A Travel Price Comparison for Italy San Remo vs. Como for Food, Couples, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit San Remo or Como?

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

Should I visit San Remo 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.

San Remo

San Remo is a scenic, authentic, and historic coastal city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Como

Como is a trendy, fun, and vibrant lake area. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

San Remo and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Remo or Como?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Como than San Remo. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Como is very popular for its museums, food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while San Remo attracts visitors for its beaches and historical sights. Como is more touristy than San Remo and is known for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. It is also well known for the lakeside setting. San Remo is famous for its olives, lemons, and flower market.

How is San Remo different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in San Remo or Como?

Como is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Como specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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.

San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in San Remo or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Como is terrific for its restaurants. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, San Remo makes for a great culinary experience. The local restaurants are charming and sell a number of local specialties. Many traditional dishes are made with rabbit or chicken. There are also vegetable pies and sardenaira, which is a type of pizza that's made with tomatoes, garlic, and anchovies. Also make sure you pick up Baci di Sanremo, which are soft chocolate biscuits that are available in local bakeries.

Is San Remo or Como Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in San Remo and Como.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in San Remo. The city has a number of clubs and bars where you can enjoy a drink or hang out late into the evening. It's a pretty mellow nightlife scene, but there's still plenty of places to go as well as a local vibe that doesn't have the influx of tourists that you find in many of other Italian cities.

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 San Remo or Como Better for Beaches?

San Remo 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 San Remo. The beautiful sandy beaches are nice to visit and it's possible to rent chairs and umbrellas in many places. The main beach in town is Spiaggia dei Porti. Other popular nearby beaches include Spiaggia dei tre ponti, which is a large public beach, and Cala degli Orsi, which is one of the most beautiful public beaches in the area.

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 San Remo or Como Better for its Old Town?

San Remo is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Como does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to San Remo to see the historical old town. The old quarter of Pigna is a Medieval area with narrow streets that feel as if they're frozen in time. The hills offer impressive city views and the area has a unique historic character.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is San Remo or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, San Remo is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

San Remo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Remo or Como?

Como is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

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.

San Remo is a great destination for shopping. There are local and international brands as well as a shopping mall and outlets where you can enjoy shopping.

Is San Remo or Como Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either San Remo or Como.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in San Remo. The area offers plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family will enjoy. There's horseback riding, hiking, rowing, snorkeling, cooking classes, farm tours and more. There are also a number of hotels in the area that have kid-friendly activities.

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 San Remo or Como Better for Couples?

Como is terrific for couples. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Como makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Couples visit San Remo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's known as the city of flowers, and the many beautiful gardens make this a truly romantic place to visit. Couples will enjoy soaking up the city's history and enjoy the vibrant culture and outdoor activities that are available.

Is San Remo or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, San Remo is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Como. 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.

San Remo is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in town, and most backpackers head to more popular Italian destinations. If you're looking for a more off-the-beaten path destination, then this may be your style.

Is San Remo or Como Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find nice public transit in both San Remo and Como.

San Remo has some public transit options. There are local buses around town.

You'll find some public transit in Como, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

Is San Remo or Como a more walkable city?

San Remo and Como are very good when it comes to walkability.

San Remo is a very walkable destination. The old quarter is fun to explore on foot and there are a number of walking tours through town.

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 San Remo Worth Visiting? and Is Como Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Como or San Remo?

How long in San Remo or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either San Remo or Como. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Como due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for San Remo, and 2-4 days is enough time in Como.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Como than San Remo 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 San Remo or Como?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of San Remo. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The beautiful lake area of Como offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in San Remo or Como?

San Remo is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this lake area makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Como, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in San Remo or Como?

You'll find food and shopping around the scenic destination of San Remo. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Como is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in San Remo or Como?

The beautiful coastal city of San Remo offers shopping and nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This lake area offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, 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 San Remo and Como, we can see that Como is more expensive. And not only is San Remo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Remo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Remo 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 San Remo.

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

Which is Bigger, San Remo or Como?

Como has a larger population, and is about 55% larger than the population of San Remo. When comparing the sizes of San Remo 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 San Remo or Como?

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 San Remo or Como in the Summer?

Both Como and San Remo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to San Remo for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Como in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

San Remo is around the same temperature as Como in the summer. The daily temperature in San Remo averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Como fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Como. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Remo. San Remo usually receives more sunshine than Como during summer. San Remo gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, San Remo usually receives less rain than Como. San Remo gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit San Remo or Como in the Autumn?

Both Como and San Remo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to San Remo in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Como for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, San Remo is a little warmer than Como. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Remo in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Como averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, San Remo often gets more sunshine than Como. San Remo gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun.

Como gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in San Remo. San Remo usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Como. San Remo gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Remo or Como in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Remo and Como. Most visitors come to San Remo for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, 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. In January, San Remo is generally much warmer than Como. Daily temperatures in San Remo average around 9°C (48°F), and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

San Remo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Como during winter. San Remo gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, San Remo usually receives more rain than Como. San Remo gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit San Remo or Como in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to San Remo as well as Como. The spring months attract visitors to San Remo because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Como this time of year.

San Remo is around the same temperature as Como in the spring. The daily temperature in San Remo averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Como fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, San Remo often gets more sunshine than Como. San Remo gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun.

San Remo usually gets less rain in April than Como. San Remo gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Como and San Remo