A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Biarritz vs. Hondarribia for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Biarritz or Hondarribia?

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

Should I visit Biarritz or Hondarribia? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Biarritz or Hondarribia?

Biarritz

Biarritz is an elegant seaside town on southwestern France's Basque coast that has been a popular resort since European royalty started visiting the area in the 1800s. It is located on France's Atlantic Coast in the Bay of Biscay. Half ritzy coastal resort, half summer surfer's hang-out, the seaside resort of Biarritz has been a favorite seaside getaway ever since Napoleon III and his Spanish-born wife Eugenie arrived during the mid-19th century. To entertain her court, the empress built a grand palace, which is now a luxurious hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant. Other than this exquisite villa by the sea, the names of the streets in Biarritz also hint at the city's royal past: Avenue de l'Imperatrice, Avenue de la Reine Victoria, and Esplanade Elizabeth II. Mansions decked with steeples and spectacular windows recall the city's 19th-century splendors. Though the royal influence of Biarritz has faded, the city is still a popular tourist destination for those looking for a classic summer holiday. Pristine sandy beaches, beautiful coastal villas, and stylish restaurants offer a sophisticated ambience. Wide seafront promenades and well-placed benches allow visitors to soak up the stunning natural landscape. Biarritz is also the capital of surfing in Europe.

Hondarribia

The characteristic Spanish buildings painted in the brightest, most vibrant of colors only match the true spirit of the town, Hondarribia, Spain. Hondarribia is located on the west shore of Bidasoa river's mouth in Gipuzkoa of Basque Country. The town is rich in its Spanish history, holding both an ancient old quarter with walls and a castle within. Hondarribia is also known for its gorgeous beach of bright blue water across the Bidasoa alongside the fertile, roaming mountain of Jaizkibel. What's more, Hondarribia faces the border of Hendaye, France, so if you are yearning to expand your cultural learning, take a service boat over to Spain's friendly neighbor! No matter if you want to explore the ancient architecture or enjoy the cooling waters of the bay, Hondarribia is definitely a location known for its beauty and activity!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to France, The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Biarritz or Hondarribia?

Biarritz has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Hondarribia. When comparing the sizes of Biarritz and Hondarribia, 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 Biarritz or Hondarribia?

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 Biarritz or Hondarribia in the Summer?

Both Hondarribia and Biarritz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Biarritz for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

It's quite sunny in Hondarribia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. Biarritz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hondarribia during summer. Biarritz gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Hondarribia receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Biarritz usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hondarribia. Biarritz gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Biarritz or Hondarribia in the Autumn?

Both Hondarribia and Biarritz during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Biarritz is around the same temperature as Hondarribia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Biarritz averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Hondarribia fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Biarritz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hondarribia. Biarritz gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hondarribia receives 144 hours of full sun.

Hondarribia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. Biarritz usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Hondarribia. Biarritz gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Biarritz or Hondarribia in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Biarritz and Hondarribia. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year.

In the winter, Biarritz is around the same temperature as Hondarribia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Biarritz in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Hondarribia averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Biarritz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hondarribia during winter. Biarritz gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Hondarribia receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hondarribia receives a lot of rain in the winter. Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Biarritz usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hondarribia. Biarritz gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Biarritz or Hondarribia in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Biarritz as well as Hondarribia. Many travelers come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm.

In April, Biarritz is generally around the same temperature as Hondarribia. Daily temperatures in Biarritz average around 12°C (54°F), and Hondarribia fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Biarritz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hondarribia. Biarritz gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hondarribia receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hondarribia. Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the spring. Biarritz usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Hondarribia. Biarritz gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hondarribia and Biarritz