A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marbella vs. San Remo for Nightlife, Beaches, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Marbella or San Remo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or San Remo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Marbella

Marbella is a glamorous, fun-filled, and high energy resort town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

San Remo

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

Marbella and San Remo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or San Remo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Marbella than San Remo, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Marbella is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while San Remo is known for its food and historical sights. Marbella is more touristy than San Remo and is known for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. It is also home to Plaza de los Naranjos. San Remo is popular for its olives, lemons, and flower market.

How is Marbella different from San Remo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

San Remo is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Marbella area. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

Is Marbella or San Remo Better for Nightlife?

Marbella is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Marbella is a must-see party destination. European tourists flock to the town for its beaches and resorts. The town has a glamorous nightlife scene with exclusive clubs and ritzy cocktail bars, particularly in Puerto Banus and along the Golden Mile.

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 Marbella or San Remo Better for Music?

Marbella is a very popular place for its music scene. However, San Remo is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Marbella while you're in town. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

San Remo is not a live music destination.

Is Marbella or San Remo Better for Resorts?

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

For the ultimate resort vacation, Marbella is a great choice. From luxury to family-friendly, this area has plenty of resorts to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Marbella Club Hotel, Puente Romano Marbella, and Don Carlos Resort and Spa.

San Remo is not a resort destination.

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

Marbella is terrific for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, San Remo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Marbella a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. There are more than 100 dive sights and endless snorkeling opportunities in the area. There are deep offshore reefs that you can explore as well as shallower wrecks and caves.

San Remo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or San Remo Better for Beaches?

Marbella 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 Marbella. The area boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. They are hubs of activity with lots of energy, and there are more than 18 miles of sandy beach in the area. Popular options include Guadalmina Beach, San Pedro de Alcántara Beach, and Nueva Andalucía Beach.

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 Marbella or San Remo Better for its Old Town?

San Remo is a very popular place for its old town. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors go to San Remo to see the historical old town. 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.

Marbella offers a nice historic old town area. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or San Remo?

Marbella is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Marbella specifically to go shopping. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

San Remo is a great destination for shopping. There are local and international brands as well as a shopping mall and outlets where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Marbella or San Remo Better for Families?

Marbella and San Remo are both very good destinations for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Marbella is very family-friendly. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

San Remo is known to be 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 Marbella or San Remo Better for Couples?

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

Marbella makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The area has luxury resorts, nice beaches, water sports, golf, and water activities that are perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.

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 Marbella or San Remo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Marbella. There are a few good hostels in the area for backpackers who want to enjoy this part of Spain's cost. There's also a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to meet others.

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

San Remo is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Marbella is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Marbella. There is a bus system through the area, but most visitors prefer to get around by car.

Is Marbella or San Remo a more walkable city?

Marbella and San Remo are very good when it comes to walkability.

Marbella is a very walkable resort town. The old town is particularly walkable and there are a number of hotels and nice resorts within a short walk of the town along a nice promenade.

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

Should I spend more time in San Remo or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or San Remo?

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

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

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

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

One day in Marbella or San Remo?

The beautiful resort town of Marbella offers shopping and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

The beautiful coastal city of San Remo offers nightlife and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Marbella or San Remo?

Marbella is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this resort town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Marbella, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

San Remo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Remo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Marbella or San Remo?

Marbella is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Marbella, 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Marbella or San Remo?

Marbella is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, 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.

San Remo is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Marbella or San Remo?

Marbella has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of San Remo. When comparing the sizes of Marbella 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 Marbella 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 Marbella or San Remo in the Summer?

Both San Remo and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Marbella in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to San Remo for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Marbella is around the same temperature as San Remo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Marbella in July average around 25°C (77°F), and San Remo averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in San Remo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than San Remo during summer. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Marbella usually receives less rain than San Remo. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marbella or San Remo in the Autumn?

Both San Remo and Marbella during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Marbella for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to San Remo because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Marbella is generally a little warmer than San Remo. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 19°C (67°F), and San Remo fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the autumn, Marbella often gets more sunshine than San Remo. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 183 hours of full sun.

San Remo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Marbella usually gets less rain in October than San Remo. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or San Remo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and San Remo. The winter months attract visitors to Marbella because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to San Remo this time of year.

Marbella is a little warmer than San Remo in the winter. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and San Remo fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Marbella usually receives more sunshine than San Remo during winter. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Marbella or San Remo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Marbella as well as San Remo. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Remo for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Marbella is a little warmer than San Remo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Marbella in April average around 16°C (60°F), and San Remo averages at about 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In the spring, Marbella often gets more sunshine than San Remo. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 198 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in April than San Remo. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 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 Marbella