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

Should you visit Pamplona or Ventimiglia?

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

Should I visit Pamplona 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.

Pamplona

Pamplona is a elegant, laid-back, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

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.

Pamplona 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
  • Home to the Running of the Bulls Festival
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 Pamplona or Ventimiglia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pamplona. Although Pamplona and Ventimiglia are both popular with visitors, Pamplona has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pamplona is more popular for its museums, nightlife, hiking, and big city activities, while Ventimiglia is known for its beaches, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Pamplona is more touristy than Ventimiglia and is known for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. It is also home to The Running of the Bulls Festival. Ventimiglia is popular for its weekly market, colorful old town, and nice beaches.

How is Pamplona different from Ventimiglia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pamplona
Ventimiglia

Pamplona is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Ventimiglia does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pamplona. Although most people visit in July for the Running of the Bulls, throughout the year there are some interesting museums and sights around town. You can check out the Cathedral of Pamplona, the Museo de Navarra, and the main plaza in town, Plaza del Castillo.

Ventimiglia does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Pamplona
Ventimiglia

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Pamplona and Ventimiglia.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Pamplona. Local cuisine includes lots of fresh vegetables like mushrooms, artichokes, asparagus, and onion. You'll find many unique dishes in the area, and you shouldn't leave without trying the txistorra (sausage), revuelto de setas (eggs and mushrooms), and ajoarriero (cod).

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 Pamplona or Ventimiglia Better for Nightlife?

Pamplona
Ventimiglia

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

The people in Pamplona know how to have a good time. There's a good sized university population that keeps the nightlife active around town. The Old Quarter is likely where you'll find the most going on, particularly around Calle San Nicolás and Calle Estafeta. Earlier in the evening the crowd is pretty young, but as the evening passes you'll find the crowd matures a bit.

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 Pamplona or Ventimiglia Better for Beaches?

Pamplona
Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is a popular place for the beache. However, Pamplona 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.

Pamplona is not a beach destination.


Is Pamplona or Ventimiglia Better for its Old Town?

Pamplona
Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is a well-known place for its old town. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Pamplona has an old town worth visiting. You'll find elegant buildings and grand plazas around the Old Quarter.

Is Pamplona or Ventimiglia Better for Hiking?

Pamplona
Ventimiglia

Pamplona 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 Pamplona. It's a stop off on the famed Camino de Santiago, so if you want to walk part of the route, this is a nice place to explore.

Ventimiglia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pamplona or Ventimiglia?

Pamplona
Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

Ventimiglia is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Most people head in town on Friday for the market, which has stalls selling crafts and local products.

Pamplona has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find some good markets around town. It's also fun to shop for local handicrafts or souvenirs to remember your trip by.


Is Pamplona or Ventimiglia Better for Families?

Pamplona
Ventimiglia

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Pamplona or Ventimiglia.

Pamplona is a family-friendly place to visit. The city is very green, with many parks and gardens where kids can stretch their legs. There's also the Pamplona Planetarium and several museums that relate to environmental education.

Ventimiglia is a family-friendly city. 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 Pamplona or Ventimiglia Better for Couples?

Pamplona
Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Ventimiglia is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Pamplona is a good city for couples to visit. Although it's most known for the Running of the Bulls in July, the city also has some interesting sights at other times of the year. Couples can walk around the city walls, or explore the many parks in town. There are also some interesting museums.

Is Pamplona or Ventimiglia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pamplona
Ventimiglia

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

Pamplona is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers are drawn to this city during July for the Running of the Bulls festival. It's also a stop along the Camino de Santiago, which brings in a young, budget-oriented crowd.

Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


Is Pamplona or Ventimiglia Better for Students?

Pamplona
Ventimiglia

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

Pamplona is popular with students. This is a quiet city, which appeals to some students. The laid back atmosphere makes it a nice place to relax and learn.

Ventimiglia is not popular with students.

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

Pamplona
Ventimiglia

Both Pamplona and Ventimiglia offer good public transit options.

Pamplona has a few public transit options. There's a comprehensive bus system around town.

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 Pamplona or Ventimiglia a more walkable city?

Pamplona
Ventimiglia

Pamplona and Ventimiglia both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Pamplona is a very walkable city. It's a stop off on the Camino de Santiago, so many people arrive on foot. It's also an easy city to explore on foot.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Ventimiglia or Pamplona?

How long in Pamplona or Ventimiglia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Pamplona or Ventimiglia to fill your time. In our opinion, Pamplona has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Pamplona 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 Pamplona. 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 Ventimiglia than Pamplona. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Ventimiglia that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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


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

One day in Pamplona or Ventimiglia?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid-back city of Pamplona. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping 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 Pamplona or Ventimiglia?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic destination of Pamplona. 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 is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this seaside 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 Ventimiglia, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Pamplona or Ventimiglia?

