and St Paul de Vence from Cannes: $71
  • Cannes 2.5-Hour E-bike Tour: $73
  • Paddle eclipse tour 3H30: $74
  • Cannes E-Bike Guided Tour: $75

Tours and Activities in Ventimiglia

Here are a few actual costs in Ventimiglia for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Art studio tour in Italian sculpture gardens: $34
  • 1 Day road bike tour of Ligurian mountains from Italian Riviera : $76
  • Vespa Tour in Sanremo for half a day: $92
  • Small Group E-bike Tour in the Ligurian Riviera with Lunch: $109
  • sculpting art experience in Italy,class in sculpture gardens: $192

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cannes 18
    Ventimiglia 7.19

Sample the Local Flavors in Cannes

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cannes:

  • St Paul de Vence, Antibes & Wine Tasting from Cannes: $130
  • Grasse, Valbonne & Gourdon: Day Tour with Wine Tasting: $138
  • French Riviera: Provencal Wine Tours: $756
  • Wine Tasting, Cannes, Coco Chanel, Perfume Factory & Grasse: $894


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


Which is Bigger, Cannes or Ventimiglia?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cannes and Ventimiglia. Most visitors come to Cannes for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Ventimiglia because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Cannes is around the same temperature as Ventimiglia in the summer. The daily temperature in Cannes averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Ventimiglia fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Cannes usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ventimiglia. Cannes gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cannes 23°C (73°F) 
    Ventimiglia 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Cannes or Ventimiglia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cannes as well as Ventimiglia. The autumn months attract visitors to Cannes because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ventimiglia this time of year.

In the autumn, Cannes is around the same temperature as Ventimiglia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cannes in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Ventimiglia averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Ventimiglia. Cannes receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cannes usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Ventimiglia. Cannes gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cannes 17°C (63°F) 
    Ventimiglia 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Cannes or Ventimiglia in the Winter?

Both Ventimiglia and Cannes are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Cannes this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ventimiglia for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Cannes is generally around the same temperature as Ventimiglia. Daily temperatures in Cannes average around 9°C (48°F), and Ventimiglia fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In January, Cannes usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ventimiglia. Cannes gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cannes 9°C (48°F) 
    Ventimiglia 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Cannes or Ventimiglia in the Spring?

Both Ventimiglia and Cannes during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cannes for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Ventimiglia in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Cannes is around the same temperature as Ventimiglia in the spring. The daily temperature in Cannes averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Ventimiglia fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Cannes usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Ventimiglia. Cannes gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cannes 13°C (56°F) 
    Ventimiglia 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Ventimiglia and Cannes

Cannes Ventimiglia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)