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

Should you visit Aveiro or San Sebastian?

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 San Sebastian. 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 San Sebastian?

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.

San Sebastian

San Sebastián is a city in northern Spain very well known for its summertime fun in the sun. While the streets are cool and happening at night, they take on a different charm by day. Beautiful beaches line the city's edge, right next to elegant historic architecture and churches, topping charts as some of the best city beaches in Europe. The food, too, is said to be some of the best with traditional Basque cuisine as well as the popular pintxo (tapas) bites. San Sebastián is a place of lively culture, teeming with beauty, flavors, and colors.

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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian is €90. 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 San Sebastian in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aveiro 46
    San Sebastian 40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aveiro 92
    San Sebastian 80
Compare Hotels in Aveiro and San Sebastian

Looking for a hotel in Aveiro or San Sebastian? 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 San Sebastian


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 San Sebastian Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aveiro 8.57
    San Sebastian 14

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 San Sebastian

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Sebastian:

  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Vitoria: $291
  • San Sebastián-Bilbao city or airport private transfer: $273
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Bilbao Airport: $268
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Bilbao: $268
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian Airport to Pamplona city: $247
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Pamplona Airport : $245
  • Private Transfer from the Airport to San Sebastian City: $84

Is it cheaper to fly into Aveiro or San Sebastian?

Prices for flights to both San Sebastian 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
    San Sebastian 31

Typical Food Prices in San Sebastian

Some typical examples of dining costs in San Sebastian are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    55
  • Lunch for 2
    10
  • Lunch for 2
    31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Sebastian

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

  • San Sebastian Walking and Food Tour: $104
  • Insider Best Culinary Gems Guided Food Tour in San Sebastian: $109
  • Basque Cuisine Cooking Class with Market Visit: $148
  • Full Day San Sebastian Food Tour : $150
  • I travel for Food Tour in San Sebastian: $152
  • Authentic Basque Cooking Class in the Old Town: $152
  • Private San Sebastian Walking Food Tour: $158
  • Michelin Star Secrets Cooking Class in San Sebastian: $213
  • Food tour in San Sebastian and Visit to a Gastronomical Club: $224
  • History and flavors of San Sebastian for Dinner with Eskerne Falcón: $235

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aveiro 8.57
    San Sebastian 33

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in San Sebastian

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in San Sebastian are as follows:


  • Valle de los Caídos Monument
    6.00

Tours and Activities in San Sebastian

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for San Sebastian are as follows:

  • Biarritz & La Côte Basque Private tour: $246
  • Biarritz and French Coast Small Grop Tour from San Sebastian: $86
  • Bilbao city and Guggenheim Museum small group tour: $164
  • Chef-Led Market Tour & Pintxo Lunch: $163
  • Chef-Led Walking Pintxo Tour of San Sebastián : $272
  • Cider House Experience From San Sebastian: $120
  • City tour, bike ride: $45
  • City tour, by electric bicycle: $50
  • Coastal "Winery Camino Trail" Walking Tour from San Sebastian: $186
  • Electric scooter city tour: $45
  • Evening Pintxo-Tapas Tour with Discover San Sebastian: $191
  • Exclusive Private Pintxos Adventure with Premium Spanish Wines": $175

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aveiro 17
    San Sebastian 20

Sample the Local Flavors in San Sebastian

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

  • Ultimate San Sebastian Pintxos & Wine Tour (Evening): $141
  • Getaria Txakoli Wine Tour with Hotel Pick-up from San Sebastian: $148
  • Best quality food & wine tasting tour in San Sebastian. : $191
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries Visit with Tasting from San Sebastian: $240
  • Rioja Wine Tour: Winery, Tasting & Lunch from San Sebastian: $251
  • Full Rioja Wine Tour with Lunch from San Sebastian Private Tour: $298


When comparing the travel costs between Aveiro and San Sebastian, we can see that San Sebastian 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 Aveiro Expensive? and Is San Sebastian Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Aveiro or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Aveiro. When comparing the sizes of Aveiro 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 Aveiro or San Sebastian?

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 San Sebastian in the Summer?

Both San Sebastian and Aveiro during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

In San Sebastian, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aveiro. In the summer, Aveiro often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Aveiro gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun.

Aveiro usually gets less rain in July than San Sebastian. Aveiro gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Aveiro or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aveiro and San Sebastian. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the shopping scene.

Aveiro is around the same temperature as San Sebastian in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aveiro averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Aveiro usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during autumn. Aveiro gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Aveiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Aveiro usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Aveiro gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aveiro 17°C (62°F) 
    San Sebastian 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Aveiro or San Sebastian in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Aveiro as well as San Sebastian. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.

In the winter, Aveiro is a little warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aveiro in January average around 10°C (50°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Aveiro often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Aveiro gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Aveiro receives a lot of rain in the winter. Aveiro usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as San Sebastian. Aveiro gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aveiro 10°C (50°F) 
    San Sebastian 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Aveiro or San Sebastian in the Spring?

Both San Sebastian and Aveiro are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the beaches.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aveiro. Aveiro usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during spring. Aveiro gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. It's quite rainy in Aveiro. In April, Aveiro usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Aveiro gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Aveiro

Aveiro San Sebastian
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 169 mm (6.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 21°C (69°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 20°C (67°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 11°C (51°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)