A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cadiz vs. Calais for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Cadiz or Calais?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cadiz and Calais can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cadiz

Cadiz is a historic, authentic, and friendly port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Calais

Calais is a authentic, undiscovered, and coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Cadiz and Calais: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less attractive beach
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cadiz or Calais?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Calais than Cadiz. While Cadiz is larger than Calais, Calais has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Calais is better known for its beaches and big city activities, while Cadiz is more popular for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Cadiz is well known for its long-running maritime history and its charming old town. Calais is well known for being a gateway for travelers to France. Also, Calais is famous for The Town Hall.

How is Cadiz different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cadiz or Calais?

Cadiz
Calais

Both Cadiz and Calais have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Cadiz is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. As the oldest city in Europe, there are countless historic sights and monuments to see. Some of the most interesting historic sights include Catedral Nueva, the Arcos de los Blancos, Torre Tavira, and Museo de Cádiz.

Calais offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.


Is the Food Better in Cadiz or Calais? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cadiz
Calais

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Cadiz and Calais.

Cadiz offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The restaurants are good, but if you don't have reservations you're out of luck. Many restaurants fill up during the peak summer months. If you do have reservations then you can expect fresh seafood including everything from oysters to prawns and even fresh caught fish like Bluefin tuna. Make sure you try the shrimp fritters and papas con choco (cuttlefish and potato stew). Tapas are a great way to sample a number of small local dishes. Also finish your meal off with some churros.

Calais has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Cadiz or Calais Better for Nightlife?

Cadiz
Calais

Both Cadiz and Calais are notable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Cadiz. The nightlife scene is diverse, with both cultural activities and dance clubs to choose from. Whether you're looking for a late night party or a more mellow evening on the town, there are a number of options available.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Calais. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Cadiz or Calais Better for Beaches?

Cadiz
Calais

Calais is a city with good options for its beaches. However, Cadiz is not a good port city for the beache.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Calais. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

You can check out the beach in Cadiz. The beaches remain relatively undiscovered on the international level, so you won't have to deal with the crowds that you find at many Spanish beaches. They are urban beaches that make a good place to cool off, but aren't particularly scenic. The beaches are popular with nearby locals, and the atmosphere remains chill and relaxed. While there are many beaches to choose from outside of town, the closest in town beach is La Caleta. It's even been featured in a few Hollywood films such as Die Another Day.


Is Cadiz or Calais Better for its Old Town?

Cadiz
Calais

Cadiz is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Calais does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Cadiz. The old town offers a patchwork network of cobblestone streets that intertwine plazas, churches, and historic buildings.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cadiz or Calais?

Cadiz
Calais

Cadiz is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Cadiz. There's a diverse mix of local boutiques, food markets, shopping centers, and street markets where you can pick up everything from local items to European fashion. If you happen to be in town on a weekend, keep in mind that many shops are only open in the morning on Saturdays and closed all day Sundays.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Cadiz or Calais Better for Families?

Cadiz
Calais

Both Cadiz and Calais are notable to visit with kids.

Cadiz is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has beaches where everyone can splash around, as well as some parks and playgrounds where kids can get their energy out. Outside of town you'll find waterparks and other fun activities as well.

Calais is a family-friendly port city. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.


Is Cadiz or Calais Better for Couples?

Cadiz
Calais

Both Cadiz and Calais are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Cadiz is a nice destination for couples. With its history and beaches, there are many romantic activities that couples can enjoy. Wander around old town and enjoy local cuisine. Visit the historic ruins and take a hike outside of the city.

Calais makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Cadiz or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cadiz
Calais

Cadiz is a popular place for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cadiz. One of the biggest draws to the city is there huge Carnival festival every February. This is a popular time to visit and backpackers will appreciate the lively atmosphere.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Cadiz or Calais Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cadiz
Calais

Both Cadiz and Calais offer notable public transit options.

Cadiz has a few public transit options. There are five bus lines around town. The buses are comfortable and air conditioned.

Calais has some public transit options. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.


Is Cadiz or Calais a more walkable city?

Cadiz
Calais

Cadiz is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Cadiz is a very walkable destination. It is a walkable city that is historic and compact enough to explore on foot. It can be a bit of a walk to get from the old town to the beach though.

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Cadiz Worth Visiting? and Is Calais Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calais or Cadiz?

How long in Cadiz or Calais?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cadiz and Calais. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Calais than in Cadiz. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cadiz, and 1-3 days is enough time in Calais.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cadiz than Calais 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 Cadiz.


