A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dover vs. Biarritz for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Dover or Biarritz?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dover and Biarritz can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dover

Dover is a natural, breathtaking, and iconic town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and food.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a relaxing, quirky, and dynamic seaside town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Dover and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Dover or Biarritz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Biarritz. Although Dover and Biarritz are both popular with visitors, Biarritz has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Biarritz is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Dover is known for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Biarritz is more touristy than Dover and is popular for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. It is also home to Grande Plage. Dover is popular for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe.

How is Dover different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dover or Biarritz?

Dover
Biarritz

Dover is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Dover offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.


Is the Food Better in Dover or Biarritz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dover
Biarritz

Biarritz is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Biarritz is an experience not to be missed. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dover. The town has a growing food scene that includes waterfront restaurants and local dishes. Find a restaurant with a view to make sure you take full advantage of the setting.

Is Dover or Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

Dover
Biarritz

Biarritz is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town for nightlife.

Biarritz offers plenty to do in the evening. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dover. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

Is Dover or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Dover
Biarritz

Biarritz is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Dover is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Biarritz. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Dover is not a resort destination.


Is Dover or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Dover
Biarritz

Biarritz is a well-known place for the beach. However, Dover is not a beach destination.

Biarritz is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Dover is not a beach destination.

Is Dover or Biarritz Better for Hiking?

Dover
Biarritz

Dover is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Biarritz is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Dover. There are many beautiful countryside walks that take you through the rolling hills and along the iconic white cliffs. Some of the best hikes in the area include The England Coast Path, The North Downs Way Saxon Shore Way.

Biarritz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dover or Biarritz?

Dover
Biarritz

Biarritz is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Biarritz. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Dover or Biarritz Better for Families?

Dover
Biarritz

Biarritz is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Biarritz is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

Dover is a family-friendly town. There are a few kid-friendly museums like the Dover Transport Museum and the Dover Castle. Also make sure you check out the South Foreland Lighthouse.

Is Dover or Biarritz Better for Couples?

Dover
Biarritz

Both Dover and Biarritz are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Dover is a very popular place to visit for couples. The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight and perfect for a romantic trip away. Also make sure you check out St. Margaret's Bay Beach and the Kearsney Abbey Gardens.

Biarritz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

Is Dover or Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dover
Biarritz

Biarritz is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Biarritz is a very popular seaside town for backpackers and budget travelers. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Dover. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.


Is Dover or Biarritz Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dover
Biarritz

Biarritz is very good for its public transit. However, Dover is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Biarritz has a few public transit options. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Public transit is mostly limited in Dover. There are public buses through the district.

Is Dover or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Dover
Biarritz

Biarritz is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

Biarritz is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

Dover is somewhat walkable. You can wander around the countryside, but prepare for rolling hills and great views.

For even more information, also check out Is Dover Worth Visiting? and Is Biarritz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Dover?

How long in Dover or Biarritz?

Both Dover and Biarritz have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Biarritz than in Dover. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dover, and 3-7 days is enough time in Biarritz.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Biarritz than Dover 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 Biarritz.


  • How many days in Dover or Biarritz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dover 2-4 
    Biarritz 3-7

One day in Dover or Biarritz?

The beautiful town of Dover offers museums and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Biarritz, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this relaxing destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.


A weekend in Dover or Biarritz?

Dover is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dover, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dover or Biarritz?

Dover is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Biarritz is a fun place to experience. In Biarritz, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Dover or Biarritz?

Dover is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

In Biarritz, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this quirky destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Biarritz or Dover?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dover is £124, while the average daily cost in Biarritz is £112. 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 Dover and Biarritz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dover £62
    Biarritz £63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dover £124
    Biarritz £126
Compare Hotels in Dover and Biarritz

Looking for a hotel in Dover or Biarritz? 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 Dover


Hotels in Biarritz


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: Dover Hotel Prices and Biarritz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dover £39
    Biarritz £33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dover

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dover:

  • Private transfer from Dover to London hotel or airport: $210
  • Private Transfers from Heathrow Airport to Dover Cruise Port: $147
  • Private Transfer from Dover Port to London Gatwick Airport (LGW): $55
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to London City Hotels: $98
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to London Airport (LHR): $66
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to Gatwick City Hotels: $55
  • Dover to Heathrow and London Direct Shared Transfer: $131
  • One-Way Taxi Transfer from Dover Seaport to London: $254

