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

Should you visit Ericeira or Carcassonne?

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 Ericeira and Carcassonne can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Ericeira or Carcassonne?

Ericeira

Beneath an indigo sky, a city perches at the edge of sandstone cliffs that overlook the vast expanse of the Atlantic. A seaside resort and fishing community, Ericeira is located in western Portugal within the municipality of Mafra. A picturesque village, Ericeira is quaint, quiet, and absolutely breathtaking with a population of no more than 10,260. Because of its blue waters and pristine coastlines, it has been named the Surfing Mecca of Europe. The town was a famous summer retreat for the families of Lisbon during the 1940s and 1950s and still remains so today for families beyond Lisbon's borders. Ericeira also has a World Surfing Reserve, the first in Europe and second in the world. Besides the many beaches on Ericeira, including Ribeira d'Ilhas, Pescadores, and Mataduoro, the town also has a park called Parque de Santa Maria as well as an old town center that has a collection of cafes, shops, restaurants, and bars. There are also some important landmarks that can be explored as no more than a brief visit, such as Forte Mil Regos and Casa De Cultura Jaime Lobo E. Silvs. Whether you are a surfer, fisher, or simply a lover of the beach, Ericeira is the perfect place for those who wish to experience the Atlantic like never before.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lisbon, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Ericeira or Carcassonne?

Carcassonne has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Ericeira. When comparing the sizes of Ericeira and Carcassonne, 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 Ericeira or Carcassonne?

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 Ericeira or Carcassonne in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ericeira and Carcassonne. Furthermore, most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Ericeira is around the same temperature as Carcassonne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ericeira in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Carcassonne this time of the year. In Ericeira, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ericeira usually receives more sunshine than Carcassonne during summer. Ericeira gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ericeira usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Ericeira gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ericeira or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ericeira as well as Carcassonne. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Ericeira is generally a little warmer than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Ericeira average around 19°C (66°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ericeira this time of the year. In the autumn, Ericeira often gets more sunshine than Carcassonne. Ericeira gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun.

Ericeira usually gets less rain in October than Carcassonne. Ericeira gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ericeira or Carcassonne in the Winter?

Both Carcassonne and Ericeira are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

Ericeira is a little warmer than Carcassonne in the winter. The daily temperature in Ericeira averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Ericeira usually receives more sunshine than Carcassonne during winter. Ericeira gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Ericeira. In January, Ericeira usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Ericeira gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ericeira or Carcassonne in the Spring?

Both Carcassonne and Ericeira during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Ericeira is a little warmer than Carcassonne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ericeira in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 14°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Ericeira. In the spring, Ericeira often gets more sunshine than Carcassonne. Ericeira gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun.

Ericeira usually gets more rain in April than Carcassonne. Ericeira gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Ericeira