A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Biarritz vs. Vitoria-Gasteiz for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Biarritz or Vitoria-Gasteiz?

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

Should I visit Biarritz or Vitoria-Gasteiz? 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.

Where Should I go: Biarritz or Vitoria-Gasteiz?

Biarritz

Biarritz is an elegant seaside town on southwestern France's Basque coast that has been a popular resort since European royalty started visiting the area in the 1800s. It is located on France's Atlantic Coast in the Bay of Biscay. Half ritzy coastal resort, half summer surfer's hang-out, the seaside resort of Biarritz has been a favorite seaside getaway ever since Napoleon III and his Spanish-born wife Eugenie arrived during the mid-19th century. To entertain her court, the empress built a grand palace, which is now a luxurious hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant. Other than this exquisite villa by the sea, the names of the streets in Biarritz also hint at the city's royal past: Avenue de l'Imperatrice, Avenue de la Reine Victoria, and Esplanade Elizabeth II. Mansions decked with steeples and spectacular windows recall the city's 19th-century splendors. Though the royal influence of Biarritz has faded, the city is still a popular tourist destination for those looking for a classic summer holiday. Pristine sandy beaches, beautiful coastal villas, and stylish restaurants offer a sophisticated ambience. Wide seafront promenades and well-placed benches allow visitors to soak up the stunning natural landscape. Biarritz is also the capital of surfing in Europe.

Vitoria-Gasteiz

In the midst of a vast, starry night, medieval cathedrals and ancient buildings are scattered with light across the humming city. This is none other than Vitoria-Gasteiz, a town located in the province of Araba/Alava in northern Spain. Within its border, this city contains Basque Country's House of Parliament, the headquarters of the Government, and the Lehendakari's (Prime Minister's) official residence. In 2012, Vitoria-Gasteiz was awarded the title of European Green Capital and now is one of the top five places to live in Spain. This multicultural city is chock full of amazing national history as well as unique cultural traditions. Vitoria-Gasteiz is also well known for its festivals, including Azkena rock festival, FesTVal, Vitoria-Gasteiz jazz festival, and the Virgen Blanca Festivities. Whether you seek to explore its world-renowned wineries or dine in a chic restaurant, Vitoria-Gasteiz holds an endless amount of possibilities.

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 Spain, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Biarritz or Vitoria-Gasteiz?

Vitoria-Gasteiz has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Biarritz and Vitoria-Gasteiz, 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz?

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 Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Biarritz and Vitoria-Gasteiz. Many travelers come to Biarritz for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Biarritz is generally around the same temperature as Vitoria-Gasteiz. Daily temperatures in Biarritz average around 20°C (68°F), and Vitoria-Gasteiz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Biarritz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Biarritz usually receives more sunshine than Vitoria-Gasteiz during summer. Biarritz gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Biarritz gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Biarritz or Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Biarritz as well as Vitoria-Gasteiz. Many visitors come to Biarritz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Biarritz is around the same temperature as Vitoria-Gasteiz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Biarritz averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Vitoria-Gasteiz fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Biarritz often gets more sunshine than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Biarritz gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 125 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Biarritz usually gets more rain in October than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Biarritz gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Biarritz or Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Winter?

Both Vitoria-Gasteiz and Biarritz are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Biarritz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Biarritz is around the same temperature as Vitoria-Gasteiz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Biarritz in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Vitoria-Gasteiz averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Biarritz usually receives more sunshine than Vitoria-Gasteiz during winter. Biarritz gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vitoria-Gasteiz. It's quite rainy in Biarritz. In January, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Biarritz gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Biarritz or Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Spring?

Both Vitoria-Gasteiz and Biarritz during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the beaches and the small town charm.

In April, Biarritz is generally around the same temperature as Vitoria-Gasteiz. Daily temperatures in Biarritz average around 12°C (54°F), and Vitoria-Gasteiz fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Biarritz often gets more sunshine than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Biarritz gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 117 hours of full sun.

Vitoria-Gasteiz 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 April than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Biarritz gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vitoria-Gasteiz and Biarritz