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

Should you visit Granada or Ventimiglia?

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

Should I visit Granada or Ventimiglia? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Granada

Granada is a charming, cultural, and historic city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is a elegant, scenic, and traditional seaside town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Granada and Ventimiglia: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Alhambra
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 Granada or Ventimiglia?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Granada than Ventimiglia, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Granada is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and hiking, while Ventimiglia is more popular for its food, beaches, shopping, and small town charm. Granada is more touristy than Ventimiglia and is popular for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. Also, Granada is famous for The Alhambra. Ventimiglia is well known for its weekly market, colorful old town, and nice beaches.

How is Granada different from Ventimiglia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Granada or Ventimiglia?

Granada
Ventimiglia

Granada is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Ventimiglia does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Granada on the map. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

Ventimiglia does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Granada
Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Granada. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around town.

Is Granada or Ventimiglia Better for Nightlife?

Granada
Ventimiglia

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

The people in Granada know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

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 Granada or Ventimiglia Better for Beaches?

Granada
Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is a popular place for its beaches. However, Granada is not a beach destination.

Ventimiglia is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Granada is not a beach destination.


Is Granada or Ventimiglia Better for its Old Town?

Granada
Ventimiglia

Granada 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 Granada is revered around the world. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

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 Granada or Ventimiglia Better for Hiking?

Granada
Ventimiglia

Granada is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Ventimiglia is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Granada. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

Ventimiglia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Ventimiglia?

Granada
Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Granada offers some nice shopping areas. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.


Is Granada or Ventimiglia Better for Families?

Granada
Ventimiglia

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Granada or Ventimiglia.

Granada is a family-friendly city. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ventimiglia. 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 Granada or Ventimiglia Better for Couples?

Granada
Ventimiglia

With fun activities for couples, both Granada and Ventimiglia make for a high quality place to visit.

Granada makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

Couples visit Ventimiglia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Granada or Ventimiglia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada
Ventimiglia

Granada is a great destination for backpackers. However, Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Granada is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet other travelers.

Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


Is Granada or Ventimiglia Better for Students?

Granada
Ventimiglia

Granada is a great destination for students. However, Ventimiglia is not popular with students.

Granada is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

Ventimiglia is not popular with students.

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

Granada
Ventimiglia

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Granada and Ventimiglia.

Granada has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

You'll find some public transit in Ventimiglia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are trains and buses to town. Once you're in town it's easy to explore on foot.

Is Granada or Ventimiglia a more walkable city?

Granada
Ventimiglia

Granada and Ventimiglia are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Granada is very walkable. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Ventimiglia or Granada?

How long in Granada or Ventimiglia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Granada or Ventimiglia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Granada 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 Granada, and 1-2 days is enough time in Ventimiglia.

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

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


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

One day in Granada or Ventimiglia?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming city of Granada. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the museums. 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 is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This seaside town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Granada or Ventimiglia?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic destination of Granada. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ventimiglia has to offer.

Five days in Granada or Ventimiglia?

The cultural city of Granada offers shopping and museums. 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.

Ventimiglia is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Granada or Ventimiglia?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Granada. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the museums. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ventimiglia. Since Ventimiglia is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Ventimiglia or Granada?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Granada is €123, 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 Granada and Ventimiglia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Granada 59
    Ventimiglia 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Granada 118
    Ventimiglia 102
Compare Hotels in Granada and Ventimiglia

Looking for a hotel in Granada 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 Granada


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: Granada Hotel Prices and Ventimiglia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Granada 22
    Ventimiglia 49
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Granada

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Granada are as follows:


  • 7 Trip Bus Pass
    5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Granada

Also for Granada, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Cordoba and its Mosque from Granada with Private Transfer: $262
  • From Transfer to Seville with Cordoba Guided Tour: $749
  • From Granada; Private transfer to Sierra Nevada (all hotels): $171
  • Granada - Jaén Airport Transfers in a VIP coach: $235
  • Granada Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $45
  • Granada Luxury Private Airport Transfer: $214
  • Granada Private Intercity Transfer to Malaga: $175
  • Granada Private Transfer from the city centre to Granada Airport: $55
  • Granada airport private arrival transfer, Mercedes Sedan: $142
  • Granada airport private arrival transfer, Mercedes minivan: $218
  • Granada to Cordoba Private Transfer: $265
  • Granada to Malaga Airport Private Transfer: $229

Is it cheaper to fly into Granada or Ventimiglia?

