A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chania vs. San Remo for Food, Beaches, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Chania or San Remo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or San Remo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Chania

Chania is a idyllic, charming, and picturesque city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

San Remo

San Remo is a scenic, authentic, and historic coastal city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Chania and San Remo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chania or San Remo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chania. Although Chania and San Remo are roughly the same size, Chania has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chania is very popular for its museums, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while San Remo attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Chania is more touristy than San Remo and is popular for its beautiful beaches, impressive historic sights, and diverse local cuisine. It is also well known for The Venetian Harbor. San Remo is famous for its olives, lemons, and flower market.

How is Chania different from San Remo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Chania offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with historic sights such as the Venetian Lighthouse, the Castle of Gramvoussa, the Ottoman Baths, and the Clock Tower. There's also the Archeological Museum, where you can learn about the history of the area.

San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Chania is terrific for its restaurants. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Chania is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city is filled with traditional and modern restaurants that serve fresh and delicious dishes. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the many invaders of the island. You'll note culinary influences from the Venetians, Egyptians, and Ottomans. The island also traded with the Jewish, Arab, and European populations, so they have also influenced the cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, San Remo makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Chania or San Remo Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Chania and San Remo.

Chania has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The town is more known for its relaxed vibe in the evening than its all-night parties. Many visitors enjoy a laid back night in one of the town's many local pubs. You'll find the most charming places tucked away down side alleys in the old town.

If you're looking for night time activities San Remo has a few options to choose from. 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 Chania or San Remo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Chania is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, San Remo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Chania has a few good snorkeling spots. There are snorkeling trips from town that take you to some of the better snorkeling sights in the area.

San Remo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chania or San Remo Better for Beaches?

Chania is terrific for the beach. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Chania. You'll find picturesque beaches near town that have white sand or colored pebbles. The beaches range from urban and crowded to hidden gems, but each has striking blue water and the atmosphere of paradise. Favorite beaches in the area include Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonissi.

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 Chania or San Remo Better for its Old Town?

Chania and San Remo both have very good historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Chania to see the historical old town. Surrounding the Venetian Harbor is the town's old town. It's filled with restaurants, shops, and cafes that offer a quaint atmosphere for visitors.

San Remo is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Is Chania or San Remo Better for Hiking?

Chania is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, San Remo is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Chania. Outside of town there are many hikes that take you through beautiful gorges, along the scenic coastline, or through the unique countryside.

San Remo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chania or San Remo?

Shopping is a popular activity in both San Remo and Chania.

Many visitors go to Chania to go shopping. Head to the old town to browse shops selling local favorites such as traditional island knives and locally made ceramics. There are also jewelry boutiques and other clothing shops around town.

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.

Is Chania or San Remo Better for Families?

Chania and San Remo are both very good destinations for the whole family.

Chania is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the old town, with its many markets and shops. Wandering around the harbor is also a highlight for many families. There are also several kid-friendly museums such as the Minoan's World 3D Museum and 9D Cinema, the Maritime Museum, and the Archaeological Museum of Chania. There are also kid-friendly activities just outside of town like a visit to Lake Kournas or any of the nearby archeological sites.

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.

Is Chania or San Remo Better for Couples?

Chania and San Remo are both very good to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Chania frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The old town, waterfront harbor, and outstanding restaurants make this a great place to stop on any romantic trip.

San Remo is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

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

Chania 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 Chania. There is no shortage of hostels around town that make this an affordable place to stay for 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 Chania or San Remo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Chania and San Remo.

You'll find some public transit in Chania, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KTEL bus service operates routes both within town and to nearby localities.

While San Remo offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses around town.

Is Chania or San Remo a more walkable city?

Chania and San Remo both are very good when exploring on foot.

Chania is a very walkable destination. The historic center and harbor areas are compact and walkable. There are some beaches outside of town that can be walked to as well if necessary.

San Remo is very walkable. 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 Chania Worth Visiting? and Is San Remo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Remo or Chania?

How long in Chania or San Remo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Chania or San Remo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Chania than San Remo because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Chania, and 1-2 days is enough time in San Remo.

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

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

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

One day in Chania or San Remo?

The city of Chania offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of San Remo. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Chania or San Remo?

Chania is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 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 Chania or San Remo?

Chania 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Remo. 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 Chania or San Remo?

Chania is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the authentic destination of San Remo. This coastal city 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 Adventure Tours to Greece, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chania and San Remo, we can see that San Remo is more expensive. And not only is Chania much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chania would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chania 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 Chania.

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

Which is Bigger, Chania or San Remo?

Chania has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of San Remo. When comparing the sizes of Chania 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 Chania or San Remo?

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 Chania or San Remo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Chania as well as San Remo. Many visitors come to Chania in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to San Remo for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Chania is a little warmer than San Remo in the summer. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 26°C (80°F) in July, and San Remo fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Remo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chania this time of the year. In the summer, Chania often gets more sunshine than San Remo. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 295 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets less rain in July than San Remo. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or San Remo in the Autumn?

Both San Remo and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Chania for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to San Remo because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Chania is a little warmer than San Remo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chania in October average around 20°C (68°F), and San Remo averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Chania usually receives more sunshine than San Remo during autumn. Chania gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Remo. In October, Chania usually receives less rain than San Remo. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Chania or San Remo in the Winter?

Both San Remo and Chania during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Chania because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to San Remo this time of year.

In January, Chania is generally a little warmer than San Remo. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 12°C (54°F), and San Remo fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Chania often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Remo. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 127 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chania. Chania usually gets more rain in January than San Remo. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or San Remo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and San Remo. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Chania this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Remo for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Chania is a little warmer than San Remo in the spring. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and San Remo fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Chania, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chania usually receives more sunshine than San Remo during spring. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chania usually receives less rain than San Remo. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Remo and Chania