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

Should you visit Biarritz or Rijeka?

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

Should I visit Biarritz or Rijeka? 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 relaxing, quirky, and dynamic seaside town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a coastal, accessible, and diverse town. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Biarritz and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less attractive beach


Is there more to do in Biarritz or Rijeka?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rijeka. Although Biarritz and Rijeka are both popular with visitors, Rijeka has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rijeka is more popular for its museums and big city activities, while Biarritz is known for its food, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm. Biarritz is more touristy than Rijeka and is popular for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. Rijeka is popular for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port. It is also home to Trsat Castle.

How is Biarritz different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Biarritz
Rijeka

Rijeka is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Rijeka offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Historical sights around town include Trsat Castle, the Petar Druzic Stairway, and Our Lady of Trsat. There are also museums such as PEEK&POKE Computer Museum and the Governor's Palace and Maritime and Historical Museum.

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 Rijeka? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Biarritz
Rijeka

Biarritz is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Rijeka. It's known for its Mediterranean cuisine which includes more than seafood. There are local vegetable specialties in the area as well including asparagus and white truffles. Codfish stew and cuttlefish risotto are also popular.

Is Biarritz or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Biarritz
Rijeka

Both Biarritz and Rijeka have great vibes after the sun sets.

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.

The people in Rijeka know how to have a good time. The city center has plenty of bars and clubs. Restaurants also stay open late and are popular places to hang out for locals and tourists alike.

Is Biarritz or Rijeka Better for Resorts?

Biarritz
Rijeka

Biarritz is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Rijeka 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.

Rijeka is not a resort destination.


Is Biarritz or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Biarritz
Rijeka

Biarritz is a well-known place for the beach. However, Rijeka is not a good town for its beaches.

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.

Rijeka is a good spot to see the beach. There are pebbly and gravelly beaches in the area, with the best beaches to the west of the city. You'll need to take a public bus to reach most of them.

Is the Shopping Better in Biarritz or Rijeka?

Biarritz
Rijeka

Biarritz is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Rijeka. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Is Biarritz or Rijeka Better for Families?

Biarritz
Rijeka

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Biarritz or Rijeka.

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.

Rijeka is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of outdoor activities for kids like nature parks and nearby beaches. There's also a puppet theater as well as the Astronomical Center of Rijeka.


Is Biarritz or Rijeka Better for Couples?

Biarritz
Rijeka

Biarritz is a well-known place for couples. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Biarritz is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Rijeka is a nice destination for couples. It's a gateway to the Croatian islands. Many couples enjoy walking down the waterfront promenade or dining at a nice local restaurant. There are also beaches, parks, and historical sights to explore.

Is Biarritz or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz
Rijeka

Biarritz is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Biarritz is a very popular seaside town for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Rijeka. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Biarritz or Rijeka Better for Students?

Biarritz
Rijeka

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

Plenty of students visit Rijeka. It's a laid back seaside city that makes a nice semester abroad destination. As a gateway to the Croatian islands, it also offers transportation connections to other points of interest.

Biarritz is not popular with students.


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

Biarritz
Rijeka

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

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 Rijeka, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.

Is Biarritz or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Biarritz
Rijeka

Biarritz is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Rijeka is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Biarritz?

How long in Biarritz or Rijeka?

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

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


  • How many days in Biarritz or Rijeka? Ideal Length of Stay
    Biarritz 3-7 
    Rijeka 1-2

One day in Biarritz or Rijeka?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Biarritz. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The town of Rijeka offers 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 Rijeka?

