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

Should you visit Carcassonne or Ezcaray?

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 Ezcaray. 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 Ezcaray?

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.

Ezcaray

Ezcaray, Spain is a great place to go if you are looking for a scenic, relaxing, and peaceful destination. It is located in the Sierra de la Demanda mountains on the banks of the Oja river. Because of the mountain range nearby, it is also a great place for mountaineers. Ezcaray is a small town with big charm and momentous possibilities. It is located right at the base of the San Lorenzo peak in the Oja valley in the La Rioja region of Spain. The town has a population of less than 2,000, so it is a far cry from big city life, but that's part of what makes it such a gem to visit. Some say it is one of the best locations to get an authentic feel of real Spain without the big touristy populations. Its sheer beauty has also been compared to something out of a fairy tale.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best Luxury Tours to Spain, and The Best Budget Tours to Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Carcassonne or Ezcaray?

Carcassonne has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ezcaray. When comparing the sizes of Carcassonne and Ezcaray, 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 Carcassonne or Ezcaray?

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 Ezcaray in the Summer?

Both Ezcaray and Carcassonne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Carcassonne in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Carcassonne is a little warmer than Ezcaray in the summer. The daily temperature in Carcassonne averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Ezcaray fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Carcassonne. Carcassonne usually receives more sunshine than Ezcaray during summer. Carcassonne gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Ezcaray receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Ezcaray. Carcassonne gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Ezcaray receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Ezcaray in the Autumn?

Both Ezcaray and Carcassonne during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Carcassonne is around the same temperature as Ezcaray. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Carcassonne in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Ezcaray averages at about 16°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Carcassonne often gets more sunshine than Ezcaray. Carcassonne gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ezcaray receives 125 hours of full sun.

Ezcaray gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Carcassonne usually gets less rain in October than Ezcaray. Carcassonne gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Ezcaray receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Ezcaray in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Carcassonne and Ezcaray. The winter months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the museums and the cuisine.

In January, Carcassonne is generally around the same temperature as Ezcaray. Daily temperatures in Carcassonne average around 8°C (47°F), and Ezcaray fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Carcassonne usually receives more sunshine than Ezcaray during winter. Carcassonne gets 88 hours of sunny skies, while Ezcaray receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.

Ezcaray receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Ezcaray. Carcassonne gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ezcaray receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Ezcaray in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Carcassonne as well as Ezcaray. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

Carcassonne is a little warmer than Ezcaray in the spring. The daily temperature in Carcassonne averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Ezcaray fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Carcassonne often gets more sunshine than Ezcaray. Carcassonne gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ezcaray receives 117 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ezcaray. Carcassonne usually gets less rain in April than Ezcaray. Carcassonne gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Ezcaray receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ezcaray and Carcassonne