A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aveiro vs. Bilbao for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Aveiro or Bilbao?

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 Aveiro and Bilbao. 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: Aveiro or Bilbao?

Aveiro

Aveiro has great canals that are lined by houses. Because of this ambiance, the town has earned its nickname the "Portuguese Venice." While it's similar, don't put too much into the name. The town is also known for it's colorful boats, referred to as moliceiros, that ride along the canals and under the bridges.

While the canals are lovely, most visitors actually come for the beaches. Aveiro's beaches are known for their clean and pristine sand. The shore is referred to as the Silver Coast, and has comfortably warm water, which is another major draw to the area.

Aveiro is comfortable year around because it's winters are mild and warm and its summer is somewhat cool. The winter months get the most rain and the summer is usually the driest. If you're there during the fall and winter, the winds will be strong making it the best time for surfing, sailing, and other water sports.

Bilbao

The industrial city of Bilbao is located on a port of the Nervión River in northern Spain, an important location of Basque country. While the downtown is filled with skyscrapers and innovative architecture, it sits between a river and mountains of natural allure. A city of hard-workers to the core, Bilbao displays remnants of its industrial past, though in more recent years it has transformed into a center for art. It is now a popular location for visitors looking to experience art galleries and museums.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.


Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Aveiro?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Aveiro is €80, while the average daily cost in Bilbao is €137. 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 Aveiro and Bilbao in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aveiro 46
    Bilbao 72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aveiro 92
    Bilbao 144
Compare Hotels in Aveiro and Bilbao

Looking for a hotel in Aveiro or Bilbao? 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 Aveiro


Hotels in Bilbao


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: Aveiro Hotel Prices and Bilbao Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aveiro 8.57
    Bilbao 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aveiro

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

  • Aveiro Private Transfer:To/From the Oporto Airport: $128

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:

  • Bilbao Airport Transfers to Pamplona: $417
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers to Santander: $315
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers to San Sebastian: $315
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to San Sebastian city: $291
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria city to San Sebastian Airport: $291
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to San Sebastian: $291
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao city to San Sebastian Airport: $268
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao to San Sebastian: $268
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao Airport to Santander Port: $252
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Santander: $252
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Logroño: $245
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Pamplona city: $229

Is it cheaper to fly into Aveiro or Bilbao?

Prices for flights to both Bilbao and Aveiro 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
    Aveiro 28
    Bilbao 45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bilbao

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bilbao.

  • Basque Food Tour with Guide: $86
  • The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $102
  • Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $109
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar: $112
  • The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairing: $115
  • Basque Flavours: High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $120
  • Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $134
  • Private Food Tour, Food Lovers with Tastings: $134
  • Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $142
  • Traditional Basque Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $155
  • Guggenheim Museum Visit & Private Walking Food Tour: $197

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aveiro 8.57
    Bilbao 29

Tours and Activities in Aveiro

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

  • From Porto: e-Bike Tour in Aveiro, Boat Trip and Costa Nova!: $84
  • Aveiro Privat City Tour w/ Local Boat 1 H Cruise & Egg Sweet: $96
  • Coimbra & Aveiro Amazing Cultural Full Day Tour from Porto: $102
  • Aveiro Private Tour, Bairrada Wine Cellars & Roasted Piglet: $117
  • Private Tour to Aveiro and Costa Nova unique striped houses: $117
  • Aveiro Tour: $139
  • From Lisbon: Aveiro, Moliceiro Boat and Coimbra Tour: $139
  • Half Day Tour with Boat Ride: $150
  • From Porto Private Tour Half Day in Aveiro and Costa Nova: $273
  • Porto to Lisbon private Tour, choose 2 or 3 stops on the way: $312

Tours and Activities in Bilbao

Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • PRIVATE San Sebastian and Basque Coast Tour from Bilbao: $290
  • Pintxos Tasting in Bilbao Small Group or Private Walking Tour: $81
  • 2 Hours Private Family Guided Walking Tour in Bilbao: $197
  • 3-day Bilbao Bike Tour and Guggenheim Museum Ticket: $257
  • Awesome Bilbao – Private Family Walking Tour: $384
  • BILBAO-City Highlights Bike Tour: $36
  • Basque Country 7-Day Guided Tour from Bilbao: $1,144
  • Bike tour with Pintxos & Drinks in Getxo (Scenic Bilbao Seaside): $60
  • Bilbao & Guggenheim Museum Private Walking Tour with guide: $286
  • Bilbao & Guggenheim Private Walking Tour from Hotel/Center: $279
  • Bilbao - Private Historic walking tour: $374
  • Bilbao 3-Day Package: Guggenheim, Hotel Stay and Bike Tour: $251

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aveiro 17
    Bilbao 21

Sample the Local Flavors in Bilbao

Also in Bilbao, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl Bilbao: $25
  • Immersive Evening Spanish Wine Tasting w/ Sommelier: $53
  • Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier (close to Guggenheim museum): $54
  • Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $79
  • Txakoli, Gaztelugatxe, & Urdaibai with wine tasting: $80
  • Guided tour of Txakoli wine tasting and tasting of wine and typical products: $148
  • Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $176
  • Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $187
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Vitoria: $240
  • From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $241
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $246
  • Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour with Lunch from Bilbao : $246


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aveiro and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Aveiro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Aveiro would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aveiro 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 Aveiro.

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


Which is Bigger, Aveiro or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Aveiro. When comparing the sizes of Aveiro 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 Aveiro or Bilbao?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Aveiro or Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Aveiro as well as Bilbao. Additionally, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In July, Aveiro is generally around the same temperature as Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Aveiro average around 21°C (69°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aveiro this time of the year. In the summer, Aveiro often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Aveiro gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

Aveiro usually gets less rain in July than Bilbao. Aveiro gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aveiro 21°C (69°F) 
    Bilbao 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Aveiro or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Aveiro are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Aveiro is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aveiro averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

Aveiro usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Aveiro gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. It's quite rainy in Aveiro. In October, Aveiro usually receives more rain than Bilbao. Aveiro gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aveiro 17°C (62°F) 
    Bilbao 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Aveiro or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Aveiro during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the winter for the museums and the shopping scene.

In the winter, Aveiro is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aveiro in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Aveiro often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Aveiro gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Aveiro. Aveiro usually gets more rain in January than Bilbao. Aveiro gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aveiro 10°C (50°F) 
    Bilbao 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Aveiro or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Aveiro and Bilbao. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Aveiro is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Aveiro average around 14°C (56°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Aveiro, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aveiro usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Aveiro gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the spring. Aveiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Aveiro usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Aveiro gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aveiro 14°C (56°F) 
    Bilbao 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Aveiro

Aveiro Bilbao
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 169 mm (6.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 21°C (69°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 20°C (67°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in) 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 11°C (51°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)