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

Should you visit Carcassonne or Lugo?

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 Lugo. 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 Lugo?

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.

Lugo

Located in northwestern Spain, Lugo is a city of the Galicia region best known for its old city, completely surrounded by Roman walls. Within these walls are some of Lugo's most impressive sights including a striking city hall, elaborate cathedral, and many beautiful city squares and plazas. The city is also known for its festivals and is the capital of a province of the same name.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Carcassonne or Lugo?

Lugo has a larger population, and is about 85% larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Carcassonne and Lugo, 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 Lugo?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Lugo in the Summer?

Both Lugo and Carcassonne during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Carcassonne in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Carcassonne is a little warmer than Lugo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Carcassonne in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Lugo averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In Lugo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Carcassonne. In the summer, Carcassonne often gets more sunshine than Lugo. Carcassonne gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lugo receives 248 hours of full sun.

Carcassonne usually gets less rain in July than Lugo. Carcassonne gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Lugo receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Lugo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Carcassonne and Lugo. Most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Carcassonne is generally around the same temperature as Lugo. Daily temperatures in Carcassonne average around 17°C (62°F), and Lugo fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Carcassonne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lugo during autumn. Carcassonne gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Lugo receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Lugo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Lugo. Carcassonne gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Lugo receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Lugo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Carcassonne as well as Lugo. The winter months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the museums and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Carcassonne often gets less sunshine than Lugo. Carcassonne gets 88 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lugo receives 103 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Lugo. Carcassonne usually gets less rain in January than Lugo. Carcassonne gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lugo receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Lugo in the Spring?

Both Lugo and Carcassonne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

In the spring, Carcassonne is around the same temperature as Lugo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Carcassonne in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Lugo averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Carcassonne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lugo during spring. Carcassonne gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Lugo receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Lugo. Carcassonne gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Lugo receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lugo and Carcassonne