A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Calais vs. Vigo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Calais or Vigo?

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

Should I visit Calais or Vigo? 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: Calais or Vigo?

Calais

Calais is a port city in northern France located across the English Channel from the clifftop town of Dover It's the principal ferry crossing point between France and England. Its old town, Calais-Nord, sits on an artificial island surrounded by canals.

Calais is a Cultural Link to Europe, just a hop, skip and a jump away from Belgium and England, on the Opal Coast in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. The city of Calais is exceptionally located between sea and countryside. Calais is renowned for its lace, which can be found in haute-couture designs. Preserved natural spaces abound with its 23 km of coastline, rugged cliffs, breathtakingly diverse terrain, and coastal villages. Whether on foot, bike or horseback, and even in the water along the coast, there is plenty to do to make this a great option for a visit!

Vigo

Originally a small fishing town, Vigo has grown to become the most populated municipality in the region of Galicia in northwestern Spain. Remnants of the old world still exist in its historic center architecture and plazas, while the commodities of a modern city have blended into its boundaries. The old center remains the hub of activity with plenty to see and do, shopping and dining included.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to France, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Calais or Vigo?

Vigo has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Calais and Vigo, 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 Calais or Vigo?

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 Calais or Vigo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Calais and Vigo. Most visitors come to Calais for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Calais is generally cooler than Vigo. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 17°C (63°F), and Vigo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vigo this time of the year. In Calais, it's very sunny this time of the year. Calais usually receives less sunshine than Vigo during summer. Calais gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Vigo receives 299 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Calais usually receives more rain than Vigo. Calais gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Vigo receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Calais or Vigo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Calais as well as Vigo. The autumn months attract visitors to Calais because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Calais is cooler than Vigo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Calais averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Vigo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Calais often gets less sunshine than Vigo. Calais gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vigo receives 174 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vigo. Calais usually gets less rain in October than Vigo. Calais gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Vigo receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Calais or Vigo in the Winter?

Both Vigo and Calais are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Calais this time of year.

It's quite cold in Calais in the winter. In the winter, Calais is much colder than Vigo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Calais in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Vigo averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Calais usually receives less sunshine than Vigo during winter. Calais gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Vigo receives 110 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vigo. In January, Calais usually receives less rain than Vigo. Calais gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Vigo receives 232 mm (9.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Calais or Vigo in the Spring?

Both Vigo and Calais during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Calais for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Calais is generally much colder than Vigo. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 9°C (47°F), and Vigo fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Calais often gets less sunshine than Vigo. Calais gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vigo receives 198 hours of full sun.

Vigo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Calais usually gets less rain in April than Vigo. Calais gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Vigo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vigo and Calais