A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Biarritz vs. Kotor for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Biarritz or Kotor?

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

Should I visit Biarritz or Kotor? 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.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a dynamic, cultural, and relaxing seaside town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Kotor

Kotor is a scenic, beautiful, and charming coastal town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Biarritz and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Biarritz or Kotor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kotor. Although Biarritz and Kotor are popular destinations, Kotor has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kotor is very popular for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Biarritz attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping. Biarritz is more touristy than Kotor and is popular for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. Kotor is famous for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. It is also well known for The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral).

How is Biarritz different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Biarritz or Kotor?

Biarritz is a seaside town with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Biarritz or Kotor? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kotor is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Kotor is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

Dining out in Biarritz is an experience not to be missed. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

Is Biarritz or Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Biarritz is well known for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Biarritz is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Biarritz or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is well known for its resorts. However, Kotor is not particularly known for its luxury resorts.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Biarritz. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Kotor offers a few options. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Is Biarritz or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Biarritz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Kotor has a few good snorkeling spots. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Biarritz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Biarritz or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is well known for its beaches. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

Biarritz is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Kotor has a beach worth visiting. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Is Biarritz or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Kotor is renowned for its old town. However, Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Kotor is one of the most recognized in the world. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Is Biarritz or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Biarritz is not a hiking destination.

People visit Kotor specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Biarritz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Biarritz or Kotor?

Biarritz is well known for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Biarritz is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Biarritz or Kotor Better for Families?

Biarritz is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Biarritz is a very family-friendly place to visit. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

Kotor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Biarritz or Kotor Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Biarritz and Kotor make for a great place to visit.

Biarritz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

Couples visit Kotor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

Is Biarritz or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz and Kotor are both great destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Biarritz. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

Kotor is a very popular seaside town for backpackers and budget travelers. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

Is Biarritz or Kotor Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Biarritz is very good for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Biarritz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Biarritz or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Kotor. The old town is best explored on foot.

Biarritz is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

For even more information, also check out Is Biarritz Worth Visiting? and Is Kotor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Biarritz?

How long in Biarritz or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Biarritz or Kotor. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Biarritz due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Biarritz, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

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

One day in Biarritz or Kotor?

In Biarritz, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this quirky destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Kotor is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Biarritz or Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Biarritz or Kotor?

Biarritz is a fun place to experience. In Biarritz, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Kotor is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Biarritz or Kotor?

In Biarritz, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this quirky destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Kotor is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to France, The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Biarritz or Kotor?

Biarritz has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Biarritz and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Biarritz or Kotor in the Summer?

Both Kotor and Biarritz during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kotor for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Biarritz is generally cooler than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Biarritz average around 20°C (68°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Kotor, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Biarritz. In the summer, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Biarritz gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun.

Biarritz usually gets more rain in July than Kotor. Biarritz gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Biarritz or Kotor in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Biarritz and Kotor. Many travelers come to Biarritz for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kotor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Biarritz is around the same temperature as Kotor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Biarritz averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kotor this time of the year. Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during autumn. Biarritz gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Biarritz usually receives less rain than Kotor. Biarritz gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Biarritz or Kotor in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Biarritz as well as Kotor. Many visitors come to Biarritz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Kotor for the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Biarritz is a little warmer than Kotor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Biarritz in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Kotor averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Biarritz gets 85 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the winter. Biarritz usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Kotor. Biarritz gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Biarritz or Kotor in the Spring?

Both Kotor and Biarritz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kotor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Biarritz is generally cooler than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Biarritz average around 12°C (54°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during spring. Biarritz gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. It's quite rainy in Biarritz. In April, Biarritz usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kotor. Biarritz gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Biarritz