A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Arachova vs. San Sebastian for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Arachova or San Sebastian?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arachova or San Sebastian, 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.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a splendid, outdoorsy, and fun-filled city. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Arachova and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arachova or San Sebastian?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Arachova. Although Arachova and San Sebastian are popular destinations, Arachova has more sights and attractions for tourists. Arachova is very popular for its skiing, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while San Sebastian attracts visitors for its food, resorts, beaches, and shopping. Arachova is famous for its surrounding mountain beauty, festive Christmas atmosphere, and nearby winter skiing. It is also well known for Mount Parnassus Ski Resort. San Sebastian is famous for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings.

How is Arachova different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Arachova or San Sebastian Better for Skiing?

Arachova is a nice place to visit for snow skiing. However, San Sebastian 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.

San Sebastian is not a skiing destination.

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

Both Arachova and San Sebastian 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.

San Sebastian offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

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

San Sebastian is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, San Sebastian is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Arachova has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Is Arachova or San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

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

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 San Sebastian for the nightlife scene. 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.

Is Arachova or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

San Sebastian is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Arachova is not a resort destination.

San Sebastian has a handful of resorts to choose from. It's both a city and a resort vacation destination with many beachside resorts that are popular during the summer months.

Arachova is not a resort destination.

Is Arachova or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is well known for its beaches. However, Arachova is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in San Sebastian. 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.

Arachova is not a beach destination.

Is Arachova or San Sebastian Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Arachova to see the historical old town. 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.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is Arachova or San Sebastian Better for Hiking?

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

Arachova is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

San Sebastian is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Arachova or San Sebastian?

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

San Sebastian is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

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 San Sebastian Better for Families?

Arachova and San Sebastian are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Arachova is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, San Sebastian is very family-friendly. 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 Arachova or San Sebastian Better for Couples?

Arachova and San Sebastian are both superb to visit as a couple.

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.

San Sebastian is a great town 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 Arachova or San Sebastian Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Backpackers come from all over to visit San Sebastian. 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.

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 San Sebastian Better for Students?

San Sebastian is well known for students. However, Arachova is not popular with students.

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

Arachova is not popular with students.

Is Arachova 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 Arachova and San Sebastian.

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 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 Arachova or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

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

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

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 San Sebastian Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Arachova?

How long in Arachova or San Sebastian?

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

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

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

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

One day in Arachova or San Sebastian?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and skiing when visiting the beautiful destination of Arachova. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The city of San Sebastian offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. 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 San Sebastian?

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. 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.

San Sebastian 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Sebastian, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Arachova or San Sebastian?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the bustling destination of Arachova. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town 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 popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 San Sebastian?

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Arachova. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

San Sebastian is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, 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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Arachova or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Arachova. When comparing the sizes of Arachova 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 Arachova 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 Arachova or San Sebastian in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Arachova and San Sebastian. The summer months attract visitors to Arachova because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.

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

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

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

Should I visit Arachova or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Arachova as well as San Sebastian. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Arachova this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the shopping scene.

In October, Arachova is generally a little warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Arachova average around 19°C (67°F), and San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian. Arachova gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Arachova or San Sebastian in the Winter?

Both San Sebastian and Arachova are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Arachova for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

Arachova usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during winter. Arachova gets 143 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, Arachova usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Arachova gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Arachova or San Sebastian in the Spring?

Both San Sebastian and Arachova during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Arachova in the spring for the small town charm. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the beaches during these months.

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

It's quite sunny in Arachova. In the spring, Arachova often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Arachova gets 226 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. Arachova usually gets less rain in April than San Sebastian. Arachova gets 25 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 Arachova