A Travel Price Comparison for Italy San Remo vs. Imperia for Food, Families, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit San Remo or Imperia?

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

Should I visit San Remo 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.

San Remo

San Remo is a relaxing, beautiful, and scenic coastal city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Imperia

Imperia is a undiscovered, authentic, and charming town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

San Remo and Imperia: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in San Remo or Imperia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in San Remo. Although San Remo and Imperia are popular destinations, San Remo has more sights and attractions for tourists. San Remo is very popular for its food, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Imperia attracts visitors for its museums & sights. San Remo is more touristy than Imperia and is popular for its olives, lemons, and flower market. It is also well known for The Flower Market. Imperia is famous for its access to the Ligurian coastline.

How is San Remo different from Imperia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Remo
Imperia

Imperia is a popular place for its museums and history. However, San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Imperia. There are several interesting buildings of importance around town.

San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.


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

San Remo
Imperia

San Remo is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in San Remo is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Imperia. 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 San Remo or Imperia Better for Nightlife?

San Remo
Imperia

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

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.

Imperia has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are some bars and lively restaurants around town where you can spend an enjoyable evening.

Is San Remo or Imperia Better for Beaches?

San Remo
Imperia

San Remo is notable for the beach. However, Imperia is not a beach destination.

San Remo is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Imperia is not a beach destination.


Is San Remo or Imperia Better for its Old Town?

San Remo
Imperia

San Remo is notable for its historic old town charm. However, Imperia does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting San Remo. 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.

Imperia does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in San Remo or Imperia?

San Remo
Imperia

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both San Remo and Imperia.

San Remo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are local and international brands as well as a shopping mall and outlets where you can enjoy shopping.

Imperia is a great destination for shopping. There are some shopping streets in town that have a mix of local brands and standard clothing shops.

Is San Remo or Imperia Better for Families?

San Remo
Imperia

San Remo is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

San Remo is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

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


Is San Remo or Imperia Better for Couples?

San Remo
Imperia

San Remo is notable for couples. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

San Remo is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

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 San Remo or Imperia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Remo
Imperia

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

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

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 Imperia Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

San Remo
Imperia

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Imperia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that connect the city to different areas.


Is San Remo or Imperia a more walkable city?

San Remo
Imperia

San Remo is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its 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.

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

For even more information, also check out Is San Remo Worth Visiting? and Is Imperia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Imperia or San Remo?

How long in San Remo or Imperia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in San Remo or Imperia to fill your time. In our opinion, San Remo has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in San Remo than Imperia. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in San Remo than Imperia. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in San Remo, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Imperia 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 Imperia.


  • How many days in San Remo or Imperia? Ideal Length of Stay
    San Remo 1-2 
    Imperia 1-2

One day in San Remo or Imperia?

In San Remo, you'll find shopping and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This coastal city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The town of Imperia offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in San Remo or Imperia?

In San Remo, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that San Remo has to offer.

Imperia is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Imperia, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in San Remo or Imperia?

San Remo is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Imperia 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 Imperia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Remo. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting San Remo. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Imperia is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town 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.


Which place is cheaper, Imperia or San Remo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in San Remo is €152, while the average daily cost in Imperia is €108. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for San Remo and Imperia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Remo 80
    Imperia 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Remo 160
    Imperia 102
Compare Hotels in San Remo and Imperia

Looking for a hotel in San Remo or Imperia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in San Remo


Hotels in Imperia


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: San Remo Hotel Prices and Imperia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Remo 46
    Imperia 36

Is it cheaper to fly into San Remo or Imperia?

Prices for flights to both Imperia and San Remo change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    San Remo 44
    Imperia 35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Remo 23
    Imperia 13

Tours and Activities in Imperia

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Imperia are as follows:

  • Imperia - Old Town Private Historic Walking Tour: $437

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Remo 14
    Imperia 7.50


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


Which is Bigger, San Remo or Imperia?

San Remo has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Imperia. When comparing the sizes of San Remo 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 San Remo or Imperia?

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 San Remo or Imperia in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to San Remo as well as Imperia. The summer months attract visitors to San Remo because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Imperia this time of year.

San Remo is around the same temperature as Imperia in the summer. The daily temperature in San Remo averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Imperia fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Imperia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Remo this time of the year. In the summer, San Remo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Imperia. San Remo gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 295 hours of full sun.

San Remo usually gets more rain in July than Imperia. San Remo gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    San Remo 23°C (73°F) 
    Imperia 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit San Remo or Imperia in the Autumn?

Both Imperia and San Remo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to San Remo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Imperia for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, San Remo is cooler than Imperia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in San Remo in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Imperia averages at about 19°C (66°F).

San Remo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Imperia during autumn. San Remo gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in San Remo. In October, San Remo usually receives more rain than Imperia. San Remo gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    San Remo 17°C (63°F) 
    Imperia 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit San Remo or Imperia in the Winter?

Both Imperia and San Remo during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to San Remo for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Imperia in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, San Remo is generally cooler than Imperia. Daily temperatures in San Remo average around 9°C (48°F), and Imperia fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, San Remo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Imperia. San Remo gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 127 hours of full sun.

San Remo usually gets more rain in January than Imperia. San Remo gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    San Remo 9°C (48°F) 
    Imperia 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit San Remo or Imperia in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both San Remo and Imperia. Many visitors come to San Remo in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Imperia for the natural beauty during these months.

San Remo is cooler than Imperia in the spring. The daily temperature in San Remo averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Imperia fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

San Remo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Imperia during spring. San Remo gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, San Remo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Imperia. San Remo gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    San Remo 13°C (56°F) 
    Imperia 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Imperia and San Remo

San Remo Imperia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in) 11°C (51°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 21°C (71°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)


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