A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Arachova vs. Bilbao for Attractions, Nightlife, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Arachova or Bilbao?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arachova or Bilbao, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Arachova

Arachova is a outdoorsy, bustling, and beautiful town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a colorful, friendly, and industrial city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Arachova and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arachova or Bilbao?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Arachova. Although Arachova and Bilbao are popular destinations, Arachova has more sights and attractions for tourists. Arachova is very popular for its skiing, food, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while Bilbao attracts visitors for its museums, shopping, and big city activities. Arachova is more touristy than Bilbao and is known for its surrounding mountain beauty, festive Christmas atmosphere, and nearby winter skiing. It is also well known for Mount Parnassus Ski Resort. Bilbao is famous for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Arachova different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Arachova or Bilbao Better for Skiing?

Arachova is a good destination for winter skiing. However, Bilbao is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Arachova is a great destination to visit. The Parnassos Ski Resort is located just 24 kilometers from town and offers skiing that is beautiful and fun. There are spectacular views and the area has gained popularity in recent years. There are lessons for kids and many other fun winter activities nearby.

Bilbao is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Arachova or Bilbao?

Bilbao is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Bilbao can be an interesting and educational experience. A favorite museum in town is the popular Guggenheim Museum. From its iconic building to the unique exhibits, this is a must-see stop during your visit. Other highlights around town include the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao, the Museo Vasco, as well as the city's unique bridges.

Arachova offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting sights in the surrounding area, as well as the unique Ai Giorgis Church near town.

Is the Food Better in Arachova or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Arachova is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Arachova. The town is filled with old tavernas that serve up traditional local cuisine. You'll find a lot of the local cheese, formaela, as well as a local noodle dish called hilopites. Pork ribs and delicate desserts are also popular.

Bilbao is not a culinary destination. The food scene is among the best in Spain. The city has several world renowned restaurants, including a few Michelin-starred restaurants, but there are also smaller eateries that cater to the locals and tourists alike. Make sure you try the pintxos, which are small dishes that are the Basque region's answer to tapas. Many include seafood and are cooked with olive oil and garlic.

Is Arachova or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Arachova and Bilbao.

Arachova is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are many charming bars around town that stay open late into the night. During the popular winter months, you'll find the streets filled with people that come for the unique winter atmosphere.

Many people head to Bilbao for the nightlife scene. There's a great late night scene that centers around eating and drinking. There are lively nightclubs, a good live music scene, and no shortage of people heading out on the town.

Is Arachova or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Arachova is well known for its old town. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Arachova. The charming old town is at its best during the Christmas season when there are decorations around the town square and the streets are filled with people.

Bilbao has an old town worth visiting. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Is Arachova or Bilbao Better for Hiking?

Arachova is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Arachova. For the best outdoor activities, head to nearby Mount Parnassos, where there's skiing and snowboarding during the winter months and beautiful hikes through the mountainous terrain during the summer months.

Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Arachova or Bilbao?

Bilbao is well known for shopping. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Bilbao is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Arachova. The charming town has many unique shops that sell carpets, woven goods, and local food items.

Is Arachova or Bilbao Better for Families?

Arachova is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Arachova is a very kid-friendly town. The charming town has long served as a winter escape for those living in Athens. There's plenty for kids to do including and ice skating rink, a horse ranch, and even nearby skiing.

Bilbao offers lots of family activities. The city offers some great museums such as the Guggenheim Museum. Families will also enjoy taking a ride of the Artxander Funicular, and exploring Mercado de la Ribera. You can also enjoy walking around Park Abandoibarra and exploring the creative sculptures.

Is Arachova or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Arachova is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Arachova frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a romantic setting with nice accommodation, delicious local taverns, and plenty of unique activities that couples can enjoy.

Bilbao is a good town for couples to visit. The city is filled with a vibrant enjoy with parks and outdoor strolls that couples will enjoy. There are also many great museums and romantic restaurants as well as some great shopping streets.

Is Arachova or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Arachova is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Bilbao. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

Arachova is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers don't think to visit this area on their trip to Greece. There are some guesthouses, but not a lot of hostels, so you might find a limited number of social activities.

Is Arachova or Bilbao Better for Students?

Bilbao is a nice place to visit for students. However, Arachova is not popular with students.

Bilbao is popular with students. This is a popular study abroad destination with many great museums and educational opportunities for international students.

Arachova is not popular with students.

Is Arachova or Bilbao Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bilbao is well known for its public transit. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Bilbao is fairly effecient and thorough. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

While Arachova offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are some public buses in the area.

Is Arachova or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Arachova and Bilbao both are nice when exploring on foot.

Arachova is somewhat walkable. The town has many walkable streets that are fun to explore on foot.

Bilbao is a somewhat walkable place. It's a fairly walkable city with several pedestrian-friendly areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Arachova Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Arachova?

How long in Arachova or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Arachova and Bilbao. In our opinion, Arachova has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Arachova than Bilbao. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bilbao than Arachova 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 Bilbao.

One day in Arachova or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Arachova. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Bilbao offers nightlife and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Arachova or Bilbao?

Arachova is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bilbao is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bilbao, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Arachova or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arachova. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bilbao 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.

A week in Arachova or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the bustling destination of Arachova. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Bilbao is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Greece, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Arachova or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Arachova. When comparing the sizes of Arachova and Bilbao, 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 Arachova or Bilbao?

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 Arachova or Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Arachova are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Arachova for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Arachova is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Arachova in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Bilbao averages at about 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arachova. Arachova usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during summer. Arachova gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Arachova usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Arachova gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Arachova or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Arachova during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Arachova in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Arachova is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Arachova average around 19°C (67°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Arachova. In the autumn, Arachova often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Arachova gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Arachova usually gets less rain in October than Bilbao. Arachova gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arachova or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Arachova and Bilbao. Most visitors come to Arachova for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the museums and the shopping scene.

Arachova is a little warmer than Bilbao in the winter. The daily temperature in Arachova averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Arachova usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during winter. Arachova gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Arachova usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Arachova gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Arachova or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Arachova as well as Bilbao. The spring months attract visitors to Arachova because of the small town charm. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In the spring, Arachova is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Arachova in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Bilbao averages at about 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arachova this time of the year. In the spring, Arachova often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Arachova gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Arachova usually gets less rain in April than Bilbao. Arachova gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Arachova