A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint-Tropez vs. Como for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint-Tropez or Como?

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

Should I visit Saint-Tropez or Como? 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.

Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez is a luxurious, glamourous, and opulent resort town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Como

Como is a fun, vibrant, and scenic lake area. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Saint-Tropez and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint-Tropez or Como?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Como. Although Saint-Tropez and Como are both popular with visitors, Como has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Como is more popular for its museums, food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Tropez is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Como is more touristy than Saint-Tropez and is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. It is also home to the lakeside setting. Saint-Tropez is popular for its trendy beach clubs around the Bay of Pampelonne, as well as its popularity with celebrities and the extravagantly wealthy.

How is Saint-Tropez different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint-Tropez or Como?

Como is a lake area with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.

Como offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit for the lakeside setting, but there's history throughout, with notable buildings including the Duomo, Museo Civico, and Basilica di Sant'Abbondio.

Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Saint-Tropez or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Como is an amazing lake area to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Saint-Tropez is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Como is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The area has its own style of Italian food. Polenta is one of the most popular dishes and it's usually served with meat, fish, or cheese. You can also enjoy several different types of fish such as misultitt (dried fish), salmon trout, pike, bleak, lavarello, and perch.

Saint-Tropez is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food is all about the local flavors. You'll find plenty of local seafood as well as local organic meats, fruits, vegetables, olive oil, garlic, and truffles. Cheese is a common ingredient as well. There are many different soups and stews, and bouillabaisse is a common fish soup found in the restaurants around town. Daube is another popular stew that is made with beef. Ratatouille is a vegetable casserole that has made a name for itself both inside and outside of France. And, of course, you have to try the local salads and pastries. Because it's such a touristy area, there are many restaurants geared specifically to the tourists, many of which are overpriced.

Is Saint-Tropez or Como Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Tropez is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Saint-Tropez is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It is a place to see and be seen, so if you're looking for A-list celebrities, glamourous yacht parties, and ritzy dance clubs, then this is your place. While the nightlife scene is filled with extravagance, there are still laid back clubs where you can sip a cocktail in style. The best season to come and party is during the summer months, but you'll still find plenty to do throughout the year.

Como has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It is more known for its glamour and sophistication than its raging party scene. There are fine dining restaurants where you can sip wine and enjoy the view. There are also theaters and jazz clubs that offer a relaxing vibe and a nice night out.

Is Saint-Tropez or Como Better for Resorts?

Saint-Tropez is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Como is not a resort destination.

Saint-Tropez offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Luxury and extravagance is what this resort town is all about. If you have the money to spend, you'll have no trouble finding a glamourous villa or luxury hotel where you can relax, party, or soak up the French Riviera sun.

Como is not a resort destination.

Is Saint-Tropez or Como Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Saint-Tropez is renowned for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Como is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Saint-Tropez specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. The Gulf of Saint Tropez is one of the best places to snorkel and scuba dive along the French Riviera. There are wreck dives including the most famous, The Rubis, a submarine that is surrounded by marine life. Although you're not allowed to enter the vessel, there is still plenty to see. There are also plenty of dive spots that feature rock formations, schools of fish, and lobsters.

Como is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint-Tropez or Como Better for Beaches?

Saint-Tropez is an excellent place to visit for the beach. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Saint-Tropez. The beaches are frequented by celebrities, so you'll find plenty of glitz and glamour by the water. For some of the best beaches, you'll want to head a little out of town. The most famous beach in the area is Pampelonne Beach which is popular with Hollywood celebrities during the summer months. Bouillabaisse Beach is the place to go if you want to look at the yachts, but for a more natural setting head to Graniers Beach.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Como. You'll find lakeside beaches where you can relax, sunbath, or swim. Many are affiliated with clubs and the atmosphere is often trendy and upscale. Don't expect a secluded and natural setting, but there are often nice restaurants nearby.

Is Saint-Tropez or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Saint-Tropez is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Como. There's a wide variety of hiking trails in the area that take you through the mountains or along the water's edge. One of the most popular trails is the Greenway del Lago di Como.

Saint-Tropez is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Tropez or Como?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Como and Saint-Tropez.

The abundance of shops in Saint-Tropez make it a world-class shopping destination. Surrounded by luxury, shopping is a must in this glamourous resort town. There are international luxury brands as well as local designer boutiques. Whether you're looking for yachting clothes, cigars, jewelry, or perfume, this is one of the best shopping destinations along the Cote d'Azur. Art is a particularly popular item to purchase while you're in town.

Many people travel to Como specifically to go shopping. The shopping is comparable to major cities, with everything from high end boutiques to outlets and local markets. There are clothing shops, jewelry stores, and places to pick up local souvenirs. Shopping is a favorite activity for many visitors to Lake Como.

Is Saint-Tropez or Como Better for Families?

