A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lagos vs. San Remo for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Lagos 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 Lagos 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.

Lagos

Lagos is a beautiful, scenic, and adventure-filled resort town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

San Remo

San Remo is a historic, relaxing, and beautiful coastal city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Lagos and San Remo: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Lagos or San Remo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lagos than San Remo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lagos is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while San Remo is more popular for its historical sights. Lagos is more touristy than San Remo and is popular for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. Also, Lagos is famous for Ponta da Piedade. San Remo is well known for its olives, lemons, and flower market.

How is Lagos different from San Remo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lagos
San Remo

Both Lagos and San Remo offer a number of superb restaurants to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Lagos makes for a great culinary experience. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

San Remo has a huge number of terrific 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 Lagos or San Remo Better for Nightlife?

Lagos
San Remo

Lagos is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Lagos has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

San Remo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Lagos or San Remo Better for Resorts?

Lagos
San Remo

Lagos is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, San Remo is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Lagos is a great choice. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

San Remo is not a resort destination.

Is Lagos or San Remo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos
San Remo

Lagos is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, San Remo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Lagos. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

San Remo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Lagos or San Remo Better for Beaches?

Lagos
San Remo

Lagos is terrific for the beach. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Lagos. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

San Remo is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Is Lagos or San Remo Better for its Old Town?

Lagos
San Remo

San Remo is well known for its historic old town. However, Lagos does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Lagos does not have a historic old town.

Is Lagos or San Remo Better for Hiking?

Lagos
San Remo

Lagos is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, San Remo is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Lagos. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

San Remo is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Lagos or San Remo?

Lagos
San Remo

Shopping is a popular activity in both San Remo and Lagos.

Lagos is a great destination for shopping. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting San Remo. There are local and international brands as well as a shopping mall and outlets where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Lagos or San Remo Better for Families?

Lagos
San Remo

Lagos is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Lagos is a very family-friendly destination. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

San Remo is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Lagos or San Remo Better for Couples?

Lagos
San Remo

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

Lagos makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

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 Lagos or San Remo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lagos
San Remo

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

A large number of backpackers visit Lagos, as it is a very popular resort town for budget travelers. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy to meet other travelers.

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

Lagos
San Remo

San Remo is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lagos is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in San Remo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Is Lagos or San Remo a more walkable city?

Lagos
San Remo

San Remo is well known for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

San Remo is very walkable. The old quarter is fun to explore on foot and there are a number of walking tours through town.

Lagos is not a very walkable resort town. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.


For even more information, also check out Is Lagos Worth Visiting? and Is San Remo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Remo or Lagos?

How long in Lagos or San Remo?

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

Families should spend more time in Lagos than San Remo. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Lagos, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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


  • How many days in Lagos or San Remo? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lagos 3-5 
    San Remo 1-2

One day in Lagos or San Remo?

The beautiful resort town of Lagos offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

In San Remo, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this scenic destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Lagos or San Remo?

Lagos is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Remo. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Lagos or San Remo?

Lagos is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lagos, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

San Remo is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of San Remo. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Lagos or San Remo?

Lagos is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This resort town offers something for everyone.

You'll find nightlife and food around the scenic destination of San Remo. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, San Remo or Lagos?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Lagos is €118, 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 Lagos and San Remo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lagos 61
    San Remo 80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lagos 122
    San Remo 160
Compare Hotels in Lagos and San Remo

Looking for a hotel in Lagos 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 Lagos


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: Lagos Hotel Prices and San Remo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lagos 31
    San Remo 46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lagos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lagos:

  • Transfer Lagos - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $76
  • Transfer Lagos - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $55
  • Transfer Burgau - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $71
  • Transfer Burgau - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $55
  • Private Transfer: Lagos to Seville: $380
  • Private Transfer: Lagos to Lisbon: $434
  • Private Transfer: Faro/FAO to Seville: $326
  • Private Transfer: Faro to Lisbon: $434
  • Private Transfer from Vila do Bispo to Faro (FAO) Airport: $149
  • Private Transfer from Santa Maria (Lagos) to Faro (FAO) Airport: $104
  • Private Transfer from Praia da Luz to Faro (FAO) Airport: $104
  • Private Transfer from Lagos to Faro (FAO) Airport: $104

Is it cheaper to fly into Lagos or San Remo?

Prices for flights to both San Remo and Lagos 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
    Lagos 34
    San Remo 44

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lagos

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

  • Classic Food Tour - Lagos: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lagos 26
    San Remo 23

Tours and Activities in Lagos

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

  • 2-hour Kayak Tour of Ponta da Piedade Caves and Beaches: $44
  • 4x4 Off-road Algarve Natural Park West Coast Tour : $58
  • Adventure to the Benagil Caves on a Family Friendly Catamaran - Start at Lagos: $44
  • Algarve Private Tour: Sagres and Benagil from Lisbon: $847
  • Algarve: Aljezur, Arrifana, and Costa Vicentina Private Tour: $147
  • Algarve: Family photoshoot experience: $217
  • Algarve: Lagos Sightseeing guided Tour with e-bikes: $64
  • Algarve: Lagos sightseeing guided tour with E-bikes: $64
  • Boat Cruise to Algar de Benagil from Lagos: $39
  • Catamaran Cruise in Lagos: $43
  • Coast Cruise Trip to Ponta da Piedade from Lagos: $33
  • Coastal Tour 2H30M / Lagos / Grottos / Aqua Trampoline: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lagos 6.79
    San Remo 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Lagos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lagos:

  • Lagos Wine Tasting and Tapas: $39
  • Small group Wine Tasting Tour from Lagos: $66
  • Small-Group Day Tour of Silves and Monchique with Wine Tasting: $87
  • Benagil Secrets: Jeep and Boat Tour with Wine Tasting: $105


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

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


Which is Bigger, Lagos or San Remo?

San Remo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Lagos 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 Lagos 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 Lagos or San Remo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lagos as well as San Remo. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lagos this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to San Remo for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Lagos receives a lot of rain in the summer. Lagos usually gets more rain in July than San Remo. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lagos 25°C (77°F) 
    San Remo 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Lagos or San Remo in the Autumn?

Both San Remo and Lagos are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lagos for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, 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.

Lagos is much warmer than San Remo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and San Remo fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Remo. It's quite rainy in Lagos. In October, Lagos usually receives more rain than San Remo. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lagos 26°C (79°F) 
    San Remo 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Lagos or San Remo in the Winter?

Both San Remo and Lagos during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lagos in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to San Remo for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Lagos is much warmer than San Remo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lagos in January average around 27°C (81°F), and San Remo averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Lagos usually gets less rain in January than San Remo. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lagos 27°C (81°F) 
    San Remo 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Lagos or San Remo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and San Remo. Most visitors come to Lagos for the beaches 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 April, Lagos is generally much warmer than San Remo. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 28°C (82°F), and San Remo fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Lagos usually receives more rain than San Remo. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lagos 28°C (82°F) 
    San Remo 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for San Remo and Lagos

Lagos San Remo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 29°C (84°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 202 mm (8 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 26°C (79°F) 316 mm (12.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 243 mm (9.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 26°C (79°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)