A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cordoba vs. Calais for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Cordoba or Calais?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cordoba and Calais can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cordoba

Cordoba is a colorful, flower-filled, and historical town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Calais

Calais is a coastal, authentic, and undiscovered city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Cordoba and Calais: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to La Mezquita
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cordoba or Calais?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cordoba than Calais. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Cordoba is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Calais attracts visitors for its beaches and big city activities. Cordoba is more touristy than Calais and is known for its mix of Roman, Islamic, and Spanish architecture, its whitewashed buildings and streets filled with flowers, and its handcrafted leatherwork. It is also well known for La Mezquita. Calais is famous for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Cordoba different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Calais and Cordoba. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cordoba or Calais?

Cordoba
Calais

Cordoba is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Cordoba on the map. The city is filled with monuments that reflect its past. The Great Mosque (La Mezquita) is one of the most iconic sights. You can also visit Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, Palacio de Viana, and Puente Romano.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.


Is the Food Better in Cordoba or Calais? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cordoba
Calais

Cordoba is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Cordoba is an experience not to be missed. Like much of Spain, international travelers will have to adjust to the shifted meal schedule which means most meals are served are later than they are in other parts of Europe. The ingredients are fresh and popular dishes include Salmorejo (a tomato based soup), Rabo De Toro (stewed oxtail), and Flamenquín (deep-fried pork roll).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Cordoba or Calais Better for Nightlife?

Cordoba
Calais

Cordoba is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Cordoba is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are cocktail bars, Flamenco shows, tapas tours, and local pubs that make for a great night out. The city offers something for everyone, whatever your style.

If you're looking for night time activities Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Cordoba or Calais Better for Beaches?

Cordoba
Calais

Calais is a city with good options for the beach. However, Cordoba is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Calais. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Cordoba is not a beach destination.


Is Cordoba or Calais Better for its Old Town?

Cordoba
Calais

Cordoba is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Calais does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Cordoba can be explored in its historical center. It's old town is one of the most enchanting in Andalusia. There are whitewashed houses that line flower-filled streets and its compact enough to take a leisurely stroll.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cordoba or Calais?

Cordoba
Calais

Both Cordoba and Calais are nice shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Cordoba to go shopping. You'll find souvenir shops selling local pottery, traditional jewelry, and handcrafted leatherwork, so this is a nice place to pick up something to remember your trip.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Cordoba or Calais Better for Families?

Cordoba
Calais

Both Cordoba and Calais are nice to visit with kids.

Cordoba is a family-friendly place to visit. Horse-drawn carriage rides and then a visit to the Royal Stables of Cordoba is a great option for horse-lovers. The city also has a zoo and an impressive park - Ciudad de Los Niños. If you're willing to head out of town, about 10 kilometers away you'll find Aquasierra Waterpark.

Calais is a family-friendly town. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.


Is Cordoba or Calais Better for Couples?

Cordoba
Calais

Cordoba is well known for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Cordoba frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Beautifully lit up at night, this is a truly romantic city. There are horse-drawn carriage rides, nice parks, and an impressive botanical garden. There are also many great restaurants that couples can explore.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Cordoba or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cordoba
Calais

Cordoba is well known for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cordoba is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. It's well-established on the backpacker circuit, so you'll find plenty of hostels around town and many opportunities to meet up with other travelers.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Cordoba or Calais Better for Students?

Cordoba
Calais

Cordoba is a must-visit destination for students. However, Calais is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Cordoba. It's a top study abroad destination for international students. The university is excellent and the city is easy to navigate. It's a cultural city with a great student-friendly atmosphere.

Calais is not popular with students.


Is Cordoba or Calais Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cordoba
Calais

Both Cordoba and Calais offer nice public transit options.

Cordoba has a few public transit options. There are 15 bus lines that are operated by Aucorsa.

Calais has some public transit options. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Is Cordoba or Calais a more walkable city?

Cordoba
Calais

Cordoba is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Cordoba is a very walkable destination. It's small and compact enough to explore on foot.

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Cordoba Worth Visiting? and Is Calais Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calais or Cordoba?

How long in Cordoba or Calais?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cordoba and Calais. In our opinion, Cordoba has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cordoba than Calais. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Cordoba than Calais. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cordoba, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Cordoba than Calais. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cordoba that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cordoba than Calais if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Cordoba.


  • How many days in Cordoba or Calais? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cordoba 1-3 
    Calais 1-3

One day in Cordoba or Calais?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cordoba. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Calais, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A weekend in Cordoba or Calais?

