A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tenerife vs. San Remo for Nightlife, Families, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Tenerife or San Remo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tenerife or San Remo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Tenerife

Tenerife is a scenic, vibrant, and adventure-filled island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

San Remo

San Remo is a scenic, authentic, and historic coastal city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Tenerife and San Remo: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Tenerife or San Remo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tenerife than San Remo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tenerife is better known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and shopping, while San Remo is more popular for its food and historical sights. Tenerife is more touristy than San Remo and is known for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. Also, Tenerife is famous for Mount Teide. San Remo is well known for its olives, lemons, and flower market.

How is Tenerife different from San Remo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tenerife
San Remo

Tenerife is not a good area for its museums and history. However, San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Tenerife. The island is filled with national parks, beautiful landscapes, and stunning beaches, but if you're not into outdoor activities, then you won't find many museums or other historical sights to visit.

San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Tenerife
San Remo

San Remo is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Tenerife. Many visitors stick to the major touristy areas, eating in their resorts or other nearby restaurants. If you want to try a bit of the island's authentic Canarian cuisine, you'll need to do a little research. Head into the local areas near the markets for the best chance of finding something a little more authentic. Local dishes often include fish and seafood as well as local meats, but you'll rarely find beef as there isn't a lot of land for cows to graze on the island.

Is Tenerife or San Remo Better for Nightlife?

Tenerife
San Remo

Tenerife is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Tenerife is a must-see party destination. The island has a variety of nightclubs that range in style and personality. There are all night wild beach parties as well as laid back beach clubs and hole-in-the-wall pubs. Many bars have happy hours where you can relax with a drink and many nightclubs host famous DJs that keep the party going into the early morning hours.

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 Tenerife or San Remo Better for Resorts?

Tenerife
San Remo

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

Tenerife is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find everything from world-class resorts like the Ritz to more budget-friendly hotels and even some hostels around the island. You'll find most of the resorts on the south side of the island, which is also where you'll find the best weather.

San Remo is not a resort destination.


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

Tenerife
San Remo

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

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Tenerife. A highlight of snorkeling in this area is the opportunity to swim with sea turtles. Some of the best snorkeling is in El Puertito, which is known for its many turtles and there is no shortage of organized snorkeling trips to the area. The island also has excellent scuba diving trips with a variety of shipwrecks and marine species.

San Remo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tenerife or San Remo Better for Beaches?

Tenerife
San Remo

Both Tenerife and San Remo have very good beaches worth visiting.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Tenerife. The island has a large number of beaches that attract tourists, particularly during the peak winter months. The island's volcanic nature means that many of its natural beaches have black sand. The golden sand from the more developed beaches typically comes from the Sahara Desert. A favorite beach on the island is the 2 kilometer long Playa de las Teresitas.

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.

Is Tenerife or San Remo Better for its Old Town?

Tenerife
San Remo

San Remo is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Tenerife 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.

Tenerife does not have a historic old town.


Is Tenerife or San Remo Better for Hiking?

Tenerife
San Remo

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

People visit Tenerife specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The island's volcanic landscapes mean that there are dramatic and breathtaking hikes throughout the island. Some of the best hikes are found in the Anaga Rural Park, Teide National Park, and the Teno Mountains.

San Remo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tenerife or San Remo?

Tenerife
San Remo

Tenerife is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Tenerife. The island's low tax rates make it a popular shopping destination for tourists. The are shopping streets, local markets, and luxury malls that you can explore.

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 Tenerife or San Remo Better for Families?

Tenerife
San Remo

Tenerife is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Tenerife is a very family-friendly destination. The island has many great waterparks for kids, with one of the best being Siam Park. Other family-friendly destinations include Aqualand, Loro Parque, Jungle Park, and Monkey Park. There are whale watching trips, outdoor adventures, and kid-friendly beaches as well.

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.


Is Tenerife or San Remo Better for Couples?

Tenerife
San Remo

Tenerife and San Remo are both very good to visit as a couple.

Tenerife makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The natural beauty, great landscapes, and lively beaches make this a great island for a romantic getaway. There's hiking and outdoor adventures as well as swimming, boat rides, and even whale watching.

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 Tenerife or San Remo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tenerife
San Remo

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Tenerife. The island is large enough that there are a decent number of hostels and budget-friendly places to stay for backpackers.

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

Tenerife
San Remo

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Tenerife and San Remo.

Tenerife has some public transit options. The island has a decent bus service that is operated by a company called "TITSA".

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.


Is Tenerife or San Remo a more walkable city?

Tenerife
San Remo

San Remo is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Tenerife is a somewhat walkable place. There are many walks on the island that make for a fun way to explore the setting.

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

Should I spend more time in San Remo or Tenerife?

How long in Tenerife or San Remo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tenerife or San Remo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tenerife than San Remo because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tenerife, and 1-2 days is enough time in San Remo.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Tenerife or San Remo? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tenerife 3-7 
    San Remo 1-2

One day in Tenerife or San Remo?

The beautiful island of Tenerife offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

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 Tenerife or San Remo?

Tenerife is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

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 Tenerife or San Remo?

Tenerife is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Tenerife, five days is sufficent for most. 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 Tenerife or San Remo?