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Biarritz

Also for Biarritz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Biarritz : Private transfer to/from airport & train Station: $70
  • Chauffeured Transfer between Biarritz Airport, Train Station and City Center: $71
  • Arrival Private Transfer BIQ Airport to Biarritz by Luxury Vehicle: $85
  • Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian : $167
  • Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian Airport: $167
  • Private transfer from Biarritz BIQ airport to San Sebastian: $229
  • San Sebastian: Optimized transfer to Biarritz & surroundings: $262
  • Biarritz : Optimized transfer to/from Bordeaux: $749

Is it cheaper to fly into Dover or Biarritz?

Prices for flights to both Biarritz and Dover 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
    Dover £38
    Biarritz £29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Biarritz

For Biarritz, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Biarritz Food Tour Gastronomique- Taste 10 Basque specialties: $76
  • Bayonne Food Tour: Journey Through Flavors (with food and drinks): $97
  • Traditional Bayonne Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
  • Basque Country Food Tour: $240

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dover £20
    Biarritz £14

Tours and Activities in Dover

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

  • Canterbury Landmarks Private Walking Tour: $218
  • Canterbury Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $276
  • Canterbury Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Canterbury's World Heritage Sites Guided Walking Tour: $229
  • Christmas Tales in Canterbury – Private Walking Tour: $217
  • Dover & White Cliffs Tour; Canterbury, Coastal Towns & Castles: $210
  • Dover Castle Admission Ticket: $29
  • Dover Cruise Ship to Leeds Castle via Canterbury, Villages & back: $177
  • Dover Shore Excursion:Post-Cruise Tour to London via Canterbury and Leeds Castle: $172
  • From Dover Cruise Ship; Grand Tour of White Cliffs Country & back: $108
  • From London: Dover Castle and White Cliffs Tour by Car: $1,083
  • Literary & Cultural Heritage: Canterbury Private Walking Tour: $218

Tours and Activities in Biarritz

For Biarritz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Pierre IBAIALDE: Guided Tour Ham Workshop, tasting: $5.46
  • City Exploration Game & Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.45
  • Walking tours of Biarritz: $22
  • E-bike Guided Tour With Sunset local Aperitif Ride: $32
  • E-bike Guided Tour to Small California: $37
  • Basque tour of Biarritz: $49
  • Unusual Guided Tour in a Segway in Biarritz: $59
  • Biarritz guided walking & gourmet tour: $74
  • Bayonne Food Gastronomic Tour - Taste 10 Basque specialties: $97
  • Guided Tapas Tour Hondarribia from Hendaye with Food and Drinks: $108
  • Private E-bike Guided Tour: $155

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dover £7.71
    Biarritz £6.89

Sample the Local Flavors in Dover

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

  • Full Day Wine Tour in Sussex and Kent: $178


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


Which is Bigger, Dover or Biarritz?

Biarritz has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Dover and Biarritz, 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 Dover or Biarritz?

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 Dover or Biarritz in the Summer?

Both Biarritz and Dover during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Dover for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dover is generally cooler than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 17°C (63°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Biarritz, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dover. In the summer, Dover often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Biarritz. Dover gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in July than Biarritz. Dover gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dover 17°C (63°F) 
    Biarritz 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Dover or Biarritz in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dover and Biarritz. The autumn months attract visitors to Dover because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year.

Dover is cooler than Biarritz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Biarritz fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Dover usually receives less sunshine than Biarritz during autumn. Dover gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Dover usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Dover gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dover 12°C (54°F) 
    Biarritz 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Dover or Biarritz in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dover as well as Biarritz. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Dover this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Biarritz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Dover in the winter. In the winter, Dover is much colder than Biarritz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dover in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Biarritz averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Dover often gets less sunshine than Biarritz. Dover gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. Dover usually gets less rain in January than Biarritz. Dover gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dover 4°C (40°F) 
    Biarritz 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Dover or Biarritz in the Spring?

Both Biarritz and Dover are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dover for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Biarritz in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

In April, Dover is generally cooler than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 9°C (47°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Dover usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during spring. Dover gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. In April, Dover usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Dover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dover 9°C (47°F) 
    Biarritz 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Dover

Dover Biarritz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 9°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)


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