A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Caen vs. Hondarribia for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Caen or Hondarribia?

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 Caen and Hondarribia. 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.

Where Should I go: Caen or Hondarribia?

Caen

Caen is a city in France on the coast in the Calvados department of Lower Normandy. Caen is known for its historical buildings built during the reign of William the Conqueror, who was buried there. The town was destroyed almost completely in 1944 during WWII and it is a remarkable achievement that Caen has kept so many of its historical monuments given the terrible battle that besieged the town following the Normandy beach landings. After the war the town passed through 15 years of reconstruction, and continued to improve afterwards. In recent years the town has made further significant efforts and Caen now has an attractive, carefully restored, historic center. The city has also preserved the memory of its past by erecting a memorial and a museum dedicated to peace, the Memorial de Caen. The city is often considered the archetype of Normandy.

Hondarribia

The characteristic Spanish buildings painted in the brightest, most vibrant of colors only match the true spirit of the town, Hondarribia, Spain. Hondarribia is located on the west shore of Bidasoa river's mouth in Gipuzkoa of Basque Country. The town is rich in its Spanish history, holding both an ancient old quarter with walls and a castle within. Hondarribia is also known for its gorgeous beach of bright blue water across the Bidasoa alongside the fertile, roaming mountain of Jaizkibel. What's more, Hondarribia faces the border of Hendaye, France, so if you are yearning to expand your cultural learning, take a service boat over to Spain's friendly neighbor! No matter if you want to explore the ancient architecture or enjoy the cooling waters of the bay, Hondarribia is definitely a location known for its beauty and activity!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Caen or Hondarribia?

Caen has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Hondarribia. When comparing the sizes of Caen and Hondarribia, 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 Caen or Hondarribia?

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 Caen or Hondarribia in the Summer?

Both Hondarribia and Caen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Caen because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Caen is cooler than Hondarribia in the summer. The daily temperature in Caen averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Hondarribia fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Hondarribia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Caen. Caen usually receives more sunshine than Hondarribia during summer. Caen gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Hondarribia receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Caen usually receives less rain than Hondarribia. Caen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Caen or Hondarribia in the Autumn?

Both Hondarribia and Caen during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions are the main draw to Caen this time of year.

In the autumn, Caen is cooler than Hondarribia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Caen in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Hondarribia averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Caen often gets less sunshine than Hondarribia. Caen gets 128 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hondarribia receives 144 hours of full sun.

Hondarribia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Caen usually gets less rain in October than Hondarribia. Caen gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Hondarribia in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Caen and Hondarribia. Many travelers come to Caen for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Caen. In January, Caen is generally much colder than Hondarribia. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 5°C (41°F), and Hondarribia fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Caen usually receives less sunshine than Hondarribia during winter. Caen gets 70 hours of sunny skies, while Hondarribia receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hondarribia receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Caen usually receives less rain than Hondarribia. Caen gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Caen or Hondarribia in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Caen as well as Hondarribia. Many visitors come to Caen in the spring for the activities around the city.

Caen is cooler than Hondarribia in the spring. The daily temperature in Caen averages around 9°C (49°F) in April, and Hondarribia fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Caen often gets more sunshine than Hondarribia. Caen gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hondarribia receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hondarribia. Caen usually gets less rain in April than Hondarribia. Caen gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hondarribia and Caen