Tenerife is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Tenerife has to offer. This island 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, San Remo or Tenerife?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tenerife is €128, 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 Tenerife and San Remo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tenerife 53
    San Remo 80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tenerife 106
    San Remo 160
Compare Hotels in Tenerife and San Remo

Looking for a hotel in Tenerife 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 Tenerife


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: Tenerife Hotel Prices and San Remo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tenerife 60
    San Remo 46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tenerife

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

  • Transfer- Santa Cruz Tenerife Port to Tenerife South Airport(TFS): $44
  • Transfer Tenerife South Airport (TFS) to Santa Cruz Tenerife Port: $44
  • Sunset Catamaran Tour with Transfer, Buff & Drinks: $63
  • Mount Teide Tour with Cable Car Ticket & Transfer: $79
  • Marine-Life Tour with Transfer, Buffet and Drinks: $63
  • Loro Parque & Siam Park Entry Ticket with Transfer: $99
  • Tenerife to Tenerife South Airport (TFS) - Departure Transfer : $50
  • Tenerife hotels to Santa Cruz Tenerife Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Tenerife Transfer from North Area Hotels to South Airport (Reina Sofia): $197
  • Tenerife South Airport (TFS): Transfer to Santa Cruz Port: $252
  • Tenerife South Airport (TFS) to Tenerife Cruise Port -Roundtrip Private Transfer: $87
  • Tenerife Cruise Port to Tenerife South Airport (TFS) -Departure Private Transfer: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Tenerife or San Remo?

Prices for flights to both San Remo and Tenerife 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
    Tenerife 39
    San Remo 44

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tenerife

For Tenerife, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe Set Menu Lunch or Dinner & Drink: $33
  • Tenerife : Horse Show Entry ticket with optional dinner: $48
  • Castillo San Miguel Medieval Show with Dinner: $51
  • Medieval San Miguel castle with dinner-Show in South Tenerife : $52
  • Music Hall Tavern Comedy Drag Show Ticket & Dinner: $52
  • Teide Sunset Night Tour with Dinner and Stargazing: $58
  • Teide National Park Night Sky Star Safari & Dinner: $59
  • Medieval Show and Dinner at Castillo San Miguel with Transfer: $67
  • Self Driving Sunset Tour with Dinner and Stargazing in Tenerife: $71
  • Teide Night Experience with Dinner and Stargazing: $75
  • Teide National Park Sunset & Stargazing with Dinner (Star Safari): $82
  • Tenerife Sky At Night: Sunset, Stargazing and Dinner: $83

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tenerife 27
    San Remo 23

Tours and Activities in Tenerife

For Tenerife, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Chef Roberto Medda's Private BBQ Experience - At Your Doorstep!: $87
  • Tenerife Animal Farm Private Car Tour. Canarian Cheese and Wine: $164
  • "Boat Cruise & Photos: Your Photographic Adventure at Sea": $320
  • "Pyramids of Güímar Admission PREMIUM Ticket": $20
  • 1 Hour and Half Mojo Sauce Workshop With Winery Tour: $60
  • 2 hours of Tour and Safari on a jet ski: $186
  • 3 Hour Kayak and Snorkeling Experience in Tenerife: $42
  • 3-Hour Guided PADI Scuba Diving Experience in Tenerife: $130
  • 3-Hour Private Boat Tour in Tenerife with Tapas: $175
  • 3-Hours Shared Tour to Accessible Boat en Canary Island: $66
  • 3-hour Whale and Dolphin Watching and Listening Tour : $44
  • 3H Private o Shared Tour to Accessible Boat en Canary Island: $64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tenerife 6.43
    San Remo 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Tenerife

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Tenerife:

  • Wine tasting and Canarian products in La Orotava: $19
  • Wine Tour & Taste surrounded by Anaga Forest: $25
  • Half Day Southern Rural Tenerife Tour with Wine Tasting: $63
  • Tour of the senses through the South of Tenerife with Wine Tasting: $64
  • Wine Tasting Experience in Tenerife: $66
  • Full-Day Gastronomy and Wine Tour: $81
  • Taste of Tenerife Tour With Wine Tasting: $93
  • Wine tasting with tapas, Teide at sunset (shared): $102
  • Volcano Teide Buggy Tour with Wine Tasting & Tapas: $225


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

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



When is the best time to visit Tenerife 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 Tenerife or San Remo in the Summer?

Both San Remo and Tenerife are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tenerife in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to San Remo for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Tenerife is generally around the same temperature as San Remo. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 23°C (73°F), and San Remo fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in San Remo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tenerife. Tenerife usually receives less sunshine than San Remo during summer. Tenerife gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tenerife usually receives less rain than San Remo. Tenerife gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tenerife 23°C (73°F) 
    San Remo 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Tenerife or San Remo in the Autumn?

Both San Remo and Tenerife during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tenerife for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to San Remo because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Tenerife is a little warmer than San Remo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 22°C (72°F) in October, and San Remo fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Tenerife. In the autumn, Tenerife often gets more sunshine than San Remo. Tenerife gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 183 hours of full sun.

San Remo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tenerife usually gets less rain in October than San Remo. Tenerife gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tenerife 22°C (72°F) 
    San Remo 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Tenerife or San Remo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tenerife and San Remo. The winter months attract visitors to Tenerife because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to San Remo this time of year.

In the winter, Tenerife is much warmer than San Remo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tenerife in January average around 17°C (63°F), and San Remo averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Tenerife usually receives more sunshine than San Remo during winter. Tenerife gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tenerife usually receives less rain than San Remo. Tenerife gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tenerife 17°C (63°F) 
    San Remo 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Tenerife or San Remo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tenerife as well as San Remo. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tenerife this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Remo for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Tenerife is generally a little warmer than San Remo. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 18°C (64°F), and San Remo fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tenerife this time of the year. In the spring, Tenerife often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Remo. Tenerife gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 198 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in April than San Remo. Tenerife gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tenerife 18°C (64°F) 
    San Remo 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for San Remo and Tenerife

Tenerife San Remo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 17°C (63°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 18°C (64°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 18°C (64°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 17°C (63°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)


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