A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Athens vs. Ezcaray for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Athens or Ezcaray?

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 Athens and Ezcaray. 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.

Where Should I go: Athens or Ezcaray?

Athens

Athens is the capital city of Greece and is home to a population of over 3.7 million people. It's most famous as the birthplace of Classical Greece and the history in the city is incomparable to that found anywhere. It became the national capital of the modern Greek State in the 1830s, before which it was just a small village with a very impressive history. The city was redesigned by architects and city planners and incorporated large public squares, lots of green space, and wide avenues. The city has had its ups and downs both economically and politically, but it remains a beautiful and impressive place to explore.

Ezcaray

Ezcaray, Spain is a great place to go if you are looking for a scenic, relaxing, and peaceful destination. It is located in the Sierra de la Demanda mountains on the banks of the Oja river. Because of the mountain range nearby, it is also a great place for mountaineers. Ezcaray is a small town with big charm and momentous possibilities. It is located right at the base of the San Lorenzo peak in the Oja valley in the La Rioja region of Spain. The town has a population of less than 2,000, so it is a far cry from big city life, but that's part of what makes it such a gem to visit. Some say it is one of the best locations to get an authentic feel of real Spain without the big touristy populations. Its sheer beauty has also been compared to something out of a fairy tale.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Spain, and The Best Budget Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Ezcaray or Athens?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €127, while the average daily cost in Ezcaray is €111. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Athens and Ezcaray in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Athens 63
    Ezcaray 56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Athens 126
    Ezcaray 112
Compare Hotels in Athens and Ezcaray

Looking for a hotel in Athens or Ezcaray? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Athens


Hotels in Ezcaray


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Athens Hotel Prices and Ezcaray Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Athens 27
    Ezcaray 21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:


  • Airport Bus for Two
    6.40
  • Metro
    1.50
  • Metro
    2.00
  • Metro from Airport to City Center
    8.00
  • Taxi from Airport
    35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens

Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • VipTransfer From /To Athens Airport - Lavrio Port : $207
  • Vip Transfer From/To Athens Center - Rafina Port : $218
  • Vip Transfer From/To Athens Center - Lavrio Port: $273
  • VIP VAN Athens Airport Transfer 1 - 4 persons: $89
  • VIP High Class Limos & Chauffeurs Transfer to Athens: $65
  • VIP Ferry Ticket from Piraeus Port To Mykonos & Private Transfer included: $250
  • VIP Ferry Ticket From Piraeus Port To Santorini & Private Transfer Included: $250
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Athens HTL-APT (ATH): $63
  • Transfer services from/to Athens Airport: $105
  • Transfer from/to Piraeus Port and Athens city centre hotel: $41
  • Transfer from/to Piraeus Port and Athens International Airport: $142
  • Transfer from/to Athens International Airport to city centre: $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Ezcaray?

Prices for flights to both Ezcaray and Athens change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Athens 37
    Ezcaray 39
Typical Food Prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:


  • Ice cream
    3.00
  • Souvlaki
    2.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens

For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $24
  • Street Food Tour Market & City Centre: $42
  • Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $46
  • Greek Street Food Tour: $51
  • Athens Street Food Tour: Explore City's Iconic Eateries: $52
  • Middle-eastern Cuisine Cooking Class with Meal: $52
  • Street Food Tour with Local Guide and 7 Tastings: $57
  • Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $60
  • Alternative, truly authentic food tour in secret Athens: $63
  • Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Class with Meal: $63
  • Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Classes in Athina: $64
  • Light Lunch Tasting & Cooking Demo: $67

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Athens 36
    Ezcaray 21

Tours and Activities in Athens

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.

  • Acropolis/Athens Highlights Private Evening Tour (5 hours) from Athens, Piraeus: $87
  • Ancient Corinth Canal Epidavrous Nafplio Private Tour 8Hours: $180
  • Apostle Paul's Footsteps in Athens Christian Private Tour 5Hours: $142
  • Delphi full day V.R audio guided tour with entry ticket: $48
  • EPIDAURUS & NAFPLIO : Private Full Day Tour From Athens 6 Hours : $173
  • Full Day Tour in Athens with Lunch: $147
  • Half Day Private Tour on Highlights of Classical Athens: $158
  • Layover Private Tour in Athens: $245
  • Mycenae Lions Gate Epidaurus & Nafplio Full Day Private Tour 8H : $191
  • Self-Guided Tour at the Romantic Island of Hydra from Athens: $284
  • Traditional Villages Full day Tour in Santorini: $59
  • "Acropolis Half-day Tour and City Visit": $168

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Athens 23
    Ezcaray 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Athens

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:

  • Liquer tasting in Polykala's Distillery Show Room in Athens: $17
  • Greek Wine Tasting: $23
  • Premium Wine Tastings: $35
  • Greek Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $43
  • Athens Wine Tasting: $44
  • Old Town Athens Wine Tasting: $52
  • Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $52
  • 2 Hours Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $53
  • Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $53
  • Greek food and wine tasting: $53
  • Rare Greek Wine Tasting w/Sommelier by the Acropolis: $59
  • Wine Tasting and Storytelling in a Historical Square in Athina: $60


When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Ezcaray, we can see that Athens 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 Athens Expensive? and Is Ezcaray Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Athens or Ezcaray?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 350 times larger than the population of Ezcaray. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Ezcaray, 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 Athens or Ezcaray?

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 Athens or Ezcaray in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Ezcaray. Many visitors come to Athens in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Ezcaray during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Ezcaray receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Athens 27°C (81°F) 
    Ezcaray 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Athens or Ezcaray in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Athens as well as Ezcaray. Most visitors come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the autumn, Athens often gets more sunshine than Ezcaray. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ezcaray receives 125 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ezcaray. Athens usually gets less rain in October than Ezcaray. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ezcaray receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Athens 19°C (67°F) 
    Ezcaray 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Athens or Ezcaray in the Winter?

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

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

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ezcaray. In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Ezcaray. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ezcaray receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Athens 10°C (51°F) 
    Ezcaray 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Athens or Ezcaray in the Spring?

Both Ezcaray and Athens during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Athens this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Athens. In the spring, Athens often gets more sunshine than Ezcaray. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ezcaray receives 117 hours of full sun.

Ezcaray gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Athens usually gets less rain in April than Ezcaray. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Ezcaray receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Athens 16°C (60°F) 
    Ezcaray 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Ezcaray and Athens

Athens Ezcaray
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)