A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ventimiglia vs. Kotor for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Beaches

Should you visit Ventimiglia or Kotor?

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

Should I visit Ventimiglia or Kotor? 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 understated, classic, and authentic seaside town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Kotor

Kotor is a historic, peaceful, and remote coastal town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and food.

Ventimiglia and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • 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
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere


Is there more to do in Ventimiglia or Kotor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kotor than Ventimiglia, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kotor is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, and quaint atmosphere, while Ventimiglia is more popular for its shopping. Kotor is more touristy than Ventimiglia and is known for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. Also, Kotor is famous for The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral). Ventimiglia is well known for its weekly market, colorful old town, and nice beaches.

How is Ventimiglia different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ventimiglia
Kotor

Kotor is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Kotor is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Ventimiglia. 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.


Is Ventimiglia or Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Ventimiglia
Kotor

Kotor is a coastal town with a few options for its evening party scene. However, Ventimiglia is a seaside town with minimal options for nightlife.

Kotor is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

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 Kotor Better for Resorts?

Ventimiglia
Kotor

Kotor is a coastal town with a few options for its resorts. However, Ventimiglia is not a resort destination.

You might not think of Kotor as a resort destination, but it has a few places. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Ventimiglia is not a resort destination.

Is Ventimiglia or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ventimiglia
Kotor

Kotor is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ventimiglia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Kotor has a few good snorkeling spots. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Ventimiglia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Ventimiglia or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Ventimiglia
Kotor

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Ventimiglia and Kotor are notable choices.

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.

Many people head to Kotor to enjoy the beach. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Is Ventimiglia or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Ventimiglia
Kotor

Kotor is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

The historic old town of Kotor is revered around the world. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Is Ventimiglia or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Ventimiglia
Kotor

Kotor is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Ventimiglia is not a hiking destination.

People visit Kotor specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Ventimiglia is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Ventimiglia or Kotor?

Ventimiglia
Kotor

Ventimiglia is well known for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Ventimiglia is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Most people head in town on Friday for the market, which has stalls selling crafts and local products.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ventimiglia or Kotor Better for Families?

Ventimiglia
Kotor

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ventimiglia or Kotor.

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.

Kotor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Ventimiglia or Kotor Better for Couples?

Ventimiglia
Kotor

With fun activities for couples, both Ventimiglia and Kotor make for a great place to visit.

Couples visit Ventimiglia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Kotor is a great seaside town if you're traveling as a couple. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.


Is Ventimiglia or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ventimiglia
Kotor

Kotor is a great destination for backpackers. However, Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Kotor is a very popular coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Ventimiglia
Kotor

Ventimiglia is very good for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Ventimiglia or Kotor a more walkable city?

Ventimiglia
Kotor

Kotor is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Kotor on foot is easy. The old town is best explored on foot.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Ventimiglia?

How long in Ventimiglia or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Ventimiglia or Kotor. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kotor due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Ventimiglia, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Ventimiglia or Kotor? Ideal Length of Stay
    Ventimiglia 1-2 
    Kotor 3-4

One day in Ventimiglia or Kotor?

Even though Ventimiglia is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the scenic coastal town of Kotor. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Ventimiglia or Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ventimiglia. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the charming small town of Kotor. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This coastal town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Ventimiglia or Kotor?

Ventimiglia is a fun place to experience. Ventimiglia is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The dramatic coastal town of Kotor offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Kotor?

Ventimiglia is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting Kotor. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.


Which place is cheaper, Kotor 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 Kotor is €100. 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 Kotor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ventimiglia 51
    Kotor 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ventimiglia 102
    Kotor 98
Compare Hotels in Ventimiglia and Kotor

Looking for a hotel in Ventimiglia or Kotor? 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 Kotor


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 Kotor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ventimiglia 49
    Kotor 9.26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kotor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kotor:

  • Kotor Cruise Port to Podgorica hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $47
  • Airport Transfer Tivat / Porto Montenegro to Podgorica City: $275
  • Airport Transfer Tivat/Porto Montenegro to Portonovi /Herceg Novi: $143
  • Enjoy Private Transfers by Car or Van from Tivat Airport to Kotor or Budva: $44
  • Herceg Novi to Budva one way transfer: $104
  • Herceg Novi to Kotor one way transfer: $79
  • Kotor Cruise Port to Podgorica Airport (TGD) - Departure Private Transfer: $47
  • Kotor Cruise Port to Podgorica hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $95
  • Kotor Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Podgorica hotels: $302
  • Kotor Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Tivat hotels: $91
  • Kotor to Budva one way transfer: $128
  • Kotor to Dubrovnik one way transfer: $156

Is it cheaper to fly into Ventimiglia or Kotor?