Cordoba is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Calais, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Calais has to offer.

Five days in Cordoba or Calais?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cordoba. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Calais is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Cordoba or Calais?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the flower-filled destination of Cordoba. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Calais. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Calais. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.


Which place is cheaper, Calais or Cordoba?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cordoba is €127, while the average daily cost in Calais is €139. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cordoba and Calais in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cordoba 68
    Calais 77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cordoba 136
    Calais 154
Compare Hotels in Cordoba and Calais

Looking for a hotel in Cordoba or Calais? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cordoba


Hotels in Calais


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cordoba Hotel Prices and Calais Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cordoba 28
    Calais 47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cordoba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cordoba:

  • Cordoba to Granada Private Transfer: $241
  • Private Transfer IN or OUT in Upscale Vehicle with Professional Driver: $132
  • Guided tour of Medina Azahara with transfer from Córdoba: $27
  • Medina Azahara Cordoba, with Transfer by Bus: $34
  • Private Transfer from Córdoba to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $295
  • Private transfer in Cordoba from Airport or Train Station: $72

Is it cheaper to fly into Cordoba or Calais?

Prices for flights to both Calais and Cordoba change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cordoba 34
    Calais 35
Typical Food Prices in Cordoba

Some typical examples of dining costs in Cordoba are as follows:


  • Ice Cream
    1.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cordoba

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cordoba.

  • Paella and Salmorejo 2-Hour Cooking Class in Córdoba: $49

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cordoba 25
    Calais 8.92
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cordoba

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Cordoba are as follows:


  • Garden Entrance Fee
    6.00

Tours and Activities in Cordoba

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cordoba are as follows:

  • Córdoba Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $8.95
  • Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba Guided Tour : $15
  • Medina azahara night experience without transportation: $15
  • Cordoba's Authentic Patios: 2-Hour Tour with Tickets: $15
  • Patios tour in Cordoba: $16
  • Cordoba Jewish Quartier Guided Tour: $16
  • Visit in Spanish to the Cathedral Mosque. Does not include entrance ticket: $19
  • Guided Tour to the Popular Patios of Cordoba: $20
  • Alcazar of Cordoba Small Group Tour with Skip the Line Ticket: $20
  • Cordoba Old Town Evening Walking Tour: $20
  • Authentic Patios of Cordoba Guided Tour: $20
  • Alcazar Skip the Line Guided Tour: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cordoba 37
    Calais 12

Sample the Local Flavors in Cordoba

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cordoba:

  • Evening Wine Tasting Córdoba: $26
  • Evening Local Wine Tasting in Córdoba: $39


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


Which is Bigger, Cordoba or Calais?

Cordoba has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Cordoba and Calais, 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 Cordoba or Calais?

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 Cordoba or Calais in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cordoba and Calais. Many travelers come to Cordoba for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Calais in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Cordoba is much warmer than Calais in the summer. The daily temperature in Cordoba averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Calais fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Calais this time of the year. In Cordoba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cordoba usually receives more sunshine than Calais during summer. Cordoba gets 358 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cordoba usually receives less rain than Calais. Cordoba gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cordoba 27°C (81°F) 
    Calais 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Cordoba or Calais in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cordoba as well as Calais. Many visitors come to Cordoba in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Calais for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Cordoba is much warmer than Calais. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cordoba in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Calais averages at about 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cordoba this time of the year. In the autumn, Cordoba often gets more sunshine than Calais. Cordoba gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun.

Cordoba usually gets more rain in October than Calais. Cordoba gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cordoba 19°C (66°F) 
    Calais 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Cordoba or Calais in the Winter?

Both Calais and Cordoba are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cordoba for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Calais because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Calais can be very cold. In January, Cordoba is generally much warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Cordoba average around 10°C (50°F), and Calais fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Cordoba usually receives more sunshine than Calais during winter. Cordoba gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cordoba usually receives more rain than Calais. Cordoba gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cordoba 10°C (50°F) 
    Calais 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Cordoba or Calais in the Spring?

Both Calais and Cordoba during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Cordoba because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Calais this time of year.

Cordoba is much warmer than Calais in the spring. The daily temperature in Cordoba averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Calais fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Cordoba. In the spring, Cordoba often gets more sunshine than Calais. Cordoba gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun.

Cordoba usually gets more rain in April than Calais. Cordoba gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cordoba 16°C (60°F) 
    Calais 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Calais and Cordoba

Cordoba Calais
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 4°C (40°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 5°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 9°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 24°C (74°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 26 mm (1 in) 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)