A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Cadiz vs. Girona for Old Town, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Cadiz or Girona?

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 Girona 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 friendly, undiscovered, and historic port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Girona

Girona is a medieval, ancient, and charming city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Cadiz and Girona: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Cadiz or Girona?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Girona than Cadiz. While Cadiz is larger than Girona, Girona has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Girona is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Cadiz attracts visitors for its nightlife and beaches. Girona is more touristy than Cadiz and is known for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine. It is also well known for The Girona Cathedral. Cadiz is famous for its long-running maritime history and its charming old town.

How is Cadiz different from Girona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cadiz
Girona

Girona is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Girona. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.

Cadiz offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.


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

Cadiz
Girona

Girona is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Girona makes for a great culinary experience. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

Cadiz has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Is Cadiz or Girona Better for Nightlife?

Cadiz
Girona

Cadiz is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Girona. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Cadiz or Girona Better for Beaches?

Cadiz
Girona

Cadiz is a moderate port city for the beache. However, Girona is not a beach destination.

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.

Girona is not a beach destination.


Is Cadiz or Girona Better for its Old Town?

Cadiz
Girona

Girona is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its old town.

The old town of Girona is one of the most recognized in the world. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Cadiz. The old town offers a patchwork network of cobblestone streets that intertwine plazas, churches, and historic buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Cadiz or Girona?

Cadiz
Girona

Both Cadiz and Girona are very good shopping destinations.

Cadiz is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Girona is well-known for its shopping. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

Is Cadiz or Girona Better for Families?

Cadiz
Girona

Cadiz is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.


Is Cadiz or Girona Better for Couples?

Cadiz
Girona

Girona is a well-known place for romance. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

Girona is a very popular place to visit for couples. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.

Cadiz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Is Cadiz or Girona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cadiz
Girona

Both Cadiz and Girona are nice destinations for backpackers.

Cadiz is a good port city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Girona. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

Is Cadiz or Girona Better for Students?

Cadiz
Girona

Girona is a city with good options for students. However, Cadiz is not popular with students.

Girona is a good city to visit for students. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

Cadiz is not popular with students.


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

Cadiz
Girona

Both Cadiz and Girona offer nice public transit options.

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

Girona has some public transit options. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.

Is Cadiz or Girona a more walkable city?

Cadiz
Girona

Girona is renowned for its walkability. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Girona on foot. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

Cadiz is a very walkable port city. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Girona or Cadiz?

How long in Cadiz or Girona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cadiz or Girona to fill your time. In our opinion, Girona has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Girona than Cadiz. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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


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

One day in Cadiz or Girona?

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 Girona, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this charming destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Girona?

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 Girona. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Girona?

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.

Girona is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the quaint destination of Girona. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Cadiz or Girona?

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 medieval destination of Girona. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 3-Day Tours from Madrid, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid.


Which place is cheaper, Girona 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 Girona is €140. 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 Girona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cadiz 77
    Girona 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cadiz 154
    Girona 138
Compare Hotels in Cadiz and Girona

Looking for a hotel in Cadiz or Girona? 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 Girona


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 Girona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cadiz 30
    Girona 49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cadiz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cadiz:

  • Private Transfer from Cadiz Cruise Port to Cadiz City Hotels: $29
  • Private Transfer from/to Cadiz Airport to/from Hotel: $88

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Girona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Girona:

  • Girona Airport Bus Transfer from/to Barcelona Center: $21
  • Palamós to Girona Airport (GRO) - Departure Private Transfer : $33
  • Private Transfer from Tossa de Mar/ Lloret de Mar to Barcelona: $264

Is it cheaper to fly into Cadiz or Girona?

