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

Should you visit Saint-Tropez or Ventimiglia?

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

Should I visit Saint-Tropez 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.

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.

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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and food.

Saint-Tropez and Ventimiglia: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint-Tropez. Although Saint-Tropez and Ventimiglia 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, and shopping, while Ventimiglia is known for its food, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Saint-Tropez is more touristy than Ventimiglia 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. Ventimiglia is popular for its weekly market, colorful old town, and nice beaches.

The Old Port

How is Saint-Tropez different from Ventimiglia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia. 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.

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 Ventimiglia Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Tropez is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Ventimiglia is a seaside town with minimal options for nightlife.

People head to Saint-Tropez just to party. 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.

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 Saint-Tropez or Ventimiglia Better for Resorts?

Saint-Tropez is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Ventimiglia 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.

Ventimiglia is not a resort destination.

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

Saint-Tropez is a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ventimiglia 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.

Ventimiglia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint-Tropez or Ventimiglia Better for Beaches?

Saint-Tropez is a great destination for the beach. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

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.

Many people head to Ventimiglia to enjoy the beach. 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.

Is Saint-Tropez or Ventimiglia Better for its Old Town?

Ventimiglia is a great destination for its old town. However, Saint-Tropez does not have a historic old town.

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.

Saint-Tropez does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Tropez or Ventimiglia?

Saint-Tropez is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ventimiglia. Most people head in town on Friday for the market, which has stalls selling crafts and local products.

Is Saint-Tropez or Ventimiglia Better for Families?

Saint-Tropez is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Ventimiglia offers lots of family activities. 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 Saint-Tropez or Ventimiglia Better for Couples?

Saint-Tropez is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Ventimiglia is a great resort town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

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

Saint-Tropez is a popular place for backpackers. However, Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Saint-Tropez or Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia.

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 Ventimiglia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains and buses to town. Once you're in town it's easy to explore on foot.

Is Saint-Tropez or Ventimiglia a more walkable city?

Saint-Tropez is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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.

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

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

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

How long in Saint-Tropez or Ventimiglia?

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

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

One day in Saint-Tropez or Ventimiglia?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the ritzy resort town of Saint-Tropez. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. 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. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this seaside town.

A weekend in Saint-Tropez or Ventimiglia?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the extravagant destination of Saint-Tropez. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This resort town 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 fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Ventimiglia?

The extravagant resort town of Saint-Tropez offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Ventimiglia?

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Saint-Tropez. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Ventimiglia is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint-Tropez and Ventimiglia, we can see that Saint-Tropez is more expensive. And not only is Ventimiglia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ventimiglia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia.

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 Ventimiglia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint-Tropez or Ventimiglia?

Ventimiglia has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Saint-Tropez. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez or Ventimiglia in the Summer?

Both Ventimiglia and Saint-Tropez are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Saint-Tropez because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ventimiglia this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Ventimiglia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint-Tropez. Saint-Tropez usually receives more sunshine than Ventimiglia during summer. Saint-Tropez gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Ventimiglia receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint-Tropez usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ventimiglia. Saint-Tropez gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Ventimiglia and Saint-Tropez during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint-Tropez this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ventimiglia for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

It's quite sunny in Saint-Tropez. In the autumn, Saint-Tropez often gets more sunshine than Ventimiglia. Saint-Tropez gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ventimiglia receives 183 hours of full sun.

Ventimiglia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint-Tropez. Saint-Tropez usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Ventimiglia. Saint-Tropez gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Tropez and Ventimiglia. Many travelers come to Saint-Tropez for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Ventimiglia in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

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

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

In January, Saint-Tropez usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ventimiglia. Saint-Tropez gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Saint-Tropez as well as Ventimiglia. Many visitors come to Saint-Tropez in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Ventimiglia for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint-Tropez this time of the year. In the spring, Saint-Tropez often gets more sunshine than Ventimiglia. Saint-Tropez gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ventimiglia receives 198 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Ventimiglia and Saint-Tropez