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

Should you visit Biarritz or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Should I visit Biarritz or Santiago de Compostela? 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. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a religious, inspirational, and iconic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Biarritz and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Biarritz or Santiago de Compostela?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Santiago de Compostela than Biarritz, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Santiago de Compostela is better known for its museums, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Biarritz is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and small town charm. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Biarritz and is popular for its classic old town, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and its significance as the culmination point for the Camino de Santiago. Also, Santiago de Compostela is famous for the Cathedral of Santiago. Biarritz is well known for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere.

How is Biarritz different from Santiago de Compostela?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela is renowned for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Santiago de Compostela are world-renowned. The iconic Cathedral of Santiago has long attracted pilgrims and travelers from around Europe and the world. The spectacular sight includes a museum and the crypt and tomb of Saint James. Another interesting sight in town is the former hostel for pilgrims, the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos. Also make sure you visit Plaza del Obradoiro and the Galician Center of Contemporary Art.

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 Santiago de Compostela? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Biarritz and Santiago de Compostela.

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 Santiago de Compostela is an experience not to be missed. Galician food has plenty of fresh seafood, lots of local beef, and regional vegetables that are seasonal and locally grown. Make sure you try the polbo á feira (boiled octopus), pimientos de padrón (fried green peppers), and steamed mussels.

Is Biarritz or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

Both Biarritz and Santiago de Compostela have high quality 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 Santiago de Compostela know how to have a good time. As a university city, much of the nightlife is created by the student population. You'll find a lot of bars around Rúa de Santiago de Chile and Rúa de San Pedro de Mezonzo as well as along Rúa do Franco.

Is Biarritz or Santiago de Compostela Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is well known for its resorts. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a resort destination.

Biarritz is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Santiago de Compostela is not a resort destination.

Is Biarritz or Santiago de Compostela Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is well known for the beache. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Biarritz is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Is Biarritz or Santiago de Compostela Better for its Old Town?

Santiago de Compostela is renowned for its old town. However, Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Santiago de Compostela is one of the most recognized in the world. The old town reflects the city's importance in the Christian religion. There are Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings that draw Christian pilgrims from around the world.

Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Is Biarritz or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Biarritz is not a hiking destination.

People visit Santiago de Compostela specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. This small city is the culmination point for the famed Camino de Santiago. The 780 kilometer route is followed by pilgrims and travelers who seek enlightenment or adventure. Hikers travel both independently or as part of organized tours.

Biarritz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Biarritz or Santiago de Compostela?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Biarritz and Santiago de Compostela.

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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Santiago de Compostela. There are local markets, souvenir shops, and boutiques where you can buy items to commemorate the completion of your hike or your visit to town.

Is Biarritz or Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

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

Biarritz is a very kid-friendly seaside town. 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.

Santiago de Compostela offers lots of family activities. The city has a sightseeing train as well as parks and playgrounds that kids can enjoy. A visit to the Museum of the Galician People is also fascinating for the whole family. Visiting the colorful markets around town is fun as well.

Is Biarritz or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

Biarritz is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Biarritz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Santiago de Compostela is a good seaside town for couples to visit. The cobblestone streets and beautiful gardens make this a nice place for a couple's getaway. There are viewpoints that look out over the town as well as interesting buildings and great architecture.

Is Biarritz or Santiago de Compostela Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz and Santiago de Compostela are both high quality 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.

Santiago de Compostela is a very popular seaside town for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers hiking the Camino del Santiago will be rewarded with a beautiful city and many nice sights. There are plenty of hostels around town where backpackers can meet other travelers and swap stories.

Is Biarritz or Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Santiago de Compostela. It's a small city with many students during the week, but on weekends it quiets down as many students leave town.

Biarritz is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Biarritz and Santiago de Compostela.

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 Santiago de Compostela, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are operated by Tralusa.

Is Biarritz or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Biarritz and Santiago de Compostela are high quality 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.

Santiago de Compostela is a very walkable destination. Many visitors reach the city on foot by doing the pilgrimage of the Camino del Santiago. The city itself and small and fairly walkable as well.

For even more information, also check out Is Biarritz Worth Visiting? and Is Santiago de Compostela Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santiago de Compostela or Biarritz?

How long in Biarritz or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Families should spend more time in Biarritz than Santiago de Compostela. 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 Santiago de Compostela. 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 Santiago de Compostela than Biarritz 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 Santiago de Compostela.

One day in Biarritz or Santiago de Compostela?

The seaside town of Biarritz offers shopping and nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Santiago de Compostela offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Santiago de Compostela?

The quirky destination of Biarritz offers nightlife and food. This seaside town offers something for everyone. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Santiago de Compostela is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santiago de Compostela, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Biarritz or Santiago de Compostela?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela?

Biarritz is a fun place to experience. The destination of Biarritz offers shopping and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this seaside town.

Santiago de Compostela 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 city 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 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Biarritz or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Biarritz and Santiago de Compostela, 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 Santiago de Compostela?

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 Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Biarritz during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

Biarritz is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela in the summer. The daily temperature in Biarritz averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Santiago de Compostela, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Biarritz. In the summer, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Biarritz gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun.

Biarritz usually gets more rain in July than Santiago de Compostela. Biarritz gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Biarritz or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Biarritz and Santiago de Compostela. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Biarritz is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Biarritz in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Biarritz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostela during autumn. Biarritz gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Santiago de Compostela receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Santiago de Compostela. Biarritz gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Biarritz or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Biarritz as well as Santiago de Compostela. Many travelers come to Biarritz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Biarritz is generally cooler than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Biarritz average around 8°C (47°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Biarritz gets 85 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela. Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the winter. Biarritz usually gets more rain in January than Santiago de Compostela. Biarritz gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Biarritz or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Biarritz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Biarritz in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm. Also, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the natural beauty during these months.

Biarritz is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela in the spring. The daily temperature in Biarritz averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during spring. Biarritz gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. In April, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Santiago de Compostela. Biarritz gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santiago de Compostela and Biarritz