A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Ventimiglia vs. San Remo for Food, Beaches, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Ventimiglia or San Remo?

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

Should I visit Ventimiglia or San Remo? 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 traditional, understated, and classic seaside town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches.

San Remo

San Remo is a relaxing, beautiful, and scenic coastal city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Ventimiglia and San Remo: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Ventimiglia or San Remo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in San Remo. Although Ventimiglia and San Remo are popular destinations, San Remo has more sights and attractions for tourists. San Remo is very popular for its nightlife and beaches, while Ventimiglia attracts visitors for its shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. San Remo is more touristy than Ventimiglia and is popular for its olives, lemons, and flower market. It is also well known for The Flower Market. Ventimiglia is famous for its weekly market, colorful old town, and nice beaches.

How is Ventimiglia different from San Remo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ventimiglia
San Remo

Foodies will find both Ventimiglia and San Remo both to be high quality destinations.

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.

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.


Is Ventimiglia or San Remo Better for Nightlife?

Ventimiglia
San Remo

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

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.

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 San Remo Better for Beaches?

Ventimiglia
San Remo

San Remo is a great destination for the beach. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

San Remo is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Many people head to Ventimiglia to enjoy the beach. 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.

Is Ventimiglia or San Remo Better for its Old Town?

Ventimiglia
San Remo

It's fun to wander around the high quality old towns in both Ventimiglia and San Remo.

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.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.


Is the Shopping Better in Ventimiglia or San Remo?

Ventimiglia
San Remo

Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia. Most people head in town on Friday for the market, which has stalls selling crafts and local products.

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 Ventimiglia or San Remo Better for Families?

Ventimiglia
San Remo

San Remo is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

San Remo is known to be 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.

Ventimiglia offers lots of family activities. 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.

Is Ventimiglia or San Remo Better for Couples?

Ventimiglia
San Remo

With fun activities for couples, both Ventimiglia and San Remo make for a high quality 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.

San Remo is a great seaside town if you're traveling as a couple. 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 Ventimiglia or San Remo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ventimiglia
San Remo

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

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 San Remo offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses around town.

Is Ventimiglia or San Remo a more walkable city?

Ventimiglia
San Remo

Ventimiglia and San Remo both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Ventimiglia is a very walkable destination. It's small size and charming atmosphere make it a great town to explore 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 Ventimiglia Worth Visiting? and Is San Remo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Remo or Ventimiglia?

How long in Ventimiglia or San Remo?

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

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

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


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

One day in Ventimiglia or San Remo?

Ventimiglia is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic coastal city of San Remo. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A weekend in Ventimiglia or San Remo?

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of San Remo. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This coastal city 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 San Remo?

Ventimiglia 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.

The beautiful coastal city of San Remo offers shopping and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 San Remo?

Ventimiglia 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 seaside town offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting San Remo. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. 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, San Remo 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 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 Ventimiglia and San Remo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ventimiglia 51
    San Remo 80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ventimiglia 102
    San Remo 160
Compare Hotels in Ventimiglia and San Remo

Looking for a hotel in Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia


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: Ventimiglia Hotel Prices and San Remo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ventimiglia 49
    San Remo 46

Is it cheaper to fly into Ventimiglia or San Remo?

Prices for flights to both San Remo 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
    San Remo 44

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: $77
  • Cooking Class Tiramisu': $89
  • SANREMO FOOD TOUR - Authentic Ligurian street food and Medieval town: $106
  • Pizza Making Class in Sanremo: $144
  • Sanremo Home Cooking Class: $227

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

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 : $78
  • Art studio tour in Italian sculpture gardens: $35
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Sanremo: $117
  • Small Group E-bike Tour in the Ligurian Riviera with Lunch: $111
  • Vespa Tour in Sanremo for half a day: $95
  • sculpting art experience in Italy,class in sculpture gardens: $198

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ventimiglia 7.19
    San Remo 14


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

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


Which is Bigger, Ventimiglia or San Remo?

San Remo has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Ventimiglia. When comparing the sizes of Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia or San Remo?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Ventimiglia or San Remo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ventimiglia as well as San Remo. The summer months attract visitors to Ventimiglia because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Remo this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Remo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ventimiglia this time of the year. In the summer, Ventimiglia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Remo. Ventimiglia gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 295 hours of full sun.

Ventimiglia usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as San Remo. Ventimiglia gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Ventimiglia or San Remo in the Autumn?

Both San Remo and Ventimiglia are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ventimiglia this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Remo for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Ventimiglia is around the same temperature as San Remo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ventimiglia in October average around 17°C (63°F), and San Remo averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Ventimiglia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Remo during autumn. Ventimiglia gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Remo. It's quite rainy in Ventimiglia. In October, Ventimiglia usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Remo. Ventimiglia gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Ventimiglia or San Remo in the Winter?

Both San Remo and Ventimiglia during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ventimiglia for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Remo in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Ventimiglia is generally around the same temperature as San Remo. Daily temperatures in Ventimiglia average around 9°C (48°F), and San Remo fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Ventimiglia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Remo. Ventimiglia gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 127 hours of full sun.

Ventimiglia usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as San Remo. Ventimiglia gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ventimiglia 9°C (48°F) 
    San Remo 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Ventimiglia or San Remo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ventimiglia and San Remo. Many visitors come to Ventimiglia in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Remo for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Ventimiglia is around the same temperature as San Remo in the spring. The daily temperature in Ventimiglia averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and San Remo fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Ventimiglia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Remo during spring. Ventimiglia gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ventimiglia usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Remo. Ventimiglia gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ventimiglia 13°C (56°F) 
    San Remo 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for San Remo and Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia San Remo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)


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