A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Biarritz vs. Ravenna for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Biarritz or Ravenna?

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

Should I visit Biarritz or Ravenna? 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. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Ravenna

Ravenna is a off-the-beaten-path, charming, and authentic town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Biarritz and Ravenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Biarritz or Ravenna?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Biarritz than Ravenna, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Biarritz is better known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Ravenna is more popular for its museums and small town charm. Biarritz is more touristy than Ravenna and is known for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. Also, Biarritz is famous for Grande Plage. Ravenna is well known for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires.

How is Biarritz different from Ravenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ravenna is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Ravenna offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

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 Ravenna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Biarritz and Ravenna.

Biarritz has a huge number of terrific 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).

Dining out in Ravenna is an experience not to be missed. The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

Is Biarritz or Ravenna Better for Nightlife?

Biarritz is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Biarritz has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Ravenna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

Is Biarritz or Ravenna Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Ravenna is not a resort destination.

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

Ravenna is not a resort destination.

Is Biarritz or Ravenna Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is a very popular place for the beache. However, Ravenna is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Biarritz for it's beautiful 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.

Ravenna is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Biarritz or Ravenna?

Biarritz is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Biarritz is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Ravenna to go shopping. There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

Is Biarritz or Ravenna Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Biarritz or Ravenna.

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.

Ravenna is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. In town you'll find mosaics, museums, and a charming town, and ten kilometers outside of town you'll find Italy's largest amusement park - Mirabilandia. The city is also filled with parks where kids can explore and learn, and the food, like any Italian city, is very kid-friendly.

Is Biarritz or Ravenna Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Biarritz and Ravenna make for a superb 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 Ravenna frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Many visitors to Italy don't add this charming town to their itinerary, but for couples who want to experience a small town setting with beautiful art and architecture, then Ravenna is a great option. There are parks to explore and great restaurants to experience as well.

Is Biarritz or Ravenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ravenna. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, so you won't find a large number of hostels or a lot of backpackers to hang out with. That doesn't mean it won't make a great addition to your itinerary though.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Biarritz and Ravenna.

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 Ravenna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

Is Biarritz or Ravenna a more walkable city?

Biarritz and Ravenna are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

Ravenna is a very walkable destination. There are care-free areas to the town that can only be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ravenna or Biarritz?

How long in Biarritz or Ravenna?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Biarritz or Ravenna to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Biarritz than Ravenna 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 Ravenna.

Families should spend more time in Biarritz than Ravenna. 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 Ravenna. 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 Ravenna 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 Ravenna?

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.

Ravenna is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. 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 Ravenna?

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.

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

Five days in Biarritz or Ravenna?

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.

Ravenna 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 Ravenna?

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.

Ravenna is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Biarritz or Ravenna?

Ravenna has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Biarritz and Ravenna, 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 Ravenna?

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 Ravenna in the Summer?

Both Ravenna 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. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Ravenna because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Biarritz is cooler than Ravenna in the summer. The daily temperature in Biarritz averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Ravenna fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In July, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Ravenna. Biarritz gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Biarritz or Ravenna in the Autumn?

Both Ravenna 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. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Ravenna this time of year.

In the autumn, Biarritz is a little warmer than Ravenna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Biarritz in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Ravenna averages at about 14°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. Biarritz usually gets more rain in October than Ravenna. Biarritz gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Biarritz or Ravenna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Biarritz and Ravenna. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ravenna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ravenna. In January, Biarritz is generally much warmer than Ravenna. Daily temperatures in Biarritz average around 8°C (47°F), and Ravenna fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Ravenna. Biarritz gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Biarritz or Ravenna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Biarritz as well as Ravenna. Many travelers come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm. Additionally, many visitors come to Ravenna in the spring for the small town charm.

Biarritz is around the same temperature as Ravenna in the spring. The daily temperature in Biarritz averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Ravenna fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the spring. Biarritz usually gets more rain in April than Ravenna. Biarritz gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ravenna and Biarritz