A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Remo vs. Kotor for Food, Old Town, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit San Remo or Kotor?

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

Should I visit San Remo or Kotor? 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 beautiful, scenic, and authentic coastal city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Kotor

Kotor is a dramatic, scenic, and beautiful coastal town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

San Remo and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Remo or Kotor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kotor than San Remo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kotor is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while San Remo is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and shopping. San Remo is well known for its olives, lemons, and flower market. Kotor is well known for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. Also, Kotor is famous for The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral).

How is San Remo different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

For foodies, Kotor is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Kotor Better for Nightlife?

San Remo is very good for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

San Remo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is San Remo or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, San Remo is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Kotor as a resort destination, but it has a few places. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

San Remo is not a resort destination.

Is San Remo or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, San Remo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Kotor has a few good snorkeling spots. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

San Remo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is San Remo or Kotor Better for Beaches?

San Remo is well known for its beaches. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

San Remo is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Kotor has a beach worth visiting. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Is San Remo or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Kotor is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Kotor has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Is San Remo or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is terrific for its hiking trails. However, San Remo is not a hiking destination.

People visit Kotor specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

San Remo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Remo or Kotor?

San Remo is very good for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is San Remo or Kotor Better for Families?

San Remo is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

San Remo is 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.

Kotor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is San Remo or Kotor Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both San Remo and Kotor make for a great place to visit.

San Remo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Couples visit Kotor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

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

Kotor 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 Kotor. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

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

San Remo is very good for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in San Remo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is San Remo or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Kotor. The old town is best explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kotor or San Remo?

How long in San Remo or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either San Remo or Kotor. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kotor 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 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

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

One day in San Remo or Kotor?

In San Remo, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this scenic destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Kotor is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling 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 Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Remo. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in San Remo or Kotor?

San Remo is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of San Remo. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Kotor 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 Kotor?

You'll find nightlife and food around the beautiful destination of San Remo. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kotor 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 coastal 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

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 Kotor Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, San Remo or Kotor?

San Remo has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of San Remo and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor in the Summer?

Both Kotor and San Remo during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Remo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kotor for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, San Remo is cooler than Kotor. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Remo in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Kotor averages at about 26°C (80°F).

In Kotor, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in San Remo. In the summer, San Remo often gets less sunshine than Kotor. San Remo gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun.

San Remo usually gets less rain in July than Kotor. San Remo gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Remo or Kotor in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both San Remo and Kotor. Many travelers come to San Remo for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Kotor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, San Remo is generally around the same temperature as Kotor. Daily temperatures in San Remo average around 17°C (63°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kotor this time of the year. San Remo usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during autumn. San Remo gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the autumn. San Remo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, San Remo usually receives less rain than Kotor. San Remo gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit San Remo or Kotor in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to San Remo as well as Kotor. Many visitors come to San Remo in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Kotor for the cuisine during these months.

San Remo is a little warmer than Kotor in the winter. The daily temperature in San Remo averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, San Remo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor. San Remo gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. San Remo usually gets less rain in January than Kotor. San Remo gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Remo or Kotor in the Spring?

Both Kotor and San Remo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to San Remo for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kotor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, San Remo is around the same temperature as Kotor. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Remo in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Kotor averages at about 14°C (58°F).

San Remo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor during spring. San Remo gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In April, San Remo usually receives less rain than Kotor. San Remo gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kotor and San Remo