A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Figueira da Foz vs. San Sebastian for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Figueira da Foz or San Sebastian?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Figueira da Foz and San Sebastian 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.

Where Should I go: Figueira da Foz or San Sebastian?

Figueira da Foz

Located along the glistening waters of the Atlantic Ocean, a bustling city thrives near its shores with towering skyscrapers guarding the city like metallic giants. Figueira da Foz, or simply Figueira, is nestled within the Columbia District and is both a city and municipality. Sheltered by the hills of Serra da Boa Viagem, Figueira is near the mouth of the Mondego River and right beside the Atlantic. Only about 40 kilometers from Coimbra, Figueira has a population of 46,600 and is the second largest city found throughout the region. Because it is a seaside city, Figueira subsists off of Portuguese as well as international tourism, maintaining its pristine beaches, supplying seaport facilities, and a plethora of restaurants, gift shops, cafes, and more. Some of the beaches include Quiaios, Cabedelo, Claridade, Costa de Lavos, Murtinheira, Leirosa, Molhe Norte, Cabo Mondego, and many more. Tourists are also attracted to Figueira because it is a well-known gambling spot in Portugal with the Casino da Figueira da Foz and the Casino da Figueira present and popular. There are also popular landmarks that are recommended by tourists to visit, such as Forte de Santa Catarina and Torre de Relogio. There is also a museum that features the history of the Figueira within the city. Whether you are looking to surf or sight-see, there is much to do in Figueira da Foz, Portugal.

San Sebastian

San Sebastián is a city in northern Spain very well known for its summertime fun in the sun. While the streets are cool and happening at night, they take on a different charm by day. Beautiful beaches line the city's edge, right next to elegant historic architecture and churches, topping charts as some of the best city beaches in Europe. The food, too, is said to be some of the best with traditional Basque cuisine as well as the popular pintxo (tapas) bites. San Sebastián is a place of lively culture, teeming with beauty, flavors, and colors.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Portugal, The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, San Sebastian or Figueira da Foz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Figueira da Foz is €110, while the average daily cost in San Sebastian is €86. 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 Figueira da Foz and San Sebastian in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Figueira da Foz 49
    San Sebastian 40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Figueira da Foz 98
    San Sebastian 80
Compare Hotels in Figueira da Foz and San Sebastian

Looking for a hotel in Figueira da Foz or San Sebastian? 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 Figueira da Foz


Hotels in San Sebastian


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: Figueira da Foz Hotel Prices and San Sebastian Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Figueira da Foz 34
    San Sebastian 14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Sebastian

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Sebastian:

  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian Airport to Pamplona city: $247
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Bilbao Airport: $268
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Pamplona Airport : $245
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Bilbao: $268
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Vitoria: $291
  • Private Transfer from the Airport to San Sebastian City: $84
  • San Sebastián-Bilbao city or airport private transfer: $273

Is it cheaper to fly into Figueira da Foz or San Sebastian?

Prices for flights to both San Sebastian and Figueira da Foz 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
    Figueira da Foz 41
    San Sebastian 31

Typical Food Prices in San Sebastian

Some typical examples of dining costs in San Sebastian are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    55
  • Lunch for 2
    10
  • Lunch for 2
    31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Sebastian

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

  • San Sebastian Walking and Food Tour: $104
  • Insider Best Culinary Gems Guided Food Tour in San Sebastian: $109
  • Basque Cuisine Cooking Class with Market Visit: $148
  • Full Day San Sebastian Food Tour : $150
  • I travel for Food Tour in San Sebastian: $152
  • Authentic Basque Cooking Class in the Old Town: $152
  • Private San Sebastian Walking Food Tour: $158
  • Michelin Star Secrets Cooking Class in San Sebastian: $213
  • Food tour in San Sebastian and Visit to a Gastronomical Club: $224
  • History and flavors of San Sebastian for Dinner with Eskerne Falcón: $235

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Figueira da Foz 13
    San Sebastian 33

Typical Entertainment Prices in San Sebastian

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


  • