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

Should you visit Saint-Tropez or La Spezia?

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

Should I visit Saint-Tropez or La Spezia? 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 opulent, ritzy, and celebrity-filled resort town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

La Spezia

La Spezia is a cultural, lively, and convenient town. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Saint-Tropez and La Spezia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint-Tropez or La Spezia?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint-Tropez than La Spezia, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint-Tropez is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while La Spezia is more popular for its museums, food, and historical sights. Saint-Tropez is well known for its trendy beach clubs around the Bay of Pampelonne, as well as its popularity with celebrities and the extravagantly wealthy. Also, Saint-Tropez is famous for The Old Port. La Spezia is well known for being the gateway to Cinque Terre.

The Old Port

How is Saint-Tropez different from La Spezia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

La Spezia is a town with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.

La Spezia offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The highlight of the area is the surrounding natural beauty, but in town you can visit the Maritime Museum, The castle of San Giorgio, and The Amedeo Lia Art Museum.

Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.

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

La Spezia is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Saint-Tropez is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit La Spezia. The town has many local flavors that incorporate seafood and other local ingredients. Focaccia is popular, as is Farinata, which is a chickpea flour pancake. Anchovies and mussels are also common ingredients.

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 La Spezia Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Tropez is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Saint-Tropez is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

La Spezia has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find more bars and clubs around town than you do in the smaller nearby towns. Some people head into La Spezia for the evening to grab a drink and socialize.

Is Saint-Tropez or La Spezia Better for Resorts?

Saint-Tropez is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, La Spezia is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Saint-Tropez for its luxury resorts. 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.

La Spezia is not a resort destination.

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

Saint-Tropez is very popular for its diving and snorkeling. However, La Spezia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Saint-Tropez. 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.

La Spezia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint-Tropez or La Spezia Better for Beaches?

Saint-Tropez is a very popular place for the beache. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

Many people visit Saint-Tropez for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

La Spezia is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches in the area tend to be rocky and pebbly. For the best beaches, head out of town to nearby areas.

Is Saint-Tropez or La Spezia Better for its Old Town?

La Spezia is a popular place for its old town. However, Saint-Tropez does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to La Spezia to see the old town. The old town runs between the streets of Corso Cavour and Via Prione and is best explored on foot.

Saint-Tropez does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Tropez or La Spezia?

Saint-Tropez is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Saint-Tropez draws large crowds to its stores. 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 visitors go to La Spezia to go shopping. There's a morning market at Piazza del Mercato as well as many clothing and souvenir shops around town.

Is Saint-Tropez or La Spezia Better for Families?

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

With a huge array of activities for kids, Saint-Tropez is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in La Spezia. Visitors often use La Spezia as a base for visiting nearby Cinque Terre. The surrounding region has many kid-friendly activities like hiking, swimming, and beaches.

Is Saint-Tropez or La Spezia Better for Couples?

Saint-Tropez is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Saint-Tropez is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Couples visit La Spezia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It makes a nice base for visiting nearby sights if the more popular Cinque Terre area is too overwhelming.

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

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

La Spezia is a great town to visit for backpackers. It's more affordable than the nearby towns in Cinque Terre, but they're still easily accessible from town.

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 La Spezia 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 La Spezia.

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 La Spezia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses, trains, and ferry boats offer the main forms of transportation in the area.

Is Saint-Tropez or La Spezia a more walkable city?

Saint-Tropez is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

La Spezia is a very walkable destination. The town is easy to walk around and you'll find a pedestrian-only area downhill from the train station.

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

Should I spend more time in La Spezia or Saint-Tropez?

How long in Saint-Tropez or La Spezia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint-Tropez and La Spezia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint-Tropez than in La Spezia. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint-Tropez, and 2-3 days is enough time in La Spezia.

Families should spend more time in Saint-Tropez than La Spezia. 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 La Spezia. 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 La Spezia 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 La Spezia.

One day in Saint-Tropez or La Spezia?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the resort town of Saint-Tropez. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In La Spezia, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this convenient town offers. 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 La Spezia?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the glamourous destination of Saint-Tropez. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this resort town has to offer. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

La Spezia 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 La Spezia?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the luxurious resort town of Saint-Tropez. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find nightlife and food around the cultural destination of La Spezia. 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 La Spezia?

Saint-Tropez is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

La Spezia 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint-Tropez and La Spezia, we can see that La Spezia 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 La Spezia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Spezia 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 La Spezia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint-Tropez or La Spezia?

La Spezia has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Saint-Tropez. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Tropez and La Spezia, 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.