A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Remo vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit San Remo or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

Should I visit San Remo or Mont-Saint-Michel? 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a historic, breathtaking, and inspiring island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

San Remo and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in San Remo or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Remo. Although San Remo and Mont-Saint-Michel are both popular with visitors, San Remo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. San Remo is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Mont-Saint-Michel is known for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than San Remo and is popular for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. San Remo is popular for its olives, lemons, and flower market. It is also home to The Flower Market.

How is San Remo different from Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

San Remo
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is terrific for its museums and history. However, San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Mont-Saint-Michel has many famous sights for visitors. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in San Remo or Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Remo
Mont-Saint-Michel

San Remo is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit San Remo. 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is San Remo or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

San Remo
Mont-Saint-Michel

San Remo is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is San Remo or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Beaches?

San Remo
Mont-Saint-Michel

San Remo is a great destination for the beache. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.


Is San Remo or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for its Old Town?

San Remo
Mont-Saint-Michel

San Remo is a great destination for its old town. However, Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

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.

Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

Is San Remo or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

San Remo
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, San Remo is not a hiking destination.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a good destination for hiking. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

San Remo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Remo or Mont-Saint-Michel?

San Remo
Mont-Saint-Michel

San Remo is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

San Remo offers some nice shopping areas. There are local and international brands as well as a shopping mall and outlets where you can enjoy shopping.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is San Remo or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

San Remo
Mont-Saint-Michel

San Remo is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

San Remo is a very kid-friendly coastal city. 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.

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is San Remo or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

San Remo
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is terrific for couples. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Mont-Saint-Michel makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Remo
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, San Remo is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

San Remo
Mont-Saint-Michel

Visitors will find good public transit in both San Remo and Mont-Saint-Michel.

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

You'll find some public transit in Mont-Saint-Michel, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Is San Remo or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

San Remo
Mont-Saint-Michel

San Remo and Mont-Saint-Michel are great 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is very walkable. There are many stunning walks in the area.

For even more information, also check out Is San Remo Worth Visiting? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or San Remo?

How long in San Remo or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in San Remo or Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel.


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

One day in San Remo or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With nightlife and food around the destination of San Remo, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

The beautiful island of Mont-Saint-Michel offers museums and food. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

With food and shopping around the beautiful coastal city of San Remo, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

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

Five days in San Remo or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the historic destination of San Remo. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

San Remo is a popular choice for travelers. Most people come for the beaches. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island 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 River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel is €156. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Remo 80
    Mont-Saint-Michel 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Remo 160
    Mont-Saint-Michel 140
Compare Hotels in San Remo and Mont-Saint-Michel

Looking for a hotel in San Remo or Mont-Saint-Michel? 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 Mont-Saint-Michel


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 Mont-Saint-Michel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Remo 46
    Mont-Saint-Michel 70

Is it cheaper to fly into San Remo or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Prices for flights to both Mont-Saint-Michel 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
    Mont-Saint-Michel 44

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Remo 23
    Mont-Saint-Michel 30

Tours and Activities in Mont-Saint-Michel

Here are a few actual costs in Mont-Saint-Michel for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2-Hour Guided Walking tour of the Mont Saint Michel : $33
  • Abbey du Mont Saint-Michel Priority Entrance Tickets: $16
  • Airborne Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • Cherbourg Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $44
  • Entrance ticket to the Battle of the Hedges Museum: $11
  • Mont Saint-Michel Abbey in the Middle Ages: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Mont-St-Michel: Private Walking Tour "Abbey Ticket Included": $261
  • Mont-St-Michel: Shared Tour (10 max) "Abbey Ticket Included": $162
  • Mt St. Michel Private Tour with Abbey tickets and tour guide: $272
  • Normandy Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Private Guided Tour in WW2 Jeep of the Landing Beaches: $272
  • Private walking tour of Mont Saint Michel with a licensed guide: $215

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Remo 14
    Mont-Saint-Michel 7.86


When comparing the travel costs between San Remo and Mont-Saint-Michel, we can see that Mont-Saint-Michel 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 San Remo Expensive? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, San Remo or Mont-Saint-Michel?

San Remo has a larger population, and is about 630 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of San Remo and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, San Remo is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in San Remo average around 23°C (73°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

In Mont-Saint-Michel, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in San Remo. In the summer, San Remo often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. San Remo gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun.

San Remo usually gets less rain in July than Mont-Saint-Michel. San Remo gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    San Remo 23°C (73°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit San Remo or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both San Remo and Mont-Saint-Michel. Many travelers come to San Remo for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

San Remo is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Remo averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

San Remo usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during autumn. San Remo gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

San Remo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, San Remo usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. San Remo gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    San Remo 17°C (63°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit San Remo or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to San Remo as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Many visitors come to San Remo in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, San Remo is much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Remo in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, San Remo often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. San Remo gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun.

San Remo usually gets more rain in January than Mont-Saint-Michel. San Remo gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    San Remo 9°C (48°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit San Remo or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel because of the natural beauty.

In April, San Remo is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in San Remo average around 13°C (56°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

San Remo usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during spring. San Remo gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, San Remo usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. San Remo gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    San Remo 13°C (56°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and San Remo

San Remo Mont-Saint-Michel
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in) 6°C (43°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 16°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (65°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)


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