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

Should you visit Saint-Tropez or Imperia?

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

Should I visit Saint-Tropez or Imperia? 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 ritzy, celebrity-filled, and extravagant resort town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Imperia

Imperia is a charming, undiscovered, and authentic town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Saint-Tropez and Imperia: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint-Tropez. Although Saint-Tropez and Imperia are both popular with visitors, Saint-Tropez has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint-Tropez is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Imperia is known for its museums. Saint-Tropez is more touristy than Imperia and is known for its trendy beach clubs around the Bay of Pampelonne, as well as its popularity with celebrities and the extravagantly wealthy. It is also home to The Old Port. Imperia is popular for its access to the Ligurian coastline.

The Old Port

How is Saint-Tropez different from Imperia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Imperia 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 Imperia?

Imperia is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.

Imperia offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several interesting buildings of importance around town.

Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Saint-Tropez and Imperia can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Saint-Tropez. 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.

Imperia is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Food ranges from typical Italian dishes to local recipes that use local ingredients. Unique ingredients in the area include trumpet zucchini, flat breads, and anchovies.

Is Saint-Tropez or Imperia Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Tropez is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.

Saint-Tropez is a world class party destination. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Imperia. There are some bars and lively restaurants around town where you can spend an enjoyable evening.

Is Saint-Tropez or Imperia Better for Resorts?

Saint-Tropez is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Imperia is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Saint-Tropez is a great choice. 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.

Imperia is not a resort destination.

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

Saint-Tropez is a must-visit destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Imperia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Saint-Tropez a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. 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.

Imperia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint-Tropez or Imperia Better for Beaches?

Saint-Tropez is notable for the beach. However, Imperia is not a beach destination.

Saint-Tropez is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Imperia is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Tropez or Imperia?

Saint-Tropez is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Saint-Tropez is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Imperia. There are some shopping streets in town that have a mix of local brands and standard clothing shops.

Is Saint-Tropez or Imperia Better for Families?

Saint-Tropez is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Saint-Tropez is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Imperia is a family-friendly resort town. There's some nice walking trails in the countryside that the kids will enjoy.

Is Saint-Tropez or Imperia Better for Couples?

Saint-Tropez is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

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.

Imperia is a nice destination for couples. It's a beautiful town with a nice atmosphere that offers a nice break from the tourist crowds.

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

Saint-Tropez and Imperia are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Saint-Tropez. 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.

Imperia is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Accommodation tends to be affordable and there's an off-the-beaten-path vibe that some backpackers will appreciate.

Is Saint-Tropez or Imperia 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 Imperia.

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 Imperia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that connect the city to different areas.

Is Saint-Tropez or Imperia a more walkable city?

Saint-Tropez is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Imperia is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are convenient to walk around.

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

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

How long in Saint-Tropez or Imperia?

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

Families should spend more time in Saint-Tropez than Imperia. 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 Imperia. 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 Saint-Tropez than Imperia 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 Saint-Tropez.

One day in Saint-Tropez or Imperia?

In Saint-Tropez, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This resort town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Imperia, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this authentic town offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

A weekend in Saint-Tropez or Imperia?

In Saint-Tropez, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint-Tropez has to offer.

Imperia is a fun place to experience. 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 Imperia?

Saint-Tropez is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Imperia. 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 Imperia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Tropez. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Saint-Tropez. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Imperia is a popular place to visit. 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 Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.

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

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 Imperia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint-Tropez or Imperia?

Imperia has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Saint-Tropez. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Tropez and Imperia, 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 Imperia?

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 Saint-Tropez or Imperia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Tropez and Imperia. The summer months attract visitors to Saint-Tropez because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Imperia this time of year.

In the summer, Saint-Tropez is around the same temperature as Imperia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint-Tropez in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Imperia averages at about 25°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Imperia this time of the year. In Saint-Tropez, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint-Tropez usually receives more sunshine than Imperia during summer. Saint-Tropez gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint-Tropez usually receives more rain than Imperia. Saint-Tropez gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint-Tropez as well as Imperia. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint-Tropez this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Imperia for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Saint-Tropez is generally cooler than Imperia. Daily temperatures in Saint-Tropez average around 17°C (63°F), and Imperia fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint-Tropez this time of the year. In the autumn, Saint-Tropez often gets more sunshine than Imperia. Saint-Tropez gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 183 hours of full sun.

Saint-Tropez receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Saint-Tropez usually gets more rain in October than Imperia. Saint-Tropez gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Imperia and Saint-Tropez are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint-Tropez for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Imperia in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Saint-Tropez is cooler than Imperia in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint-Tropez averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Imperia fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Saint-Tropez usually receives more sunshine than Imperia during winter. Saint-Tropez gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint-Tropez usually receives more rain than Imperia. Saint-Tropez gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Imperia and Saint-Tropez during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint-Tropez in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Imperia for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Saint-Tropez is cooler than Imperia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint-Tropez in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Imperia averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint-Tropez. In the spring, Saint-Tropez often gets more sunshine than Imperia. Saint-Tropez gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 198 hours of full sun.

Saint-Tropez usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Imperia. Saint-Tropez gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Imperia and Saint-Tropez