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

Should you visit Girona or Ventimiglia?

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 Ventimiglia. 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. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is a scenic, traditional, and understated seaside town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and food.

Girona and Ventimiglia: 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 family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Girona or Ventimiglia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Girona. Although Girona and Ventimiglia are both popular with visitors, Girona has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Girona is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere, while Ventimiglia is known for its beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Girona is more touristy than Ventimiglia and is known for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine. It is also home to The Girona Cathedral. Ventimiglia is popular for its weekly market, colorful old town, and nice beaches.

How is Girona different from Ventimiglia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia?

Girona
Ventimiglia

Girona is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Ventimiglia 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.

Ventimiglia does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Girona
Ventimiglia

Dining out at restaurants in both Girona and Ventimiglia 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.

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

Girona
Ventimiglia

Girona is a city with a few options for its evening party scene. However, Ventimiglia is a seaside town with minimal options for nightlife.

Girona is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. 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.

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 Girona or Ventimiglia Better for Beaches?

Girona
Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is a good destination for the beache. However, Girona is not a beach destination.

Ventimiglia offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Girona is not a beach destination.


Is Girona or Ventimiglia Better for its Old Town?

Girona
Ventimiglia

Girona is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

The historic old town of Girona is revered around the world. 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 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Girona or Ventimiglia?

Girona
Ventimiglia

Both Girona and Ventimiglia are superb shopping destinations.

Girona is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Ventimiglia. Most people head in town on Friday for the market, which has stalls selling crafts and local products.

Is Girona or Ventimiglia Better for Families?

Girona
Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

Ventimiglia is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

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 Ventimiglia Better for Couples?

Girona
Ventimiglia

Girona and Ventimiglia 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.

Ventimiglia makes for a fun place to visit for 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 Girona or Ventimiglia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Girona
Ventimiglia

Girona is a popular place for backpackers. However, Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Girona or Ventimiglia Better for Students?

Girona
Ventimiglia

Girona is a popular place for students. However, Ventimiglia is not popular with students.

Girona is popular with students. 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

Ventimiglia is not popular with students.


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

Girona
Ventimiglia

Both Girona and Ventimiglia 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.

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 Girona or Ventimiglia a more walkable city?

Girona
Ventimiglia

Girona is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Girona on foot is easy. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

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 Girona Worth Visiting? and Is Ventimiglia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ventimiglia or Girona?

How long in Girona or Ventimiglia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Girona or Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Ventimiglia than Girona. 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 Girona than Ventimiglia. 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 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 Girona.


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

One day in Girona or Ventimiglia?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the colorful city of Girona. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Girona or Ventimiglia?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the medieval destination of Girona. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Girona or Ventimiglia?

The beautiful city of Girona offers museums and food. 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. 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 Girona or Ventimiglia?

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Girona. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Ventimiglia 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 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 Girona and Ventimiglia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Girona 69
    Ventimiglia 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Girona 138
    Ventimiglia 102
Compare Hotels in Girona and Ventimiglia

Looking for a hotel in Girona 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 Girona


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: Girona Hotel Prices and Ventimiglia Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Girona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Girona:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Girona or Ventimiglia?

Prices for flights to both Ventimiglia 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
    Ventimiglia 38

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

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
  • SANREMO FOOD TOUR - Authentic Ligurian street food and Medieval town: $95
  • Pizza Making Class in Sanremo: $140
  • Sanremo Home Cooking Class: $221

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Girona 24
    Ventimiglia 27

Tours and Activities in Girona

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

  • Girona self-guided tour app with multilingual audioguide: $4.28
  • Audio Tour Imprescindible a tu ritmo: $6.41
  • Girona Art Museum: Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket & Audio Guide: $6.42
  • Entrance ticket to the Girona Art Museum: $6.54
  • Museum of Cinema Entry Ticket: $7.49
  • Fábrica-Museo de Anchoas Solés Ticket: $7.74
  • Self-guided Audio City Tour on Your Phone: $11
  • Girona City Tour Self-guided Audio Tour on Your Phone (no ticket): $11
  • Ticket pass to Girona Cathedral, Sant Felix and Girona Art Museum: $13
  • Catedral, Art Museum, St Felix Church Ticket & Audio: $29
  • E-ticket to Girona's Cathedral, Art Museum & S.t Feliu Church: $29
  • Girona History, Legends, and Food Walking Tour with food tasting: $31

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
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Sanremo: $114
  • sculpting art experience in Italy,class in sculpture gardens: $192

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Girona 9.69
    Ventimiglia 7.19

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 Ventimiglia, we can see that Girona 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 Ventimiglia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Girona or Ventimiglia?

Girona has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Ventimiglia. When comparing the sizes of Girona 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 Girona 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 Girona or Ventimiglia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Girona and Ventimiglia. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Girona this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ventimiglia for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ventimiglia this time of the year. In Girona, it's very sunny this time of the year. Girona usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ventimiglia during summer. Girona gets 279 hours of sunny skies, while Ventimiglia receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Girona usually receives more rain than Ventimiglia. Girona gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Girona or Ventimiglia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Girona as well as Ventimiglia. Many travelers come to Girona for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Ventimiglia in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, Girona often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ventimiglia. Girona gets 170 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ventimiglia receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ventimiglia. Girona usually gets less rain in October than Ventimiglia. Girona gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Girona or Ventimiglia in the Winter?

Both Ventimiglia and Girona are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Girona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Ventimiglia for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

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

Girona usually receives more sunshine than Ventimiglia during winter. Girona gets 148 hours of sunny skies, while Ventimiglia receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Girona usually receives less rain than Ventimiglia. Girona gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Girona or Ventimiglia in the Spring?

Both Ventimiglia and Girona during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Girona for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Ventimiglia because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Girona often gets less sunshine than Ventimiglia. Girona gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ventimiglia receives 198 hours of full sun.

Girona usually gets more rain in April than Ventimiglia. Girona gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Ventimiglia and Girona

Girona Ventimiglia
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)


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