A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Arachova vs. Pamplona for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Hiking

Should you visit Arachova or Pamplona?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arachova or Pamplona, 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. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and skiing.

Pamplona

Pamplona is a laid-back, historic, and elegant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Arachova and Pamplona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arachova or Pamplona?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pamplona. Although Arachova and Pamplona are popular destinations, Pamplona has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pamplona is very popular for its big city activities, while Arachova attracts visitors for its skiing, historical sights, and small town charm. Arachova is famous for its surrounding mountain beauty, festive Christmas atmosphere, and nearby winter skiing. Pamplona is famous for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. It is also well known for The Running of the Bulls Festival.

How is Arachova different from Pamplona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Arachova or Pamplona Better for Skiing?

Arachova is a popular place for snow skiing. However, Pamplona 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.

Pamplona is not a skiing destination.

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

Both Arachova and Pamplona have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Arachova is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting sights in the surrounding area, as well as the unique Ai Giorgis Church near town.

Pamplona offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Although most people visit in July for the Running of the Bulls, throughout the year there are some interesting museums and sights around town. You can check out the Cathedral of Pamplona, the Museo de Navarra, and the main plaza in town, Plaza del Castillo.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Arachova and Pamplona can be an enjoyable experience.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Arachova makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Pamplona has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Local cuisine includes lots of fresh vegetables like mushrooms, artichokes, asparagus, and onion. You'll find many unique dishes in the area, and you shouldn't leave without trying the txistorra (sausage), revuelto de setas (eggs and mushrooms), and ajoarriero (cod).

Is Arachova or Pamplona Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Pamplona for the nightlife scene. There's a good sized university population that keeps the nightlife active around town. The Old Quarter is likely where you'll find the most going on, particularly around Calle San Nicolás and Calle Estafeta. Earlier in the evening the crowd is pretty young, but as the evening passes you'll find the crowd matures a bit.

Is Arachova or Pamplona Better for its Old Town?

Arachova is a well-known place for its old town. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Pamplona has an old town worth visiting. You'll find elegant buildings and grand plazas around the Old Quarter.

Is Arachova or Pamplona Better for Hiking?

Arachova and Pamplona are both places where visitors can find very good hiking trails.

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.

Many visitors go to Pamplona for the hiking trails. It's a stop off on the famed Camino de Santiago, so if you want to walk part of the route, this is a nice place to explore.

Is the Shopping Better in Arachova or Pamplona?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Pamplona and Arachova.

Arachova is a great destination for shopping. The charming town has many unique shops that sell carpets, woven goods, and local food items.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Pamplona. You'll find some good markets around town. It's also fun to shop for local handicrafts or souvenirs to remember your trip by.

Is Arachova or Pamplona Better for Families?

Arachova is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Pamplona is a family-friendly town. The city is very green, with many parks and gardens where kids can stretch their legs. There's also the Pamplona Planetarium and several museums that relate to environmental education.

Is Arachova or Pamplona Better for Couples?

Arachova is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Arachova is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a romantic setting with nice accommodation, delicious local taverns, and plenty of unique activities that couples can enjoy.

Pamplona is a good town for couples to visit. Although it's most known for the Running of the Bulls in July, the city also has some interesting sights at other times of the year. Couples can walk around the city walls, or explore the many parks in town. There are also some interesting museums.

Is Arachova or Pamplona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pamplona is well known for backpackers. However, Arachova is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Pamplona. Backpackers are drawn to this city during July for the Running of the Bulls festival. It's also a stop along the Camino de Santiago, which brings in a young, budget-oriented crowd.

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 Pamplona Better for Students?

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

Pamplona is popular with students. This is a quiet city, which appeals to some students. The laid back atmosphere makes it a nice place to relax and learn.

Arachova is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Arachova and Pamplona.

You'll find some public transit in Arachova, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are some public buses in the area.

While Pamplona offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Arachova or Pamplona a more walkable city?

Pamplona is well known for its walkability. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Pamplona is very walkable. It's a stop off on the Camino de Santiago, so many people arrive on foot. It's also an easy city to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Pamplona or Arachova?

How long in Arachova or Pamplona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Arachova or Pamplona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Arachova than Pamplona because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Arachova, and 1-2 days is enough time in Pamplona.

Families should spend more time in Arachova than Pamplona. 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 Pamplona. 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 Pamplona 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 Pamplona.

One day in Arachova or Pamplona?

The town of Arachova offers museums and skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

The city of Pamplona offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Arachova or Pamplona?

Arachova is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this 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 Arachova, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Pamplona 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pamplona, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Arachova or Pamplona?

Arachova 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.

Pamplona 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 Pamplona?

Arachova is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Pamplona is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Arachova and Pamplona, we can see that Pamplona 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 Pamplona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pamplona 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 Pamplona Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Arachova or Pamplona?

Pamplona has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Arachova. When comparing the sizes of Arachova and Pamplona, 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 Pamplona?

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 Pamplona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Arachova and Pamplona. Many visitors come to Arachova in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Pamplona for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pamplona this time of the year. In Arachova, it's very sunny this time of the year. Arachova usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during summer. Arachova gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Arachova usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Arachova gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Arachova or Pamplona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Arachova as well as Pamplona. Most visitors come to Arachova for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In October, Arachova is generally a little warmer than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Arachova average around 19°C (67°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Arachova this time of the year. In the autumn, Arachova often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Arachova gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 144 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pamplona. Arachova usually gets less rain in October than Pamplona. Arachova gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arachova or Pamplona in the Winter?

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

Arachova is a little warmer than Pamplona in the winter. The daily temperature in Arachova averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Pamplona fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Arachova usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during winter. Arachova gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. In January, Arachova usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Arachova gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Arachova or Pamplona in the Spring?

Both Pamplona and Arachova during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm are the main draw to Arachova this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pamplona for the activities around the city.

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

It's quite sunny in Arachova. In the spring, Arachova often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Arachova gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 141 hours of full sun.

Pamplona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Arachova usually gets less rain in April than Pamplona. Arachova gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pamplona and Arachova