A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Almeria vs. San Sebastian for Food, Resorts, Beaches, and Nightlife

Should you visit Almeria or San Sebastian?

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 Almeria and San Sebastian. 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.

Almeria

Almeria is a breathtaking, pristine, and cultural region. You'll find world class beauty in Almeria as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Almeria travel costs.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a splendid, outdoorsy, and fun-filled city. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping. See San Sebastian travel costs.

Almeria and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Almeria or San Sebastian?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Almeria. Although Almeria and San Sebastian are both popular with visitors, Almeria has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Almeria is more popular for its resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while San Sebastian is known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Almeria is popular for its stunning beaches that feel pristine despite their popularity. It is also home to The Alcazaba. San Sebastian is popular for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings.

How is Almeria different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Almeria or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Almeria 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 San Sebastian. Head to Castillo de la Mota for nice views and walks. Museo San Telmo offers an overview of Basque culture and Palacio de Miramar is another interesting place to visit.

Almeria does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Almeria or San Sebastian? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Almeria and San Sebastian offer a number of world-class restaurants to choose from.

Eat your way through Almeria, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The food is focused on local, fresh ingredients with many traditional recipes that have been passed down for centuries. Popular dishes change with the seasons because they rely so heavily on local produce. Particularly during the winter months you'll find hearty stews like patatas en ajopollo and gurullos con conejo, which is prepared with rabbit. Sardines are also popular year round.

For foodies, San Sebastian is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It is a famed culinary capital of not just Spain, but the entire world. The city has many Michelin-starred restaurants where you can experience modern or traditional recipes prepared by world class chefs. There are also pintxo bars, food markets, and gourmet food shops, that sell local ingredients and dishes. Much of the cuisine includes seafood, but you'll also find a local twist on traditional tapas. Dining is a true experience in this town.

Is Almeria or San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

San Sebastian is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Almeria is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in San Sebastian know how to have a good time. You can expect a lively nightlife scene around town with many bars and places to hang out. Some of the best nightlife is found in and around Parte Vieja, Centro, Reyes Católicos and Gros.

If you're looking for night time activities Almeria has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife vibe is about enjoying a cold beer on a terrace with friends. The city has a laid back Mediterranean atmosphere and plenty of terraced bars along the main streets, particularly in old town. With mild temperatures year around, you'll find yourself spending time outside most evenings while you enjoy tapas and drinks with friends. Flamenco and bullfighting are also popular in the evenings.

Is Almeria or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

Almeria is very popular for its resorts. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its luxury resorts.

Almeria offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Stretched along the coastline you'll find many high end resorts with pools and nice atmospheres. There are all inclusive resorts as well as family-friendly and romantic options to choose from.

San Sebastian has a few great resort options. It's both a city and a resort vacation destination with many beachside resorts that are popular during the summer months.

Is Almeria or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

Almeria is very popular for the beach. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for the beach.

The beaches in Almeria are among the best in the world. Outside of town you'll find kilometers of stunning coastline and beaches. There are pristine natural beaches that still feel undiscovered with beautiful long stretches of sand. One of the biggest resort areas is Roquetas de Mar.

The beaches at San Sebastian attract visitors from all over. The city has three urban beaches that are a huge attraction during the summer months. For surfing and a lively atmosphere, head to the Playa de la Zurriola. The playa de la Concha is the most photographed and famous beach in town and Ondarreta is another beautiful option.

Is Almeria or San Sebastian Better for its Old Town?

Almeria is notable for its old town. However, San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Almeria to see the historical old town. The old town is at the cultural heart of the city. It has the most energy during the evenings, as well as many museums and sights worth visiting.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is Almeria or San Sebastian Better for Hiking?

Almeria is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, San Sebastian is not a hiking destination.

Almeria is a popular spot for hiking. The area has stunning hikes that run along the coastline or into the beautiful interior countryside. For some of the area's best hikes head into Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park.

San Sebastian is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Almeria or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian is a great destination for its shopping areas. However, Almeria is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in San Sebastian. A mix of familiar brands and locally made items make shopping a fun activity. You'll also find many artisan food shops around town where you can take home some local wine or other culinary treats.

Almeria is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Almeria or San Sebastian More Beautiful?

Almeria is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, San Sebastian is not a destination known for its beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Almeria as well. It is famous for it's stunning beaches, which remain pristine despite the area's popularity. Cabo de Gata Natural Park is a must-see area.

San Sebastian is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Almeria or San Sebastian Better for Families?