Prices for flights to both Ventimiglia and Granada 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
    Granada 37
    Ventimiglia 38
Typical Food Prices in Granada

For Granada, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Sangria
    2.50
  • Sandwich to go
    3.00
  • Bocadillo & Drink
    6.25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Granada

For Granada, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Sacromonte Caves Flamenco Show with Dinner: $62
  • Dinner and Show flamenco in the Albayzin Granada: $62
  • Walking Food Tour: $75
  • 2-Day Geopark Desert, Ancient Culture and Food Tour: $169

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.
    Granada 28
    Ventimiglia 27

Tours and Activities in Granada

For Granada, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $3.21
  • Sacromonte Caves Museum Admission Ticket: $5.35
  • Granada City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Sacromonte Abbey Entry Ticket with Audio Guide: $6.42
  • Granada Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Granada City Train 1 or 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Ticket: $7.49
  • Self-Guided City Exploration Smartphone Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
  • Granada (Alhambra): Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
  • Albaicín and Sacromonte’s Iconic Sights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Historic Center and Lower Albaicin Walking Tour: $9.62

Tours and Activities in Ventimiglia

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

  • 1 Day road bike tour of Ligurian mountains from Italian Riviera : $76
  • Art studio tour in Italian sculpture gardens: $34
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Sanremo: $114
  • Small Group E-bike Tour in the Ligurian Riviera with Lunch: $109
  • Vespa Tour in Sanremo for half a day: $92
  • sculpting art experience in Italy,class in sculpture gardens: $192

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Granada 24
    Ventimiglia 7.19

Sample the Local Flavors in Granada

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Granada:

  • Granada Traditional Tapas and Wine Tour - by Oh My Good Guide!: $77
  • BEST OF Flamenco, Tapas and Wine Tour: $100


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


Which is Bigger, Granada or Ventimiglia?

Granada has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ventimiglia. When comparing the sizes of Granada 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 Granada or Ventimiglia?

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 Granada or Ventimiglia in the Summer?

Both Ventimiglia and Granada during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Granada because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ventimiglia this time of year.

In July, Granada is generally around the same temperature as Ventimiglia. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 25°C (77°F), and Ventimiglia fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Ventimiglia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Granada. In the summer, Granada often gets more sunshine than Ventimiglia. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ventimiglia receives 295 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in July than Ventimiglia. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Granada 25°C (77°F) 
    Ventimiglia 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Granada or Ventimiglia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Ventimiglia. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Granada this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ventimiglia for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Granada is a little warmer than Ventimiglia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Ventimiglia fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Ventimiglia during autumn. Granada gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Ventimiglia receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Ventimiglia receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Granada usually receives less rain than Ventimiglia. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Granada 19°C (67°F) 
    Ventimiglia 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Granada or Ventimiglia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Granada as well as Ventimiglia. Many travelers come to Granada for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Ventimiglia in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Granada is a little warmer than Ventimiglia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Granada in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Ventimiglia averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Granada often gets more sunshine than Ventimiglia. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ventimiglia receives 127 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Ventimiglia. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Granada 12°C (54°F) 
    Ventimiglia 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Granada or Ventimiglia in the Spring?

Both Ventimiglia and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Granada in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Ventimiglia for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Granada is generally a little warmer than Ventimiglia. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 16°C (60°F), and Ventimiglia fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Granada. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Ventimiglia during spring. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Ventimiglia receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Granada usually receives less rain than Ventimiglia. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Granada 16°C (60°F) 
    Ventimiglia 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Ventimiglia and Granada

Granada Ventimiglia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)