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

Should you visit Chartres or Hondarribia?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Chartres or Hondarribia? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Chartres or Hondarribia?

Chartres

Chartres is a city in north-central France southwest of Paris. It is famed for its massive Cathedrale Notre-Dame. The well-preserved Gothic cathedral, completed in 1220, features 2 towering spires, Romanesque sculptures and elaborate rose windows. The cathedral is unique in that it has two very different steeples – one Gothic, the other Romanesque. Follow them to check out the cathedral's dazzling blue stained-glass windows and its collection of relics, including the Sainte Voile (Holy Veil) said to have been worn by the Virgin Mary when she gave birth to Jesus, which have lured pilgrims since the Middle Ages. The nearby Centre International du Vitrail has workshops and exhibits on stained-glass art. Chartres also had a carefully preserved old city, which is adjacent to the cathedral with staircases and steep streets lined with half-timbered medieval houses leading downhill to the narrow western channel of the Eure River, romantically spanned by footbridges.

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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Chartres or Hondarribia?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chartres and Hondarribia. Most visitors come to Chartres for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Chartres is generally around the same temperature as Hondarribia. Daily temperatures in Chartres average around 20°C (68°F), and Hondarribia fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hondarribia this time of the year. In Chartres, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chartres usually receives more sunshine than Hondarribia during summer. Chartres gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Hondarribia receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Chartres usually receives less rain than Hondarribia. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chartres or Hondarribia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chartres as well as Hondarribia. The autumn months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town atmosphere.

Chartres is cooler than Hondarribia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chartres averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Hondarribia fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Chartres often gets less sunshine than Hondarribia. Chartres gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hondarribia receives 144 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hondarribia. Chartres usually gets less rain in October than Hondarribia. Chartres gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chartres or Hondarribia in the Winter?

Both Hondarribia and Chartres are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Chartres this time of year.

It's quite cold in Chartres in the winter. In the winter, Chartres is much colder than Hondarribia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chartres in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Hondarribia averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Chartres usually receives less sunshine than Hondarribia during winter. Chartres gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Hondarribia receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hondarribia. In January, Chartres usually receives less rain than Hondarribia. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chartres or Hondarribia in the Spring?

Both Hondarribia and Chartres during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Chartres for the small town charm.

In April, Chartres is generally around the same temperature as Hondarribia. Daily temperatures in Chartres average around 11°C (52°F), and Hondarribia fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Chartres often gets more sunshine than Hondarribia. Chartres gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hondarribia receives 141 hours of full sun.

Hondarribia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Chartres usually gets less rain in April than Hondarribia. Chartres gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hondarribia and Chartres