Both Almeria and San Sebastian are great family-friendly destinations.

Almeria is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The area has many beautiful beaches as well as waterparks, amusement parks, and fun activities like sailing and water sports. There's also a very impressive fort that the kids will enjoy exploring.

San Sebastian is a very family-friendly destination. This city is surprisingly family-friendly. Not only is there the beach, but there are playgrounds everywhere. There's also the fun Monte Igueldo San Sebastian Amusement Park and the San Sebastian Aquarium. You could also take a boat ride or explore the many parks and gardens around town. And, of course, there are the many ice cream shops to check out.

Is Almeria or San Sebastian Better for Couples?

Almeria and San Sebastian both great destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Almeria frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Nature lovers and beach enthusiasts will find this to be the perfect romantic getaway. There are many outdoor activities and places to immerse yourself in nature. A highlight of a trip is a visit to Crystal Cave.

San Sebastian is a great region if you're traveling as a couple. With its nice beaches, stunning view points, and world class restaurants, this city makes an excellent couple's destination. There are Michelin star restaurants to dine in and many parks and gardens where you can take a stroll as well.

Is Almeria or San Sebastian Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Almeria and San Sebastian are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Almeria is a very popular region for backpackers and budget travelers. There's plenty of affordable accommodation to choose from as well as all kinds of activities that backpackers will enjoy. If you like nature and enjoy spending time outside, then this is your place.

San Sebastian is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of hostels around town, and you'll find enough other backpackers looking to meet up so you'll never be lonely.

Is Almeria or San Sebastian Better for Students?

San Sebastian is a great destination for students. However, Almeria is not popular with students.

Many students visit San Sebastian. There are good educational programs in town, as well as nice beaches and a good student population. The locals are also welcoming and friendly.

Almeria is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Almeria and San Sebastian.

You'll find some public transit in Almeria, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are a number of bus lines that run through Almeria city and to Cabo de Gata.

While San Sebastian offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a comprehensive bus system around town that's operated by Dbus.

Is Almeria or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

San Sebastian is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Almeria is a region with minimal options for its walkability.

San Sebastian is a very walkable destination. It's a great city for walking, with many pedestrian areas and places where you can take a stroll along the river or seaside.

Almeria is generally not a very walkable region. While there are many beautiful walks in the area, if you want to truly explore, you'll likely want to have access to a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Almeria Worth Visiting? and Is San Sebastian Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Almeria?

How long in Almeria or San Sebastian?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Almeria and San Sebastian. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Almeria, and 2-3 days is enough time in San Sebastian.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Sebastian than Almeria 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 Sebastian.

One day in Almeria or San Sebastian?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic destination of Almeria. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In San Sebastian, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Almeria or San Sebastian?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Almeria. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In San Sebastian, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that San Sebastian has to offer.

Five days in Almeria or San Sebastian?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic destination of Almeria. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

San Sebastian 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 Almeria or San Sebastian?

You'll find food and nightlife around the beautiful region of Almeria. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Sebastian. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting San Sebastian. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Spain, and The Best Budget Tours to Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Almeria or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Almeria. When comparing the sizes of Almeria and San Sebastian, 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 Almeria or San Sebastian?

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 Almeria or San Sebastian in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Almeria and San Sebastian. Many visitors come to Almeria in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Almeria is generally a little warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Almeria average around 26°C (78°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Sebastian this time of the year. In Almeria, it's very sunny this time of the year. Almeria usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during summer. Almeria gets 343 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Almeria usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Almeria gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Almeria or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Almeria as well as San Sebastian. Most visitors come to Almeria for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the shopping scene.

Almeria is a little warmer than San Sebastian in the autumn. The daily temperature in Almeria averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Almeria this time of the year. In the autumn, Almeria often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Almeria gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Almeria usually gets less rain in October than San Sebastian. Almeria gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Almeria or San Sebastian in the Winter?

Both San Sebastian and Almeria are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Almeria because of the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.

In the winter, Almeria is a little warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the winter temperatures in Almeria in January average around 13°C (55°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Almeria usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during winter. Almeria gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. In January, Almeria usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Almeria gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Almeria or San Sebastian in the Spring?

Both San Sebastian and Almeria during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Almeria this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the beaches.

In April, Almeria is generally a little warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Almeria average around 16°C (61°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Almeria. In the spring, Almeria often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Almeria gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun.

San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Almeria usually gets less rain in April than San Sebastian. Almeria gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Almeria