Biarritz is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Rijeka 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 Rijeka, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Biarritz or Rijeka?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Rijeka 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 Rijeka?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Biarritz. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Rijeka 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 Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Rijeka or Biarritz?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Biarritz is €131, while the average daily cost in Rijeka is €95. 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 Biarritz and Rijeka in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Biarritz 74
    Rijeka 50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Biarritz 148
    Rijeka 100
Compare Hotels in Biarritz and Rijeka

Looking for a hotel in Biarritz or Rijeka? 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 Biarritz


Hotels in Rijeka


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: Biarritz Hotel Prices and Rijeka Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Biarritz 39
    Rijeka 16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Biarritz

Also for Biarritz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Biarritz : Private transfer to/from airport & train Station: $70
  • Chauffeured Transfer between Biarritz Airport, Train Station and City Center: $71
  • Arrival Private Transfer BIQ Airport to Biarritz by Luxury Vehicle: $85
  • Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian : $167
  • Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian Airport: $167
  • Private transfer from Biarritz BIQ airport to San Sebastian: $229
  • San Sebastian: Optimized transfer to Biarritz & surroundings: $262
  • Biarritz : Optimized transfer to/from Bordeaux: $749

Is it cheaper to fly into Biarritz or Rijeka?

Prices for flights to both Rijeka and Biarritz 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
    Biarritz 34
    Rijeka 34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Biarritz

For Biarritz, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Biarritz Food Tour Gastronomique- Taste 10 Basque specialties: $76
  • Bayonne Food Tour: Journey Through Flavors (with food and drinks): $97
  • Traditional Bayonne Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
  • Basque Country Food Tour: $240

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Biarritz 16
    Rijeka 8.89

Tours and Activities in Biarritz

For Biarritz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Pierre IBAIALDE: Guided Tour Ham Workshop, tasting: $5.46
  • City Exploration Game & Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.45
  • Walking tours of Biarritz: $22
  • E-bike Guided Tour With Sunset local Aperitif Ride: $32
  • E-bike Guided Tour to Small California: $37
  • Basque tour of Biarritz: $49
  • Unusual Guided Tour in a Segway in Biarritz: $59
  • Biarritz guided walking & gourmet tour: $74
  • Bayonne Food Gastronomic Tour - Taste 10 Basque specialties: $97
  • Guided Tapas Tour Hondarribia from Hendaye with Food and Drinks: $108
  • Private E-bike Guided Tour: $155

Tours and Activities in Rijeka

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

  • Drava Sup Exploring Adventure: $44
  • From Golden Island of Krk Tour: $93
  • Istria Highlights Tour from Rijeka or Pula: $122
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour: $631
  • Private Walking Cultural Tour of Rijeka: $235
  • History of Military Forts Guided Tour: $64
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $127
  • Pula, Rovinj, and Panoramic Istrian Coast Tour: $121
  • Tour the underground with no experience required: $64
  • Ucka Mountain: Guided Hiking Tour: $449

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Biarritz 8.05
    Rijeka 16


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

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


Which is Bigger, Biarritz or Rijeka?

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

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 Rijeka in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Biarritz as well as Rijeka. 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 Rijeka for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Biarritz is cooler than Rijeka. Typically, the summer temperatures in Biarritz in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Rijeka averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rijeka. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Biarritz this time of the year. In the summer, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Rijeka. Biarritz gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun.

Biarritz usually gets more rain in July than Rijeka. Biarritz gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Biarritz 20°C (68°F) 
    Rijeka 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Biarritz or Rijeka in the Autumn?

Both Rijeka and Biarritz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Biarritz for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Rijeka in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

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

Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Rijeka during autumn. Biarritz gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. In October, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Rijeka. Biarritz gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Biarritz 16°C (60°F) 
    Rijeka 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Biarritz or Rijeka in the Winter?

Both Rijeka and Biarritz during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Biarritz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rijeka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Biarritz is much warmer than Rijeka in the winter. The daily temperature in Biarritz averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Rijeka. Biarritz gets 85 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. Biarritz usually gets more rain in January than Rijeka. Biarritz gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Biarritz 8°C (47°F) 
    Rijeka 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Biarritz or Rijeka in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Biarritz and Rijeka. Most visitors come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Biarritz is around the same temperature as Rijeka. Typically, the spring temperatures in Biarritz in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Rijeka averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Rijeka during spring. Biarritz gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Rijeka. Biarritz gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Biarritz 12°C (54°F) 
    Rijeka 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Biarritz

Biarritz Rijeka
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)