The laid-back city of Pamplona offers shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 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 Pamplona or Ventimiglia?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Pamplona. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Ventimiglia 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 seaside town offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Ventimiglia or Pamplona?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Pamplona is €131, 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 Pamplona and Ventimiglia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pamplona 67
    Ventimiglia 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pamplona 134
    Ventimiglia 102
Compare Hotels in Pamplona and Ventimiglia

Looking for a hotel in Pamplona 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 Pamplona


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: Pamplona Hotel Prices and Ventimiglia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pamplona 24
    Ventimiglia 49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamplona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pamplona:

  • Private Transfer from Pamplona Airport to Laguardia town: $282
  • Private Transfer from Pamplona city to San Sebastian: $244
  • Private Transfer from Pamplona city to San Sebastian Airport: $244

Is it cheaper to fly into Pamplona or Ventimiglia?

Prices for flights to both Ventimiglia and Pamplona 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
    Pamplona 41
    Ventimiglia 38
Typical Food Prices in Pamplona

Some typical examples of dining costs in Pamplona are as follows:


  • Lunch for 2
    10
  • Ice Cream
    4.50
  • Coffee
    1.30

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.
    Pamplona 34
    Ventimiglia 27

Tours and Activities in Pamplona

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

  • Logroño historic&cultural guided walking tour: $32
  • Pamplona pintxo tasting paired with Spanish wines small group tour: $72
  • From San Sebastian: Pamplona City Tour: $91
  • Private City Tour Pamplona: $174
  • Private tour of Getaria, Zumaia, Zarautz and Orio. : $204
  • Bilbao and Guggenheim Museum small group tour: $218
  • Tour of the Bardenas " The great desert of Europe" and Tudela. : $234
  • San Sebastian & Basque Coast Tour From Pamplona: $235
  • Pamplona Private Tour with Castle of Javier : $240
  • Private tour of Lourdes and the three sacred temples: $240
  • San Sebastian And Basque Coast Tour From Pamplona: $240
  • Private tour of the jewels of Bilbao, with Guggenheim and pintxos tasting. : $251

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
    Pamplona 31
    Ventimiglia 7.19

Sample the Local Flavors in Pamplona

Also in Pamplona, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Half Day Rioja Wine Tour: $218
  • Wine tour of La Rioja, with two winery visits, and La Guardia. : $221
  • Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Logroño: $240
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Pamplona: $240
  • Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Logroño: $251
  • Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Pamplona: $251
  • Rioja Wine Tour: $283


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


Which is Bigger, Pamplona or Ventimiglia?

Pamplona has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Ventimiglia. When comparing the sizes of Pamplona 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 Pamplona 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 Pamplona or Ventimiglia in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Pamplona is cooler than Ventimiglia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pamplona in July average around 20°C (68°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 Pamplona, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pamplona usually receives less sunshine than Ventimiglia during summer. Pamplona gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Ventimiglia receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pamplona usually receives more rain than Ventimiglia. Pamplona gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pamplona 20°C (68°F) 
    Ventimiglia 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Pamplona or Ventimiglia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Pamplona as well as Ventimiglia. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Ventimiglia for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Pamplona is generally around the same temperature as Ventimiglia. Daily temperatures in Pamplona average around 16°C (60°F), and Ventimiglia fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Pamplona often gets less sunshine than Ventimiglia. Pamplona gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ventimiglia receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ventimiglia. Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pamplona usually gets more rain in October than Ventimiglia. Pamplona gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pamplona 16°C (60°F) 
    Ventimiglia 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Pamplona or Ventimiglia in the Winter?

Both Ventimiglia and Pamplona are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Pamplona 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.

Pamplona is around the same temperature as Ventimiglia in the winter. The daily temperature in Pamplona averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Ventimiglia fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Pamplona usually receives less sunshine than Ventimiglia during winter. Pamplona gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Ventimiglia receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Pamplona. In January, Pamplona usually receives more rain than Ventimiglia. Pamplona gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pamplona 8°C (47°F) 
    Ventimiglia 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Pamplona or Ventimiglia in the Spring?

Both Ventimiglia and Pamplona during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Pamplona in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Ventimiglia for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Pamplona is around the same temperature as Ventimiglia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pamplona in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Ventimiglia averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Pamplona often gets less sunshine than Ventimiglia. Pamplona gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ventimiglia receives 198 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. Pamplona usually gets more rain in April than Ventimiglia. Pamplona gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pamplona 12°C (54°F) 
    Ventimiglia 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Ventimiglia and Pamplona

Pamplona Ventimiglia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)