A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Biarritz vs. Pompeii for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Biarritz or Pompeii?

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

Should I visit Biarritz or Pompeii? 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 quirky, dynamic, and cultural seaside town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a famous, iconic, and one-of-a-kind archeological site. Visitors also love the museums.

Biarritz and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Biarritz or Pompeii?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pompeii. Although Biarritz and Pompeii are both popular with visitors, Pompeii has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pompeii is more popular for its museums, while Biarritz is known for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm. Pompeii is more touristy than Biarritz and is known for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. It is also home to the Pompeii Archaeological Ruins. Biarritz is popular for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere.

The Pompeii Archaeological Ruins

How is Biarritz different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Pompeii 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 Pompeii?

Pompeii is renowned for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Pompeii are world-renowned. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

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.

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

Biarritz is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Biarritz has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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).

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Biarritz or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Biarritz is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

Biarritz has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is Biarritz or Pompeii Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Pompeii is not a resort destination.

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.

Pompeii is not a resort destination.

Is Biarritz or Pompeii Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Pompeii is not a beach destination.

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.

Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Biarritz or Pompeii?

Biarritz is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Biarritz. 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.

Pompeii has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Is Biarritz or Pompeii Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Biarritz or Pompeii.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Biarritz is very family-friendly. 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.

Pompeii is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

Is Biarritz or Pompeii Better for Couples?

Biarritz is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Pompeii is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Is Biarritz or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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

It's common for backpackers to visit Pompeii. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

Is Biarritz or Pompeii Better for Students?

Pompeii is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Biarritz is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Pompeii. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

Biarritz is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Biarritz and Pompeii.

Biarritz has some public transit options. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

You'll find some public transit in Pompeii, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

Is Biarritz or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Pompeii 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 Pompeii. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

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 Pompeii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Biarritz?

How long in Biarritz or Pompeii?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Biarritz or Pompeii to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Biarritz than Pompeii because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Biarritz, and 1-2 days is enough time in Pompeii.

Families should spend more time in Biarritz than Pompeii. 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 Pompeii. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Biarritz than Pompeii if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Biarritz.

One day in Biarritz or Pompeii?

In Biarritz, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This seaside town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The archeological site of Pompeii offers museums. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Biarritz or Pompeii?

In Biarritz, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Pompeii is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this archeological site makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pompeii, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Biarritz or Pompeii?

Biarritz is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Biarritz has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Pompeii is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 Pompeii?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. In Biarritz, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Pompeii is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This archeological site 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

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

When is the best time to visit Biarritz or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii in the Summer?

Both Pompeii and Biarritz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pompeii for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Biarritz is cooler than Pompeii. Typically, the summer temperatures in Biarritz in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Pompeii averages at about 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Pompeii. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during summer. Biarritz gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Pompeii. Biarritz gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Biarritz or Pompeii in the Autumn?

Both Pompeii and Biarritz during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Biarritz for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Biarritz is generally around the same temperature as Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Biarritz average around 16°C (60°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Biarritz gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Pompeii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. Biarritz usually gets more rain in October than Pompeii. Biarritz gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Biarritz or Pompeii in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Biarritz and Pompeii. Many visitors come to Biarritz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Pompeii for the museums during these months.

Biarritz is around the same temperature as Pompeii in the winter. The daily temperature in Biarritz averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Pompeii fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during winter. Biarritz gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the winter. Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Pompeii. Biarritz gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Biarritz or Pompeii in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Biarritz as well as Pompeii. Most visitors come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

In the spring, Biarritz is around the same temperature as Pompeii. Typically, the spring temperatures in Biarritz in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Pompeii averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Biarritz gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the spring. Biarritz usually gets more rain in April than Pompeii. Biarritz gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Biarritz