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

Should you visit La Rochelle or San Remo?

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

Should I visit La Rochelle or San Remo? 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.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a laid-back, quaint, and charming coastal town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

San Remo

San Remo is a relaxing, beautiful, and scenic coastal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food.

La Rochelle and San Remo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Rochelle or San Remo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in La Rochelle than San Remo, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. La Rochelle is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while San Remo is known for its beaches and impressive beauty. La Rochelle is popular for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. It is also home to The Old Port. San Remo is popular for its olives, lemons, and flower market.

How is La Rochelle different from San Remo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

La Rochelle offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

For foodies, La Rochelle is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

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 La Rochelle or San Remo Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both La Rochelle and San Remo.

If you're looking for night time activities La Rochelle has a few options to choose from. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

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.

Is La Rochelle or San Remo Better for Beaches?

San Remo is great for the beache. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for the beach.

San Remo is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Many people head to La Rochelle to enjoy the beach. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Is La Rochelle or San Remo Better for its Old Town?

La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

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 La Rochelle or San Remo Better for Hiking?

La Rochelle is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, San Remo is not a hiking destination.

La Rochelle is a good destination for hiking. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

San Remo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Rochelle or San Remo?

If you're looking to go shopping, La Rochelle and San Remo both offer plenty of good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting La Rochelle. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Many visitors go to San Remo to go shopping. There are local and international brands as well as a shopping mall and outlets where you can enjoy shopping.

Is La Rochelle or San Remo Better for Families?

San Remo is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town 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.

La Rochelle is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Is La Rochelle or San Remo Better for Couples?

La Rochelle is terrific for couples. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

La Rochelle makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

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 La Rochelle or San Remo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit La Rochelle. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

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 La Rochelle or San Remo Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit La Rochelle. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

San Remo is not popular with students.

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

La Rochelle and San Remo both offer good public transit to get you around.

While La Rochelle offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

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

Is La Rochelle or San Remo a more walkable city?

La Rochelle and San Remo are high quality when it comes to walkability.

La Rochelle is a very walkable coastal town. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

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 La Rochelle Worth Visiting? and Is San Remo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Remo or La Rochelle?

How long in La Rochelle or San Remo?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.

One day in La Rochelle or San Remo?

La Rochelle is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxing coastal city of San Remo. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in La Rochelle or San Remo?

La Rochelle is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal town 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 La Rochelle, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic destination of San Remo. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This coastal 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.

Five days in La Rochelle or San Remo?

La Rochelle is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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.

The historic coastal city of San Remo offers shopping and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

A week in La Rochelle or San Remo?

La Rochelle is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 coastal town offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting San Remo. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, La Rochelle or San Remo?

La Rochelle has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of San Remo. When comparing the sizes of La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle or San Remo?

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 La Rochelle or San Remo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both La Rochelle and San Remo. The summer months attract visitors to La Rochelle because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Remo this time of year.

In the summer, La Rochelle is cooler than San Remo. Typically, the summer temperatures in La Rochelle in July average around 20°C (67°F), and San Remo averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Remo this time of the year. In La Rochelle, it's very sunny this time of the year. La Rochelle usually receives less sunshine than San Remo during summer. La Rochelle gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, La Rochelle usually receives more rain than San Remo. La Rochelle gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit La Rochelle or San Remo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to La Rochelle as well as San Remo. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to San Remo for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, La Rochelle is generally cooler than San Remo. Daily temperatures in La Rochelle average around 15°C (59°F), and San Remo fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, La Rochelle often gets less sunshine than San Remo. La Rochelle gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Remo. La Rochelle usually gets less rain in October than San Remo. La Rochelle gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Rochelle or San Remo in the Winter?

Both San Remo and La Rochelle are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to La Rochelle for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to San Remo in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

La Rochelle is cooler than San Remo in the winter. The daily temperature in La Rochelle averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and San Remo fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

La Rochelle usually receives less sunshine than San Remo during winter. La Rochelle gets 72 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, La Rochelle usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Remo. La Rochelle gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit La Rochelle or San Remo in the Spring?

Both San Remo and La Rochelle during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to La Rochelle in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm. Also, most visitors come to San Remo for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, La Rochelle is cooler than San Remo. Typically, the spring temperatures in La Rochelle in April average around 11°C (52°F), and San Remo averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, La Rochelle often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Remo. La Rochelle gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 198 hours of full sun.

La Rochelle usually gets less rain in April than San Remo. La Rochelle gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Remo and La Rochelle