A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Taormina vs. San Remo for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Taormina or San Remo?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Taormina and San Remo can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Taormina

Taormina is a opulent, historic, and beautiful town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

San Remo

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

Taormina and San Remo: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Taormina or San Remo?

Both San Remo and Taormina have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Taormina is very popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, and small town charm, while San Remo attracts visitors for its beaches and historical sights. Taormina is more touristy than San Remo and is known for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views. San Remo is famous for its olives, lemons, and flower market.

How is Taormina different from San Remo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Taormina
San Remo

Taormina 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 Taormina. The main landmark in town is the Greek Theater which dates back to the 3rd century BC. Also visit Madonna della Rocca as well as Castello di Taormina, which is perched above the sea.

San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Taormina
San Remo

Both Taormina and San Remo offer excellent local cuisine and restaurants.

Taormina has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local dishes draw on traditional Italian flavors such as pasta, tomato sauce, and vegetables, but they're also heavily influenced by the island's many historical invaders. You'll find a variety of ingredients in recipes including red chilies, tuna, swordfish, sardines, pine nuts, capers, and olives.

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 Taormina or San Remo Better for Nightlife?

Taormina
San Remo

Taormina is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Taormina has a large number of nightlife venues. The town has a bit of an exclusive vibe and that's felt in the nightlife scene as well. There are lounges and exclusive clubs that serve fine wine and cocktails. You'll also find some late night dance clubs around town.

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.

Is Taormina or San Remo Better for Resorts?

Taormina
San Remo

Taormina is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, San Remo is not a resort destination.

Taormina is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.

San Remo is not a resort destination.


Is Taormina or San Remo Better for Beaches?

Taormina
San Remo

San Remo is a great coastal city for the beach. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

The beaches at San Remo attract visitors from all over. 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.

Taormina offers a nice beach destination. The easiest beaches to access from town are Mazzaro Beach and Isola Bella Beach. The beaches are near hotels and there are restaurants as well as beach umbrellas and chairs that you can rent.

Is Taormina or San Remo Better for its Old Town?

Taormina
San Remo

San Remo is a great coastal city for its historic old town charm. However, Taormina does not have a historic old town.

San Remo is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or San Remo?

Taormina
San Remo

If you're looking to go shopping, Taormina and San Remo both offer plenty of nice spots.

Taormina has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. It's a fashion-conscious town and you'll find boutiques and shops that carry high end Italian brands. There are also shops that sell local pottery and other items.

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 Taormina or San Remo Better for Families?

Taormina
San Remo

San Remo is a great coastal city for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Taormina is not the most family-friendly destination. Kids may not appreciate everything that the adults enjoy about this town, but they will likely have fun taking a ride on the cable car and visiting the Greek Theater. There are also wonderful desserts that kids will enjoy.

Is Taormina or San Remo Better for Couples?

Taormina
San Remo

Both Taormina and San Remo are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Taormina is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's a truly beautiful town with impressive views and a great atmosphere. It makes a wonderful stop off for couples or honeymooners who want to soak up the region's beauty.

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.

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

Taormina
San Remo

Taormina and San Remo both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Taormina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are minibuses that travel to the more far-reaching parts of the town.

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


Is Taormina or San Remo a more walkable city?

Taormina
San Remo

Taormina and San Remo are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Taormina is a very walkable destination. Walking is one of the best ways to explore the town.

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

Should I spend more time in San Remo or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or San Remo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Taormina or San Remo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Taormina than San Remo because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Taormina, and 1-2 days is enough time in San Remo.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Remo than Taormina 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 San Remo.


  • How many days in Taormina or San Remo? Ideal Length of Stay
    Taormina 2-4 
    San Remo 1-2

One day in Taormina or San Remo?

Taormina is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

The beautiful coastal city of San Remo offers nightlife and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Taormina or San Remo?

Taormina 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. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Taormina, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

San Remo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Remo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Taormina or San Remo?

Taormina 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.

San Remo 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 Taormina or San Remo?

Taormina is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

San Remo is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, San Remo or Taormina?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Taormina is €108, while the average daily cost in San Remo is €152. 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 Taormina and San Remo in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Taormina or San Remo? 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 Taormina


Hotels in San Remo


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: Taormina Hotel Prices and San Remo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Taormina 4.29
    San Remo 46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Taormina

Also for Taormina, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Roundtrip Transfer from Messina: $40
  • Sicily Catania Airport: Bus Transfer to and from Taormina: $7.46

Is it cheaper to fly into Taormina or San Remo?

Prices for flights to both San Remo and Taormina 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
    Taormina 33
    San Remo 44

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Taormina 11
    San Remo 23

Tours and Activities in Taormina

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Taormina.

  • 5 Hours Private Tour of Taormina from Messina: $604
  • From Catania or Agrigento and Piazza Armerina Tour: $741
  • From Catania: Guided Tour of Mount Etna and Taormina: $95
  • From Catania: Guided Tour of Taormina and Castelmola: $105
  • Sicily: Best of Taormina and Castelmola Private Tour: $212
  • Small Group Sicily Food & Wine Lovers Tour: 8 Days: $2,659
  • Small Group Tour of Sicily Highlights: 8 Days: $2,659
  • Taormina & Castelmola: Shore tour from Messina cruise port: $426
  • Taormina Walking Tour & Ancient theather Private or shared: $586
  • Taormina private tour: $160
  • Taormina. Highlights Tour with Isolabella and Castelmola: $266
  • Tour Messina Taormina Castelmola: $149

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Taormina 8.57
    San Remo 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Taormina

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Taormina:

  • Mt Etna Private guided walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $180
  • Catania: Mt. Etna Private Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $298


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

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


Which is Bigger, Taormina or San Remo?

San Remo has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Taormina and San Remo, 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 Taormina or San Remo?

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 Taormina or San Remo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Taormina and San Remo. Many travelers come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to San Remo in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Taormina is a little warmer than San Remo in the summer. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and San Remo fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Remo this time of the year. In Taormina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Taormina usually receives more sunshine than San Remo during summer. Taormina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Taormina usually receives less rain than San Remo. Taormina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Taormina 27°C (80°F) 
    San Remo 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Taormina or San Remo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Taormina as well as San Remo. Many visitors come to Taormina in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to San Remo for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Taormina is a little warmer than San Remo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Taormina in October average around 21°C (69°F), and San Remo averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Taormina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Remo. Taormina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Remo. Taormina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Taormina usually gets more rain in October than San Remo. Taormina gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Taormina 21°C (69°F) 
    San Remo 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Taormina or San Remo in the Winter?

Both San Remo and Taormina are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Taormina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to San Remo because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Taormina is generally a little warmer than San Remo. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 13°C (55°F), and San Remo fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Taormina usually receives less sunshine than San Remo during winter. Taormina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Taormina usually receives less rain than San Remo. Taormina gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Taormina 13°C (55°F) 
    San Remo 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Taormina or San Remo in the Spring?

Both San Remo and Taormina during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Taormina because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to San Remo this time of year.

Taormina is a little warmer than San Remo in the spring. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and San Remo fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Taormina. In the spring, Taormina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Remo. Taormina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 198 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets less rain in April than San Remo. Taormina gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Taormina 16°C (60°F) 
    San Remo 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for San Remo and Taormina

Taormina San Remo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 24°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 128 mm (5 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)


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