Prices for flights to both Girona 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
    Girona 41
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: $40
  • Food Tour Cadiz: $75

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Girona

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

  • Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $86
  • The 11 tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $89
  • Girona Evening Food Tour & Tapas Bar Experience: $97
  • The 11 Tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $98
  • Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $105

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cadiz 27
    Girona 24
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:

  • Story Adventure Outdoor Escape Game in Cadiz Town Center : $7.15
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
  • 2 Hours Tour around Cádiz: History, anecdotes and curiosities: $17
  • Discover Cádiz walking tour: $17
  • Jerez de la Frontera History and Art Walking Tour: $24
  • City Sightseeing Cadiz Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
  • Cadiz Shore Excursion: City Sightseeing Cadiz Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
  • Walking tour in Jerez: $29
  • Jerez Walking Tour with Alcazar and Cathedral Entrance: $35
  • Segway History Tour in Cádiz: $39
  • Cádiz 2:45h Bike Tour: $39
  • Cadiz Small Group Bike Tour : $40

Tours and Activities in Girona

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

  • Girona self-guided tour app with multilingual audioguide: $4.34
  • Girona Art Museum: Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket & Audio Guide: $6.52
  • Museum of Cinema Entry Ticket: $7.60
  • Self-guided Audio City Tour on Your Phone: $11
  • Girona City Tour Self-guided Audio Tour on Your Phone (no ticket): $11
  • Ticket pass to Girona Cathedral, Sant Felix and Girona Art Museum: $13
  • 2 Hours Cadaqués Especial Experience: $25
  • 1-Hour Private Tour with guide on Electric Scooter in Barcelona: $28
  • Catedral, Art Museum, St Felix Church Ticket & Audio: $29
  • E-ticket to Girona's Cathedral, Art Museum & S.t Feliu Church: $30
  • Girona History, Legends, and Food Walking Tour with food tasting: $35
  • Game of Thrones Small Group Tour: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cadiz 28
    Girona 9.69

Sample the Local Flavors in Girona

Also in Girona, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Spanish Wine Tasting in the Costa Brava: $83
  • Local Wineries Tour with Breakfast and Wine Tasting: $151
  • Cadaqués & Wine Tasting Day Trip : $160


When comparing the travel costs between Cadiz and Girona, 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 Girona Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cadiz or Girona?

Cadiz has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Girona. When comparing the sizes of Cadiz and Girona, 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 Girona?

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 Girona in the Summer?

Both Girona and Cadiz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cadiz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Girona for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cadiz is around the same temperature as Girona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cadiz in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Girona averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Girona. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cadiz. Cadiz usually receives more sunshine than Girona during summer. Cadiz gets 356 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cadiz usually receives less rain than Girona. Cadiz gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Girona receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cadiz 25°C (77°F) 
    Girona 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Cadiz or Girona in the Autumn?

Both Girona and Cadiz during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cadiz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Girona in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cadiz is generally a little warmer than Girona. Daily temperatures in Cadiz average around 20°C (68°F), and Girona fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Cadiz. In the autumn, Cadiz often gets more sunshine than Girona. Cadiz gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 170 hours of full sun.

Cadiz usually gets less rain in October than Girona. Cadiz gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Girona receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cadiz 20°C (68°F) 
    Girona 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Cadiz or Girona in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cadiz and Girona. Many visitors come to Cadiz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Girona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Cadiz is much warmer than Girona in the winter. The daily temperature in Cadiz averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Girona fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Cadiz usually receives more sunshine than Girona during winter. Cadiz gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 148 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cadiz usually receives more rain than Girona. Cadiz gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Girona receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cadiz 13°C (55°F) 
    Girona 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Cadiz or Girona in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cadiz as well as Girona. Most visitors come to Cadiz for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Girona because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cadiz is a little warmer than Girona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cadiz in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Girona averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cadiz this time of the year. In the spring, Cadiz often gets more sunshine than Girona. Cadiz gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 177 hours of full sun.

Cadiz usually gets less rain in April than Girona. Cadiz gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Girona receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cadiz 17°C (63°F) 
    Girona 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Girona and Cadiz

Cadiz Girona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (62°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (75°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (74°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 9°C (47°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)