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

Should you visit Girona 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 Girona 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.

Girona

Girona is a charming, beautiful, and colorful city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

San Remo

San Remo is a historic, relaxing, and beautiful coastal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Girona and San Remo: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Girona or San Remo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Girona than San Remo, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Girona is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while San Remo is known for its nightlife and beaches. Girona is popular for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine. It is also home to The Girona Cathedral. San Remo is popular for its olives, lemons, and flower market.

How is Girona different from San Remo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Girona
San Remo

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

Girona offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.

San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Girona
San Remo

Dining out at restaurants in both Girona and San Remo can be an enjoyable experience.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Girona. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

San Remo has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Girona or San Remo Better for Nightlife?

Girona
San Remo

San Remo is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Girona. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Girona or San Remo Better for Beaches?

Girona
San Remo

San Remo is a well-known place for the beache. However, Girona 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.

Girona is not a beach destination.


Is Girona or San Remo Better for its Old Town?

Girona
San Remo

Girona 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.

Girona has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

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 Girona or San Remo?

Girona
San Remo

Girona is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Girona. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

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 Girona or San Remo Better for Families?

Girona
San Remo

San Remo is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

San Remo is a very kid-friendly coastal city. 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.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.


Is Girona or San Remo Better for Couples?

Girona
San Remo

Girona and San Remo both superb destinations for a couple.

Girona is a very popular place to visit for couples. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.

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.

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

Girona
San Remo

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Girona. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

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 Girona or San Remo Better for Students?

Girona
San Remo

Girona is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, San Remo is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Girona. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

San Remo is not popular with students.


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

Girona
San Remo

Both Girona and San Remo offer good public transit options.

Girona has a few public transit options. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.

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

Is Girona or San Remo a more walkable city?

Girona
San Remo

Girona is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Girona. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

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

Should I spend more time in San Remo or Girona?

How long in Girona or San Remo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Girona or San Remo to fill your time. In our opinion, Girona has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Girona than San Remo. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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


  • How many days in Girona or San Remo? Ideal Length of Stay
    Girona 1-2 
    San Remo 1-2

One day in Girona or San Remo?

The beautiful city of Girona offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. 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 Girona or San Remo?

Girona 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Girona, a weekend is sufficent for most. 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 Girona or San Remo?

Girona 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 Girona or San Remo?

Girona 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, San Remo or Girona?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Girona is €140, while the average daily cost in San Remo is €152. 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 Girona and San Remo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Girona 69
    San Remo 80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Girona 138
    San Remo 160
Compare Hotels in Girona and San Remo

Looking for a hotel in Girona or San Remo? 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 Girona


Hotels in San Remo


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: Girona Hotel Prices and San Remo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Girona 49
    San Remo 46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Girona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Girona:

  • Transfer from Barcelona to girona Airport: $196
  • Private Transfer from Tossa de Mar/ Lloret de Mar to Barcelona: $262
  • Palamós to Girona Airport (GRO) - Departure Private Transfer : $33
  • Palamós to Barcelona Airport (BNC) Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Girona Airport Bus Transfer from/to Barcelona Center: $21
  • Girona Airport (GRO) to Costa Brava - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $98

Is it cheaper to fly into Girona or San Remo?

Prices for flights to both San Remo and Girona 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
    Girona 41
    San Remo 44

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Girona

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

  • The 11 tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $88
  • Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $91
  • Girona Evening Food Tour & Tapas Bar Experience: $95
  • The 11 Tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $96
  • Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Girona 24
    San Remo 23

Tours and Activities in Girona

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

  • 2h Guided Kayak Tour on the Costa Brava: $44
  • Basic Dali Experience & Costa Brava from Girona or Palamos: $196
  • Cadaqués & Dalí House-Museum day trip from Girona (tickets included): $158
  • Dalí Museum and Costa Brava Small Group Tour from Girona: $152
  • E-ticket to Girona's Cathedral, Art Museum & S.t Feliu Church: $29
  • Entrance ticket to the Girona Art Museum: $6.54
  • Fábrica-Museo de Anchoas Solés Ticket: $7.74
  • From Dalí Museum and Girona Small Group Tour: $149
  • From Dalí Museum, Cadaqués and Creus Cape Tour: $149
  • Girona - Private Historic Walking Tour: $374
  • Girona Art Museum: Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket & Audio Guide: $6.42
  • Girona City Tour Self-guided Audio Tour on Your Phone (no ticket): $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Girona 9.69
    San Remo 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Girona

Also in Girona, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Spanish Wine Tasting in the Costa Brava: $82
  • Local Wineries Tour with Breakfast and Wine Tasting: $149


When comparing the travel costs between Girona and San Remo, we can see that San Remo 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 Girona Expensive? and Is San Remo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Girona or San Remo?

Girona has a larger population, and is about 78% larger than the population of San Remo. When comparing the sizes of Girona 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 Girona 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 Girona or San Remo in the Summer?

Both San Remo and Girona during the summer are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Girona this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Remo for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Girona is around the same temperature as San Remo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Girona in July average around 24°C (75°F), and San Remo averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In San Remo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Girona. In the summer, Girona often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Remo. Girona gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 295 hours of full sun.

Girona usually gets more rain in July than San Remo. Girona gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Girona 24°C (75°F) 
    San Remo 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Girona or San Remo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Girona and San Remo. Many travelers come to Girona for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to San Remo in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Girona is generally around the same temperature as San Remo. Daily temperatures in Girona average around 16°C (61°F), and San Remo fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Girona usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Remo during autumn. Girona gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

San Remo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Girona usually receives less rain than San Remo. Girona gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Girona 16°C (61°F) 
    San Remo 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Girona or San Remo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Girona as well as San Remo. Many visitors come to Girona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to San Remo for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Girona is cooler than San Remo in the winter. The daily temperature in Girona averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and San Remo fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Girona often gets more sunshine than San Remo. Girona gets 148 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 127 hours of full sun.

Girona usually gets less rain in January than San Remo. Girona gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Girona 8°C (46°F) 
    San Remo 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Girona or San Remo in the Spring?

Both San Remo and Girona are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Girona for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to San Remo because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Girona is around the same temperature as San Remo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Girona in April average around 13°C (55°F), and San Remo averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Girona usually receives less sunshine than San Remo during spring. Girona gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Girona usually receives more rain than San Remo. Girona gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Girona 13°C (55°F) 
    San Remo 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for San Remo and Girona

Girona San Remo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (46°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 16°C (62°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 9°C (47°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)


Related Articles for San Remo