A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Ventimiglia vs. Imperia for Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Ventimiglia or Imperia?

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

Should I visit Ventimiglia or Imperia? 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.

Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is a authentic, elegant, and scenic seaside town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include shopping, food, and beaches.

Imperia

Imperia is a undiscovered, authentic, and charming town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Ventimiglia and Imperia: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Ventimiglia or Imperia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ventimiglia. Although Ventimiglia and Imperia are popular destinations, Ventimiglia has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ventimiglia is very popular for its food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Imperia attracts visitors for its museums and nightlife. Ventimiglia is famous for its weekly market, colorful old town, and nice beaches. It is also well known for The Friday Market. Imperia is famous for its access to the Ligurian coastline.

How is Ventimiglia different from Imperia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ventimiglia or Imperia?

Ventimiglia
Imperia

Imperia is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Ventimiglia 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 Imperia. There are several interesting buildings of importance around town.

Ventimiglia does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Ventimiglia or Imperia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ventimiglia
Imperia

Ventimiglia is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Ventimiglia is an experience not to be missed. Italian classics are abundant including tiramisus, Italian pizzas, risotto alla milanese, and traditional lasagna. If you're in town on a Friday you should visit the local market which has stalls selling local produce and foods.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Imperia. Food ranges from typical Italian dishes to local recipes that use local ingredients. Unique ingredients in the area include trumpet zucchini, flat breads, and anchovies.

Is Ventimiglia or Imperia Better for Nightlife?

Ventimiglia
Imperia

Imperia is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Ventimiglia is a seaside town with minimal options for nightlife.

Imperia has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are some bars and lively restaurants around town where you can spend an enjoyable evening.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Ventimiglia Most people don't head to town for the nightlife, but there are some bars where you can grab a drink or sip a glass of wine.

Is Ventimiglia or Imperia Better for Beaches?

Ventimiglia
Imperia

Ventimiglia is a popular place for the beach. However, Imperia is not a beach destination.

Ventimiglia is a good option for a beach vacation. The lungomare is a promenade along the sea that allows visitors to wander and take in waterfront views. Most of the beaches are free to access and have been influenced by the coastal erosion efforts which have led to a series of scalloped bays. If you reach the end of the lungomare you'll find a natural area where the Roya and Nervia rivers meet the ocean. This is also a popular spot for breeding birds.

Imperia is not a beach destination.


Is Ventimiglia or Imperia Better for its Old Town?

Ventimiglia
Imperia

Ventimiglia is notable for its historic old town charm. However, Imperia does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Ventimiglia. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming pastel buildings. There are also a number of historic buildings and monuments that give the town a special atmosphere.

Imperia does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ventimiglia or Imperia?

Ventimiglia
Imperia

Ventimiglia is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Ventimiglia. Most people head in town on Friday for the market, which has stalls selling crafts and local products.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Imperia. There are some shopping streets in town that have a mix of local brands and standard clothing shops.

Is Ventimiglia or Imperia Better for Families?

Ventimiglia
Imperia

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ventimiglia or Imperia.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ventimiglia. The charming town is a great place for kids to explore. There is a botanical garden and hiking trails that the whole family can enjoy as well as quiet beaches where they can play. The Italian food is also perfect for young palates.

Imperia offers lots of family activities. There's some nice walking trails in the countryside that the kids will enjoy.


Is Ventimiglia or Imperia Better for Couples?

Ventimiglia
Imperia

Ventimiglia is notable for couples. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Ventimiglia is a very popular place to visit for couples. This quintessential Italian town offers a romantic setting with cobblestone streets and pastel buildings. There are many culinary delights and romantic settings that are perfect for couples. The hiking trails and botanical gardens are also fun places to explore.

Imperia is a nice destination for couples. It's a beautiful town with a nice atmosphere that offers a nice break from the tourist crowds.

Is Ventimiglia or Imperia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ventimiglia
Imperia

Imperia is a popular place for backpackers. However, Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Imperia. Accommodation tends to be affordable and there's an off-the-beaten-path vibe that some backpackers will appreciate.

Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Ventimiglia or Imperia Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ventimiglia
Imperia

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Ventimiglia and Imperia.

You'll find some public transit in Ventimiglia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are trains and buses to town. Once you're in town it's easy to explore on foot.

While Imperia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that connect the city to different areas.


Is Ventimiglia or Imperia a more walkable city?

Ventimiglia
Imperia

Ventimiglia is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

Ventimiglia is a very walkable destination. It's small size and charming atmosphere make it a great town to explore on foot.

