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

Should you visit Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne 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: Carcassonne or Hondarribia?

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.

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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Carcassonne and Hondarribia, we can see that Hondarribia 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 Hondarribia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hondarribia 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 Hondarribia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Carcassonne or Hondarribia?

Carcassonne has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Hondarribia. When comparing the sizes of Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne or Hondarribia in the Summer?

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

Carcassonne is a little warmer than Hondarribia in the summer. The daily temperature in Carcassonne averages around 24°C (75°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 Carcassonne. Carcassonne usually receives more sunshine than Hondarribia during summer. Carcassonne gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Hondarribia receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Hondarribia. Carcassonne gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Hondarribia in the Autumn?

Both Hondarribia and Carcassonne during the autumn are popular places to visit. The small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

In the autumn, Carcassonne is around the same temperature as Hondarribia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Carcassonne in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Hondarribia averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Carcassonne often gets more sunshine than Hondarribia. Carcassonne gets 161 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. Carcassonne usually gets less rain in October than Hondarribia. Carcassonne gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Hondarribia in the Winter?

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

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

Carcassonne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hondarribia during winter. Carcassonne gets 88 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, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Hondarribia. Carcassonne gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Hondarribia in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Carcassonne as well as Hondarribia. Many visitors come to Carcassonne in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Carcassonne often gets more sunshine than Hondarribia. Carcassonne gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hondarribia receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hondarribia. Carcassonne usually gets less rain in April than Hondarribia. Carcassonne gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hondarribia and Carcassonne