Saint-Tropez is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Saint-Tropez is an amazing family-friendly resort town to visit. With great beaches, several amusement parks, waterparks, and even Marineland, there are an endless supply of activities for kids. There's also a zoo and nature reserve for wildlife enthusiasts. For adventure lovers, there are a number of different watersports to try and if the weather isn't cooperating, there are a few good museums and other indoor activities as well.

Como is a very family-friendly place to visit. It has parks and gardens to explore, as well as Vezio Castle and many nice walking trails. A highlight for many kids is a visit to Lake Como Adventure Park.

Is Saint-Tropez or Como Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Saint-Tropez and Como make for a fantastic place to visit.

Saint-Tropez makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Whether you're honeymooning or taking a short getaway to the French Riviera, this is a great option for couples. You can take a stroll at sunset, relax on one of the beautiful beaches, dine on local seafood, and soak up the rich local culture. The romance and beauty of this French Riviera city make it a world class romantic destination.

For those traveling as a couple, Como has plenty to offer. Its beautiful walks, charming towns, and surrounding natural setting make this a great honeymoon and couple's getaway destination. Dine on Italian cuisine as you sip wine and look out on the pristine waters of Lake Como.

Is Saint-Tropez or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Saint-Tropez is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Como is a great lake area to visit for backpackers. It's a popular destination with all types of travelers, so you'll find a decent selection of hostels to choose from, and a number of other backpackers around to hang out with.

Saint-Tropez is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. For many backpackers it may seem cost prohibitive to visit the French Riviera, but for those with the money, it is well worth the splurge. You can save some money by staying outside of town or finding a vacation rental where you can cook meals. There are also hostels and rooms in local homes that come at a more reasonable price.

Is Saint-Tropez or Como Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Saint-Tropez and Como.

You'll find some public transit in Saint-Tropez, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system that connects many parts of the area.

While Como offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

Is Saint-Tropez or Como a more walkable city?

Saint-Tropez is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Saint-Tropez. It's easy to explore many places on foot, passing by beautiful beaches, stunning views, impressive yachts, and glamourous villas.

Como is very walkable. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint-Tropez Worth Visiting? and Is Como Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Como or Saint-Tropez?

How long in Saint-Tropez or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Saint-Tropez or Como. In our opinion, Saint-Tropez has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Saint-Tropez than Como. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Como than Saint-Tropez 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 Como.

One day in Saint-Tropez or Como?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Saint-Tropez. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Como, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this vibrant lake area offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Saint-Tropez or Como?

Saint-Tropez is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Como is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Saint-Tropez or Como?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the extravagant destination of Saint-Tropez. This resort town offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find nightlife and food around the scenic destination of Como. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Saint-Tropez or Como?

The opulent resort town of Saint-Tropez offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Como is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in France, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Rome.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint-Tropez and Como, we can see that Como is more expensive. And not only is Saint-Tropez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint-Tropez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint-Tropez 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 Como would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Como than you might in Saint-Tropez.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Saint-Tropez Expensive? and Is Como Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint-Tropez or Como?

Como has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Saint-Tropez. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Tropez and Como, 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 Saint-Tropez or Como?

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 Saint-Tropez or Como in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint-Tropez as well as Como. Many travelers come to Saint-Tropez for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Como in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint-Tropez is around the same temperature as Como. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint-Tropez in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Como averages at about 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Como. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint-Tropez this time of the year. In the summer, Saint-Tropez often gets more sunshine than Como. Saint-Tropez gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun.

Saint-Tropez usually gets less rain in July than Como. Saint-Tropez gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Tropez or Como in the Autumn?

Both Como and Saint-Tropez are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint-Tropez in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Como for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Saint-Tropez is generally a little warmer than Como. Daily temperatures in Saint-Tropez average around 17°C (63°F), and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint-Tropez. Saint-Tropez usually receives more sunshine than Como during autumn. Saint-Tropez gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Como. It's quite rainy in Saint-Tropez. In October, Saint-Tropez usually receives around the same amount of rain as Como. Saint-Tropez gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint-Tropez or Como in the Winter?

Both Como and Saint-Tropez during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint-Tropez for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Como because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Como can be very cold. Saint-Tropez is much warmer than Como in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint-Tropez averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Saint-Tropez often gets more sunshine than Como. Saint-Tropez gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun.

Saint-Tropez usually gets more rain in January than Como. Saint-Tropez gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Tropez or Como in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Tropez and Como. The spring months attract visitors to Saint-Tropez because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Como this time of year.

In the spring, Saint-Tropez is around the same temperature as Como. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint-Tropez in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Como averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Saint-Tropez, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint-Tropez usually receives more sunshine than Como during spring. Saint-Tropez gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint-Tropez usually receives less rain than Como. Saint-Tropez gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Como and Saint-Tropez