A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bilbao vs. Korcula for Attractions, Nightlife, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Bilbao or Korcula?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Bilbao and Korcula. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a colorful, friendly, and industrial city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Korcula

Korcula is a scenic, laid back, and historic island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Bilbao and Korcula: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bilbao or Korcula?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Korcula than Bilbao, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Korcula is better known for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Bilbao is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Korcula is more touristy than Bilbao and is known for its small old town and its beautiful natural setting. Also, Korcula is famous for St Mark's Cathedral. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Bilbao different from Korcula?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Korcula and Bilbao. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bilbao or Korcula?

Bilbao is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Korcula is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bilbao. A favorite museum in town is the popular Guggenheim Museum. From its iconic building to the unique exhibits, this is a must-see stop during your visit. Other highlights around town include the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao, the Museo Vasco, as well as the city's unique bridges.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Korcula. Most of the sights are concentrated in Korcula Town, which has a charming old town that is filled with stone houses. In the center of the old town is St Mark's Cathedral. Other points of interest include Abbey Treasury and Marco Polo's House.

Is the Food Better in Bilbao or Korcula? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Korcula is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Korcula. Food is a way of life on the island, and you'll likely enjoy bread, salad, soup, and grilled meat or seafood at most meals. The ingredients are locally produced and fresh.

Bilbao is not a culinary destination. The food scene is among the best in Spain. The city has several world renowned restaurants, including a few Michelin-starred restaurants, but there are also smaller eateries that cater to the locals and tourists alike. Make sure you try the pintxos, which are small dishes that are the Basque region's answer to tapas. Many include seafood and are cooked with olive oil and garlic.

Is Bilbao or Korcula Better for Nightlife?

Bilbao is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Korcula is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Bilbao know how to have a good time. There's a great late night scene that centers around eating and drinking. There are lively nightclubs, a good live music scene, and no shortage of people heading out on the town.

Korcula doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The party scene is lacking in the old town, so this isn't the place to visit for nightlife. Many of the restaurants become cocktail bars at night, and there is a club or two that has opened in recent years.

Is Bilbao or Korcula Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Korcula is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Bilbao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Korcula. There are a few snorkeling tours that leave from the island.

Bilbao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bilbao or Korcula Better for Beaches?

Korcula is well known for the beache. However, Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Korcula for it's beautiful beaches. There are a number of beautiful beaches around the island. Head south for the sandier beaches and north for the pebbly, shallower beaches. Many people think that Lumbarda has the best beaches on the island.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Bilbao or Korcula Better for its Old Town?

Korcula is well known for its old town. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Korcula. The charming old town is filled with interesting buildings and historic streets that you can explore.

Bilbao has an old town worth visiting. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Is Bilbao or Korcula Better for Hiking?

Korcula is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Korcula. There are many natural and hiking areas on the island so you can enjoy a full day hike or a shorter stroll through the area.

Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bilbao or Korcula?

Bilbao is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Korcula is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Bilbao is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Korcula has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find boutiques, small retail shops, or stores selling knick knacks around town.

Is Bilbao or Korcula Better for Families?

Korcula is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Korcula is a very kid-friendly island. The island has many great hikes that are appropriate for all ages. There are also pebbly beaches where the kids can play in the water and explore.

Bilbao offers lots of family activities. The city offers some great museums such as the Guggenheim Museum. Families will also enjoy taking a ride of the Artxander Funicular, and exploring Mercado de la Ribera. You can also enjoy walking around Park Abandoibarra and exploring the creative sculptures.

Is Bilbao or Korcula Better for Couples?

Korcula is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Korcula frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful old town, striking coastline, and wonderful natural beauty make for a great honeymoon or romantic escape. There are many nice hikes in the area and the beaches are nice for cooling off.

Bilbao is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with a vibrant enjoy with parks and outdoor strolls that couples will enjoy. There are also many great museums and romantic restaurants as well as some great shopping streets.

Is Bilbao or Korcula Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao and Korcula are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bilbao. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Korcula. You'll find enough hostels around the island to choose from and there are usually plenty of backpackers hanging out.

Is Bilbao or Korcula Better for Students?

Bilbao and Korcula are notable places to visit for students.

Bilbao is popular with students. This is a popular study abroad destination with many great museums and educational opportunities for international students.

It's common for students to visit Korcula. More students have been moving to the island, and you'll find a growing student population.

Is Bilbao or Korcula Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bilbao is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Korcula is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Bilbao can get you around easily. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

While Korcula offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around the island but not all routes are very frequent.

Is Bilbao or Korcula a more walkable city?

Bilbao and Korcula both are notable when exploring on foot.

Bilbao is a somewhat walkable place. It's a fairly walkable city with several pedestrian-friendly areas.

Korcula is a somewhat walkable city. There are foot paths and trails all over the island but you'll want to rent a bike if you're going long distances.

For even more information, also check out Is Bilbao Worth Visiting? and Is Korcula Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Korcula or Bilbao?

How long in Bilbao or Korcula?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bilbao and Korcula. In our opinion, Korcula has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Korcula than Bilbao. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Korcula than Bilbao. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Korcula, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Korcula than Bilbao. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Korcula that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Korcula than Bilbao 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 Korcula.

One day in Bilbao or Korcula?

In Bilbao, you'll find museums and nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Korcula. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Bilbao or Korcula?

In Bilbao, you'll find nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bilbao has to offer.

Korcula is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Bilbao or Korcula?

Bilbao is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Korcula. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Bilbao or Korcula?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bilbao. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bilbao. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the laid back destination of Korcula. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bilbao and Korcula, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Korcula much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Korcula would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Korcula 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 Bilbao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bilbao than you might in Korcula.

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

Which is Bigger, Bilbao or Korcula?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Korcula. When comparing the sizes of Bilbao and Korcula, 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 Bilbao or Korcula?

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 Bilbao or Korcula in the Summer?

Both Korcula and Bilbao are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Korcula because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Bilbao is cooler than Korcula in the summer. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Korcula fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Korcula. Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Korcula during summer. Bilbao gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Korcula receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Korcula. Bilbao gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bilbao or Korcula in the Autumn?

Both Korcula and Bilbao during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Korcula this time of year.

In the autumn, Bilbao is around the same temperature as Korcula. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bilbao in October average around 16°C (62°F), and Korcula averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Korcula, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Korcula. Bilbao gets 125 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Korcula receives 200 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. Bilbao usually gets more rain in October than Korcula. Bilbao gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bilbao or Korcula in the Winter?

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

In January, Bilbao is generally around the same temperature as Korcula. Daily temperatures in Bilbao average around 9°C (48°F), and Korcula fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Bilbao usually receives less sunshine than Korcula during winter. Bilbao gets 77 hours of sunny skies, while Korcula receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Bilbao usually receives more rain than Korcula. Bilbao gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bilbao or Korcula in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bilbao as well as Korcula. Many travelers come to Bilbao for the activities around the city. Additionally, many visitors come to Korcula in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Bilbao is cooler than Korcula in the spring. The daily temperature in Bilbao averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Korcula fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Korcula. In the spring, Bilbao often gets less sunshine than Korcula. Bilbao gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Korcula receives 212 hours of full sun.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the spring. Bilbao usually gets more rain in April than Korcula. Bilbao gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Korcula and Bilbao