Prices for flights to both Kotor 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
    Kotor 43

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kotor

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

  • The 10 Tastings of Kotor Private Food Tour : $175
  • Kotor private cooking class with lunch and Old town guided tour: $228
  • Cooking class in a local home & old town walking tour: $310

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ventimiglia 27
    Kotor 8.32

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

Tours and Activities in Kotor

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

  • San Giovanni Fortress - Tickets: $14
  • Private Walking Tour in Kotor : $22
  • Kotor Old Town - City Walking Tour: $24
  • Kotor Old Town Walking Tour: $24
  • Panorama and Semi-Submarine Underwater Experience: $24
  • Kotor Bay: Highlight Speedboat tour: $27
  • Boat Tour to Perast Old Town & Our Lady of the Rocks: $27
  • Kotor Walking - "Group Tour": $28
  • Semi-Submarine: Kotor Bay Panorama & Underwater Experience: $28
  • Tour Kotor - Perast Old Town - Island Our Lady of the Rocks - Every 2 hours: $30
  • Kotor Old Town Small-Group Walking Tour: $33
  • Whole Boka Bay Cruise with Ship Knez Lipovac: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ventimiglia 7.19
    Kotor 8.51

Sample the Local Flavors in Kotor

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kotor:

  • Private tour: Homemade food and wine tasting at my family home: $158
  • Wine tasting and magical tour from Kotor, Budva, Tivat (Lovcen,Skadar lake): $232
  • National Parks Skadar Lake and Lovcen+Wine tasting (Private tour): $263
  • Skadar Lake National Park with Wine Tasting: $434


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ventimiglia and Kotor, we can see that Ventimiglia is more expensive. And not only is Kotor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kotor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kotor 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 Ventimiglia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ventimiglia than you might in Kotor.

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


Which is Bigger, Ventimiglia or Kotor?

Ventimiglia has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Ventimiglia and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor in the Summer?

Both Kotor and Ventimiglia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ventimiglia this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kotor for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ventimiglia is cooler than Kotor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ventimiglia in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Kotor averages at about 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Kotor. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ventimiglia. Ventimiglia usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during summer. Ventimiglia gets 295 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ventimiglia usually receives less rain than Kotor. Ventimiglia gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ventimiglia 23°C (73°F) 
    Kotor 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Ventimiglia or Kotor in the Autumn?

Both Kotor and Ventimiglia during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ventimiglia for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kotor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Ventimiglia is generally around the same temperature as Kotor. Daily temperatures in Ventimiglia average around 17°C (63°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Kotor, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Ventimiglia often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Ventimiglia gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ventimiglia. Ventimiglia usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. Ventimiglia gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ventimiglia 17°C (63°F) 
    Kotor 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Ventimiglia or Kotor in the Winter?

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

Ventimiglia is a little warmer than Kotor in the winter. The daily temperature in Ventimiglia averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Ventimiglia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor during winter. Ventimiglia gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Ventimiglia usually receives less rain than Kotor. Ventimiglia gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ventimiglia 9°C (48°F) 
    Kotor 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Ventimiglia or Kotor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ventimiglia as well as Kotor. Most visitors come to Ventimiglia for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Kotor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Ventimiglia is around the same temperature as Kotor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ventimiglia in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Kotor averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Ventimiglia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor. Ventimiglia gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Ventimiglia usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Ventimiglia gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ventimiglia 13°C (56°F) 
    Kotor 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Kotor and Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia Kotor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Feb 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in) 8°C (46°F) 172 mm (6.8 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
May 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 26°C (80°F) 47 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Sep 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 174 mm (6.9 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 11°C (53°F) 224 mm (8.8 in)
Dec 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 215 mm (8.5 in)