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

Should you visit Carcassonne or Vitoria-Gasteiz?

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 Vitoria-Gasteiz. 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz?

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.

Vitoria-Gasteiz

In the midst of a vast, starry night, medieval cathedrals and ancient buildings are scattered with light across the humming city. This is none other than Vitoria-Gasteiz, a town located in the province of Araba/Alava in northern Spain. Within its border, this city contains Basque Country's House of Parliament, the headquarters of the Government, and the Lehendakari's (Prime Minister's) official residence. In 2012, Vitoria-Gasteiz was awarded the title of European Green Capital and now is one of the top five places to live in Spain. This multicultural city is chock full of amazing national history as well as unique cultural traditions. Vitoria-Gasteiz is also well known for its festivals, including Azkena rock festival, FesTVal, Vitoria-Gasteiz jazz festival, and the Virgen Blanca Festivities. Whether you seek to explore its world-renowned wineries or dine in a chic restaurant, Vitoria-Gasteiz holds an endless amount of possibilities.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Carcassonne or Vitoria-Gasteiz?

Vitoria-Gasteiz has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Carcassonne and Vitoria-Gasteiz, 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz?

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 Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Carcassonne and Vitoria-Gasteiz. Many visitors come to Carcassonne in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Carcassonne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Carcassonne usually receives more sunshine than Vitoria-Gasteiz during summer. Carcassonne gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Carcassonne or Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Carcassonne as well as Vitoria-Gasteiz. 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Carcassonne in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Vitoria-Gasteiz averages at about 16°C (62°F).

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

It's quite rainy in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Carcassonne usually gets less rain in October than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Carcassonne gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Winter?

Both Vitoria-Gasteiz and Carcassonne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the museums and the cuisine.

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

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vitoria-Gasteiz. In January, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Carcassonne gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Spring?

Both Vitoria-Gasteiz and Carcassonne during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

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

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

Vitoria-Gasteiz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Carcassonne usually gets less rain in April than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Carcassonne gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vitoria-Gasteiz and Carcassonne