Imperia is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are convenient to walk around.

For even more information, also check out Is Ventimiglia Worth Visiting? and Is Imperia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Imperia or Ventimiglia?

How long in Ventimiglia or Imperia?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Imperia than Ventimiglia 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 Imperia.


  • How many days in Ventimiglia or Imperia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Ventimiglia 1-2 
    Imperia 1-2

One day in Ventimiglia or Imperia?

Ventimiglia is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This seaside town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming town of Imperia. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Ventimiglia or Imperia?

Ventimiglia might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Ventimiglia has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the undiscovered destination of Imperia. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in Ventimiglia or Imperia?

Ventimiglia is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

The authentic town of Imperia offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Ventimiglia or Imperia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ventimiglia. Since Ventimiglia is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Imperia. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


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


Which place is cheaper, Imperia or Ventimiglia?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Ventimiglia is €121, while the average daily cost in Imperia is €108. 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 Ventimiglia and Imperia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ventimiglia 51
    Imperia 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ventimiglia 102
    Imperia 102
Compare Hotels in Ventimiglia and Imperia

Looking for a hotel in Ventimiglia or Imperia? 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 Ventimiglia


Hotels in Imperia


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: Ventimiglia Hotel Prices and Imperia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ventimiglia 49
    Imperia 36

Is it cheaper to fly into Ventimiglia or Imperia?

Prices for flights to both Imperia and Ventimiglia 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
    Ventimiglia 38
    Imperia 35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ventimiglia

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ventimiglia.

  • Cooking Class Pesto Sauce: $76
  • Cooking Class Tiramisu': $88
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Sanremo with Show Cooking: $94
  • SANREMO FOOD TOUR - Authentic Ligurian street food and Medieval town: $96
  • Pizza Making Class in Sanremo: $142
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Sanremo: $160
  • Sanremo Home Cooking Class: $224

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ventimiglia 27
    Imperia 13

Tours and Activities in Ventimiglia

Here are a few actual costs in Ventimiglia for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 Day road bike tour of Ligurian mountains from Italian Riviera : $77
  • Vespa Tour in Sanremo for half a day: $94
  • Small Group E-bike Tour in the Ligurian Riviera with Lunch: $110

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ventimiglia 7.19
    Imperia 7.50


When comparing the travel costs between Ventimiglia and Imperia, we can see that Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia Expensive? and Is Imperia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ventimiglia or Imperia?

Imperia has a larger population, and is about 60% larger than the population of Ventimiglia. When comparing the sizes of Ventimiglia and Imperia, 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 Ventimiglia or Imperia?

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 Ventimiglia or Imperia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ventimiglia and Imperia. The summer months attract visitors to Ventimiglia because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Imperia this time of year.

Ventimiglia is around the same temperature as Imperia in the summer. The daily temperature in Ventimiglia averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Imperia fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Imperia this time of the year. In Ventimiglia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ventimiglia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Imperia during summer. Ventimiglia gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ventimiglia usually receives more rain than Imperia. Ventimiglia gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ventimiglia 23°C (73°F) 
    Imperia 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Ventimiglia or Imperia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ventimiglia as well as Imperia. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ventimiglia this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Imperia for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Ventimiglia is cooler than Imperia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ventimiglia in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Imperia averages at about 19°C (66°F).

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

Ventimiglia receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ventimiglia usually gets more rain in October than Imperia. Ventimiglia gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ventimiglia 17°C (63°F) 
    Imperia 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Ventimiglia or Imperia in the Winter?

Both Imperia and Ventimiglia are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Ventimiglia for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Imperia in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Ventimiglia is generally cooler than Imperia. Daily temperatures in Ventimiglia average around 9°C (48°F), and Imperia fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Ventimiglia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Imperia during winter. Ventimiglia gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ventimiglia usually receives more rain than Imperia. Ventimiglia gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ventimiglia 9°C (48°F) 
    Imperia 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Ventimiglia or Imperia in the Spring?

Both Imperia and Ventimiglia during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Ventimiglia in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Imperia for the natural beauty during these months.

Ventimiglia is cooler than Imperia in the spring. The daily temperature in Ventimiglia averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Imperia fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the spring, Ventimiglia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Imperia. Ventimiglia gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 198 hours of full sun.

Ventimiglia usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Imperia. Ventimiglia gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ventimiglia 13°C (56°F) 
    Imperia 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Imperia and Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia Imperia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in) 11°C (51°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 21°C (71°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)


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