A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint-Tropez vs. Pompeii for Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Saint-Tropez or Pompeii?

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

Should I visit Saint-Tropez or Pompeii? 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 beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a iconic, one-of-a-kind, and ancient archeological site. And you can't forget about the museums.

Saint-Tropez and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint-Tropez. Although Saint-Tropez and Pompeii are both popular with visitors, Saint-Tropez has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint-Tropez is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Pompeii is known for its museums. Pompeii is more touristy than Saint-Tropez and is popular for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. 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. It is also home to The Old Port.

The Old Port

How is Saint-Tropez different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pompeii is an amazing archeological site to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Pompeii are among the most recognizable in the world. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Saint-Tropez is very good for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Saint-Tropez or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Tropez is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is Saint-Tropez or Pompeii Better for Resorts?

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

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Saint-Tropez is a perfect 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.

Pompeii is not a resort destination.

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

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

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Saint-Tropez is not to be missed. 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.

Pompeii is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint-Tropez or Pompeii Better for Beaches?

Saint-Tropez is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Saint-Tropez is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Tropez or Pompeii?

Saint-Tropez is renowned for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

Many people travel to Saint-Tropez specifically to go shopping. 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.

Pompeii has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Is Saint-Tropez or Pompeii Better for Families?

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

Saint-Tropez is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Pompeii is a very family-friendly place to visit. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

Is Saint-Tropez or Pompeii Better for Couples?

Saint-Tropez is renowned for couples. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Saint-Tropez has plenty to offer. 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.

Pompeii is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

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

Saint-Tropez and Pompeii 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.

Pompeii is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

Is Saint-Tropez or Pompeii Better for Students?

Pompeii is a popular place for students. However, Saint-Tropez is not popular with students.

Pompeii is popular with students. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

Saint-Tropez is not popular with students.

Is Saint-Tropez or Pompeii 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 Pompeii.

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 Pompeii offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

Is Saint-Tropez or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Saint-Tropez and Pompeii both are world-class when exploring on foot.

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

Pompeii is a very easy resort town to get around on foot. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

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

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

How long in Saint-Tropez or Pompeii?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saint-Tropez or Pompeii to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Saint-Tropez than Pompeii 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 Pompeii.

Families should spend more time in Saint-Tropez than Pompeii. 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 Pompeii. 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 Pompeii 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 Pompeii?

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 Pompeii, many people enjoy the museums that this famous archeological site offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this archeological site.

A weekend in Saint-Tropez or Pompeii?

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.

Pompeii 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. Lots of people come for the museums. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Saint-Tropez or Pompeii?

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 around the ancient destination of Pompeii. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 Pompeii?

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.

Pompeii 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Saint-Tropez and Pompeii, we can see that Pompeii 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 Saint-Tropez Expensive? and Is Pompeii Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Saint-Tropez or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint-Tropez as well as Pompeii. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint-Tropez this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Pompeii for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint-Tropez is around the same temperature as Pompeii. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint-Tropez in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Pompeii averages at about 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. 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 Pompeii. Saint-Tropez gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun.

Saint-Tropez usually gets less rain in July than Pompeii. Saint-Tropez gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Pompeii and Saint-Tropez are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint-Tropez for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Saint-Tropez is generally around the same temperature as Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Saint-Tropez average around 17°C (63°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint-Tropez. Saint-Tropez usually receives more sunshine than Pompeii during autumn. Saint-Tropez gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. It's quite rainy in Saint-Tropez. In October, Saint-Tropez usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Saint-Tropez gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Pompeii and Saint-Tropez during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint-Tropez in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Pompeii for the museums during these months.

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

In the winter, Saint-Tropez often gets more sunshine than Pompeii. Saint-Tropez gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun.

Pompeii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint-Tropez usually gets less rain in January than Pompeii. Saint-Tropez gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Tropez and Pompeii. Most visitors come to Saint-Tropez for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Saint-Tropez is around the same temperature as Pompeii. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint-Tropez in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Pompeii 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 Pompeii during spring. Saint-Tropez gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint-Tropez usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Saint-Tropez gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Saint-Tropez