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

Should you visit Varenna or San Remo?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Varenna and San Remo. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Varenna

Varenna is a pristine, beautiful, and scenic village. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

San Remo

San Remo is a historic, relaxing, and beautiful coastal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Varenna and San Remo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Varenna or San Remo?

Both San Remo and Varenna have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Varenna is more popular for its museums, food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while San Remo is known for its nightlife, beaches, and historical sights. Varenna is more touristy than San Remo and is known for its beautiful location by Lake Como. San Remo is popular for its olives, lemons, and flower market.

How is Varenna different from San Remo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Varenna 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 Varenna. Most people visit the town for its beautiful setting on Lake Como. There are some popular sights around town though such as the Church of San Giorgio and Castello di Vezio.

San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

For foodies, Varenna is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around town.

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 Varenna or San Remo Better for Nightlife?

San Remo is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Varenna is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

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.

Varenna is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The best way to enjoy the evening is to head to a restaurant and spend the time sipping wine in a laid back setting.

Is Varenna or San Remo Better for Beaches?

San Remo is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Varenna is not a beach destination.

Many people visit San Remo for it's beautiful 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.

Varenna is not a beach destination.

Is Varenna or San Remo Better for its Old Town?

San Remo is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Varenna does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Varenna does not have a historic old town.

Is Varenna or San Remo Better for Hiking?

Varenna is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, San Remo is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Varenna. There are lakefront trails and other hiking options near town. The Lungolago di Varenna - Baia di Varenna loop follows the water and makes for a pleasant stroll.

San Remo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Varenna or San Remo?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Varenna and San Remo.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Varenna. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Many visitors go to San Remo to go shopping. There are local and international brands as well as a shopping mall and outlets where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Varenna or San Remo Better for Families?

San Remo is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, San Remo is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Varenna. The charming village has play areas for children and the beautiful Villa Monastero, which are gardens that they'll enjoy exploring. It's also worth visiting the Castle of Vezio.

Is Varenna or San Remo Better for Couples?

Varenna is terrific for couples. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Varenna makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful village has a romantic atmosphere with a "lovers promenade" and many stunning views. It makes the perfect couples trip, whether you're on your honeymoon or just need some time 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 Varenna or San Remo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Varenna. There are some hostels and guesthouses that cater to budget travelers. There's also plenty of outdoor activities that are free.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Varenna and San Remo.

Varenna has some public transit options. The town is easily accessible by public transit and once you're in town you can walk everywhere.

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 Varenna or San Remo a more walkable city?

Varenna 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 Varenna. Everything is walkable and the 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 Varenna Worth Visiting? and Is San Remo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Remo or Varenna?

How long in Varenna or San Remo?

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

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

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

One day in Varenna or San Remo?

The beautiful village of Varenna offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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.

A weekend in Varenna or San Remo?

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

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.

Five days in Varenna or San Remo?

Varenna is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food 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.

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.

A week in Varenna or San Remo?

Varenna is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 village offers something for everyone.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, The Best Contiki Tours to Italy, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Varenna and San Remo, we can see that Varenna 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 Varenna Expensive? and Is San Remo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Varenna or San Remo?

San Remo has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Varenna 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 Varenna 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 Varenna or San Remo in the Summer?

Both San Remo and Varenna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Varenna this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Remo for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Varenna is around the same temperature as San Remo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Varenna in July average around 23°C (73°F), and San Remo averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in San Remo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Varenna. Varenna usually receives less sunshine than San Remo during summer. Varenna gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. In July, Varenna usually receives more rain than San Remo. Varenna gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Varenna or San Remo in the Autumn?

Both San Remo and Varenna during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Varenna for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Remo in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Varenna is generally cooler than San Remo. Daily temperatures in Varenna average around 15°C (58°F), and San Remo fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Varenna often gets less sunshine than San Remo. Varenna gets 152 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Varenna. Varenna usually gets more rain in October than San Remo. Varenna gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Varenna or San Remo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Varenna and San Remo. Many visitors come to Varenna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Remo for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Varenna can get quite cold in the winter. Varenna is much colder than San Remo in the winter. The daily temperature in Varenna averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and San Remo fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Varenna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Remo during winter. Varenna gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Varenna usually receives less rain than San Remo. Varenna gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Varenna or San Remo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Varenna as well as San Remo. Most visitors come to Varenna for the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to San Remo because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Varenna is around the same temperature as San Remo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Varenna in April average around 13°C (55°F), and San Remo averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Varenna often gets less sunshine than San Remo. Varenna gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 198 hours of full sun.

Varenna receives a lot of rain in the spring. Varenna usually gets more rain in April than San Remo. Varenna gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Remo and Varenna