  • How many days in Cadiz or Calais? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cadiz 1-2 
    Calais 1-3

One day in Cadiz or Calais?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cadiz. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Calais, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Cadiz or Calais?

Cadiz 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Calais. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


Five days in Cadiz or Calais?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cadiz. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Calais is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Calais. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Cadiz or Calais?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Cadiz. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the undiscovered destination of Calais. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.


Which place is cheaper, Calais or Cadiz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cadiz is €152, while the average daily cost in Calais is €139. 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 Cadiz and Calais in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cadiz 77
    Calais 77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cadiz 154
    Calais 154
Compare Hotels in Cadiz and Calais

Looking for a hotel in Cadiz or Calais? 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 Cadiz


Hotels in Calais


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: Cadiz Hotel Prices and Calais Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cadiz 30
    Calais 47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cadiz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cadiz:

  • Private Transfer from Cadiz city hotels to Cadiz Cruise Port: $28
  • Private Transfer from/to Cadiz Airport to/from Hotel: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Cadiz or Calais?

Prices for flights to both Calais and Cadiz 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
    Cadiz 45
    Calais 35
Typical Food Prices in Cadiz

Some typical examples of dining costs in Cadiz are as follows:


  • Dinner and Tapas
    15
  • Lunch for 1
    10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cadiz

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cadiz.

  • Tapas Food Tour in Jerez de la Frontera: $39
  • Food Tour Cadiz: $75
  • Tabancos Food Tour Jerez: $92

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cadiz 27
    Calais 8.92
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cadiz

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Cadiz are as follows:


  • Cadiz Sightseeing Tour
    15

Tours and Activities in Cadiz

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

  • Audioguided Tour of Cádiz Monumental, at your pace: $4.27
  • Cadiz Town Center Outdoor Escape Game: A Story Adventure: $6.94
  • Story Adventure Outdoor Escape Game in Cadiz Town Center : $7.07
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.02
  • Cádiz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.96
  • Historical Walking Tour: $11
  • City Center Guided Walking Tour: $11
  • Guided tour of Cádiz: stories from the hand of a local guide: $11
  • Cádiz: Cadiz Milenaria Guided Tour: $13
  • Self Guided Walking Tour of Charming Cadiz: $15
  • Cádiz: Self-Guided Audio Smartphone App Tour: $15
  • Discover Cádiz walking tour: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cadiz 28
    Calais 12

Sample the Local Flavors in Cadiz

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cadiz:

  • Private Tour with Tapas, Wine Tasting and Bike Rental: $107
  • Countryside Olive Oil & Wine Tasting: $128


When comparing the travel costs between Cadiz and Calais, we can see that Cadiz 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 Cadiz Expensive? and Is Calais Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cadiz or Calais?

Cadiz has a larger population, and is about 77% larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Cadiz and Calais, 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 Cadiz or Calais?

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 Cadiz or Calais in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cadiz and Calais. Many travelers come to Cadiz for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Calais in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cadiz is generally a little warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Cadiz average around 25°C (77°F), and Calais fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Calais this time of the year. In Cadiz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cadiz usually receives more sunshine than Calais during summer. Cadiz gets 356 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cadiz usually receives less rain than Calais. Cadiz gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cadiz 25°C (77°F) 
    Calais 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Cadiz or Calais in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cadiz as well as Calais. Many visitors come to Cadiz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Calais for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Cadiz is much warmer than Calais in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cadiz averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Calais fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cadiz this time of the year. In the autumn, Cadiz often gets more sunshine than Calais. Cadiz gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun.

Cadiz usually gets more rain in October than Calais. Cadiz gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cadiz 20°C (68°F) 
    Calais 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Cadiz or Calais in the Winter?

Both Calais and Cadiz are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cadiz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Calais because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Calais can be very cold. In the winter, Cadiz is much warmer than Calais. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cadiz in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Calais averages at about 4°C (40°F).

Cadiz usually receives more sunshine than Calais during winter. Cadiz gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cadiz usually receives more rain than Calais. Cadiz gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cadiz 13°C (55°F) 
    Calais 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Cadiz or Calais in the Spring?

Both Calais and Cadiz during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Cadiz because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Calais this time of year.

In April, Cadiz is generally much warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Cadiz average around 17°C (63°F), and Calais fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Cadiz. In the spring, Cadiz often gets more sunshine than Calais. Cadiz gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun.

Cadiz usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Calais. Cadiz gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cadiz 17°C (63°F) 
    Calais 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Calais and Cadiz

Cadiz Calais
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 4°C (40°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 9°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)