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

Should you visit Fez or San Remo?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Fez and San Remo can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Fez

Fez is a busy, colorful, and cultural city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

San Remo

San Remo is a authentic, historic, and relaxing 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.

Fez and San Remo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fez or San Remo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Fez than San Remo, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Fez is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while San Remo is known for its nightlife and beaches. Fez is popular for its ancient medina, gorgeous riads, and amazing local dishes. It is also home to the Chouara Tannery. San Remo is popular for its olives, lemons, and flower market.

The Chouara Tannery

How is Fez different from San Remo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Fez is terrific for its museums and history. However, San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Fez has many famous sights for visitors. Tucked into the medina are ancient mosques, historic universities, and beautiful gardens. Highlights of the city include Al Quaraouiyine Mosque, Dar Batha (a palace and museum), and Medersa Bou Inania (a former theological college). Another not to be missed sight is the tanneries. You'll likely smell them before you see them, but the history is truly impressive.

San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

For foodies, Fez is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Some of the best food in Morocco can be found in Fez. Head away from the main gates and the major tourist routes to find more local restaurants. Every visitor must try tagine. It's not actually a recipe but instead a cooking pot and technique. If you order a tagine, you'll enjoy a stew like dish that's slow cooked and usually made with lamb or chicken although vegetarian options are often available. Other dishes to try include couscous and pastilla. Pastilla is a pastry covered chicken dish that is seasoned with cinnamon and sugar.

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 Fez or San Remo Better for Nightlife?

San Remo is a coastal city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Fez is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in San Remo. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Fez. It's a conservative city and the nightlife reflects that. You'll find some bars in the major hotel chains and you can often find alcohol at the more expensive restaurants.

Is Fez or San Remo Better for Beaches?

San Remo is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Fez is not a beach destination.

The beaches at San Remo attract visitors from all over. 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.

Fez is not a beach destination.

Is Fez or San Remo Better for its Old Town?

Fez is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Fez has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The walled medina offers a maze of streets that are lined with shops selling perfume, spices, street food, and trinkets.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Fez or San Remo?

Fez is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Fez specifically to go shopping. Head to the medina and try your hand at negotiating. There are impressive art shops and hidden gems spread between more touristy shops selling souvenir trinkets.

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 Fez or San Remo Better for Families?

San Remo is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Fez is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, San Remo is very family-friendly. 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 Fez. Kids will enjoy wandering the medina, sampling Moroccan dishes, and trying their hand at bartering for a good price. There are several gardens that offer a quiet oasis from the chaotic streets. There's also baklava and other sweet treats that kids can taste. Many kids enjoy taking a tour to the nearby countryside where they can feed monkeys, hike, and visit local villages.

Is Fez or San Remo Better for Couples?

Both Fez and San Remo are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Fez makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who like an adventure will enjoy soaking up the medina, visiting the gardens, and taking a trip into the countryside.

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 Fez or San Remo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fez is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, San Remo is lacking in good options for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Fez, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Prices are very affordable and there are riads that range in price and style. Many restaurants cater to different budgets and most of the entertainment involves wandering around and soaking up the atmosphere.

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

San Remo is a coastal city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Fez is lacking in options for its public transit.

San Remo has some public transit options. There are local buses around town.

Public transit is generally limited in Fez. There's a basic public transportation system with buses and a train station, but you'll likely need to take taxis if you can't walk to a destination. Taxis are affordable and abundant.

Is Fez or San Remo a more walkable city?

Fez and San Remo are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Fez is a very walkable city. The medina can be explored on foot, but it's easy to get lost so allow a lot of time. There are several walking routes through the medina that are marked with colors but you'll likely find yourself wandering on and off the routes as you explore. Outside of the medina, you'll likely want to take a taxi.

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 Fez Worth Visiting? and Is San Remo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Remo or Fez?

How long in Fez or San Remo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Fez or San Remo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Fez than San Remo because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Fez, and 1-2 days is enough time in San Remo.

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

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

One day in Fez or San Remo?

Fez is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

With food and shopping around the relaxing destination of San Remo, there's plenty to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Fez or San Remo?

Fez is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Many people visit San Remo for a weekend. With shopping and nightlife around the relaxing coastal city of San Remo, there's plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Fez or San Remo?

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

The destination of San Remo offers nightlife and food. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. 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.

A week in Fez or San Remo?

Fez 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 city offers something for everyone.

San Remo, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Morocco, The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fez and San Remo, we can see that San Remo is more expensive. And not only is Fez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Fez is in Africa and San Remo is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Fez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fez 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 Fez.

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

Which is Bigger, Fez or San Remo?

Fez has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of San Remo. When comparing the sizes of Fez 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.