A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Carcassonne vs. Costa de Prata for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Carcassonne or Costa de Prata?

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 Carcassonne and Costa de Prata. 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: Carcassonne or Costa de Prata?

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a hilltop town in southern France. Inhabited since the Neolithic period, Carcassonne is located in the Aude plain between historic trade routes, linking the Atlantic to the Mediterranean sea and the Massif Central to the Pyrenees. The Romans recognized its strategic importance and occupied its hilltop until the demise of the Western Roman Empire and was later taken over in the fifth century by the Visigoths who founded the city. Its desirable location led successive rulers to expand its fortifications until the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659. It is famous for its medieval citadel, La Cite, which has numerous watchtowers and double-walled fortifications. The first walls were built in Gallo-Roman times, with major additions made in the 13th and 14th centuries. With its position on a rocky hilltop, zigzag battlements, stout walls and spiky turrets, the fortified city of Carcassonne looks like something out of a children's storybook when it's seen from afar. A Unesco World Heritage Site since 1997, it's most people's idea of the perfect medieval castle. It attracts over four million visitors every year, peaking in high summer. Time your visit for late in the day (or even better in spring or fall) to truly appreciate the old town's medieval charm.

Costa de Prata

Costa de Prata is a region located on the Silver Coast of Portugal, an hour north of Lisbon. The area is known for its beautiful beaches, ancient architecture, and relaxed, welcoming, atmosphere. The area experiences gorgeous weather nearly all year round, with temperatures in the high 70's and 80's Fahrenheit from May-September. June-August sees the warmest ocean temperatures, making these the best months for swimming. Even during their winter, temperatures rarely dip below 60°F, although ocean temperatures drop, making swimming a bit colder.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Carcassonne or Costa de Prata?

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 Carcassonne or Costa de Prata in the Summer?

Both Costa de Prata and Carcassonne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

In the summer, Carcassonne is around the same temperature as Costa de Prata. Typically, the summer temperatures in Carcassonne in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Costa de Prata averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Costa de Prata. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Carcassonne. Carcassonne usually receives less sunshine than Costa de Prata during summer. Carcassonne gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Costa de Prata receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Carcassonne usually receives more rain than Costa de Prata. Carcassonne gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Costa de Prata receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Costa de Prata in the Autumn?

Both Costa de Prata and Carcassonne during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Carcassonne for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Carcassonne is generally around the same temperature as Costa de Prata. Daily temperatures in Carcassonne average around 17°C (62°F), and Costa de Prata fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Carcassonne often gets less sunshine than Costa de Prata. Carcassonne gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Costa de Prata receives 184 hours of full sun.

Costa de Prata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Carcassonne usually gets less rain in October than Costa de Prata. Carcassonne gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Costa de Prata receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Costa de Prata in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Carcassonne and Costa de Prata. Many visitors come to Carcassonne in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Carcassonne is cooler than Costa de Prata in the winter. The daily temperature in Carcassonne averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Costa de Prata fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Carcassonne usually receives less sunshine than Costa de Prata during winter. Carcassonne gets 88 hours of sunny skies, while Costa de Prata receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.

Costa de Prata receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Costa de Prata. Carcassonne gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Costa de Prata receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Costa de Prata in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Carcassonne as well as Costa de Prata. Most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Carcassonne is around the same temperature as Costa de Prata. Typically, the spring temperatures in Carcassonne in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Costa de Prata averages at about 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Costa de Prata. In the spring, Carcassonne often gets less sunshine than Costa de Prata. Carcassonne gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Costa de Prata receives 217 hours of full sun.

Carcassonne usually gets less rain in April than Costa de Prata. Carcassonne gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Costa de Prata receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Costa de Prata and Carcassonne