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

Should you visit Carcassonne or Pontevedra?

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 Pontevedra. 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 Pontevedra?

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.

Pontevedra

An important port city with a medieval past, Pontevedra sits on the northwestern coast of Spain where the Lerez River opens out into the ocean. It is a part of the Galicia region and is known for its seafood, charming plazas, and old world architecture that include a number of chapels, churches, and cathedrals.

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 Spain, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Carcassonne or Pontevedra?

Pontevedra has a larger population, and is about 60% larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Carcassonne and Pontevedra, 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 Pontevedra?

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 Pontevedra in the Summer?

Both Pontevedra 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.

In the summer, Carcassonne is a little warmer than Pontevedra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Carcassonne in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Pontevedra averages at about 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Pontevedra. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Carcassonne. Carcassonne usually receives less sunshine than Pontevedra during summer. Carcassonne gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Pontevedra receives 299 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Pontevedra. Carcassonne gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Pontevedra in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Carcassonne often gets less sunshine than Pontevedra. Carcassonne gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pontevedra receives 174 hours of full sun.

Pontevedra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Carcassonne usually gets less rain in October than Pontevedra. Carcassonne gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Pontevedra in the Winter?

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

Carcassonne is cooler than Pontevedra in the winter. The daily temperature in Carcassonne averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Pontevedra fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Carcassonne usually receives less sunshine than Pontevedra during winter. Carcassonne gets 88 hours of sunny skies, while Pontevedra receives 110 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pontevedra receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Pontevedra. Carcassonne gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 232 mm (9.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Pontevedra in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Carcassonne as well as Pontevedra. 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 Pontevedra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Carcassonne in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Pontevedra averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Carcassonne often gets less sunshine than Pontevedra. Carcassonne gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pontevedra receives 198 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pontevedra. Carcassonne usually gets less rain in April than Pontevedra. Carcassonne gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pontevedra and Carcassonne