A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Annecy vs. Hondarribia for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Annecy or Hondarribia?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Annecy and Hondarribia can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Annecy or Hondarribia?

Annecy

Annecy is an alpine town in southeastern France, where Lake Annecy feeds into the Thiou River. It's known for its Vieille Ville (old town), with cobbled streets, winding canals and pastel-colored houses. Annecy is situated on a stunning aqua clear lake between the Northern alps of France. Only thirty minutes away from Geneva, Switzerland, this French-Swiss town is unlike any other. Another nickname for this city is the Venice of France because the small center of the city is filled with water passages lined with beautiful flower boxes. The city is romantic because the waterways filled with lights that illuminate the bricks and you feel as if you are in a whole other world with no one around you. The purity of the lake and the beauty of its setting compels Anneciens outdoors - in good weather it seems everyone is hanging out in pavement cafes, mountain-gazing along the lakefront, swimming in the lake, or just aimlessly cycling around it.

Hondarribia

The characteristic Spanish buildings painted in the brightest, most vibrant of colors only match the true spirit of the town, Hondarribia, Spain. Hondarribia is located on the west shore of Bidasoa river's mouth in Gipuzkoa of Basque Country. The town is rich in its Spanish history, holding both an ancient old quarter with walls and a castle within. Hondarribia is also known for its gorgeous beach of bright blue water across the Bidasoa alongside the fertile, roaming mountain of Jaizkibel. What's more, Hondarribia faces the border of Hendaye, France, so if you are yearning to expand your cultural learning, take a service boat over to Spain's friendly neighbor! No matter if you want to explore the ancient architecture or enjoy the cooling waters of the bay, Hondarribia is definitely a location known for its beauty and activity!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Annecy or Hondarribia?

Annecy has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Hondarribia. When comparing the sizes of Annecy and Hondarribia, 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 Annecy or Hondarribia?

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 Annecy or Hondarribia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Annecy and Hondarribia. Many visitors come to Annecy in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Annecy is generally around the same temperature as Hondarribia. Daily temperatures in Annecy average around 22°C (71°F), and Hondarribia fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hondarribia this time of the year. In Annecy, it's very sunny this time of the year. Annecy usually receives more sunshine than Hondarribia during summer. Annecy gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Hondarribia receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Annecy usually receives less rain than Hondarribia. Annecy gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Annecy or Hondarribia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Annecy as well as Hondarribia. Most visitors come to Annecy for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Annecy is cooler than Hondarribia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Annecy averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Hondarribia fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Annecy often gets less sunshine than Hondarribia. Annecy gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hondarribia receives 144 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hondarribia. Annecy usually gets less rain in October than Hondarribia. Annecy gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Annecy or Hondarribia in the Winter?

Both Hondarribia and Annecy are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Annecy because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Annecy can be very cold. In the winter, Annecy is much colder than Hondarribia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Annecy in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Hondarribia averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Annecy usually receives less sunshine than Hondarribia during winter. Annecy gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Hondarribia receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hondarribia. In January, Annecy usually receives less rain than Hondarribia. Annecy gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Annecy or Hondarribia in the Spring?

Both Hondarribia and Annecy during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Annecy this time of year.

In April, Annecy is generally around the same temperature as Hondarribia. Daily temperatures in Annecy average around 11°C (53°F), and Hondarribia fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Annecy often gets more sunshine than Hondarribia. Annecy gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hondarribia receives 141 hours of full sun.

Hondarribia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Annecy usually gets less rain in April than Hondarribia. Annecy gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hondarribia and Annecy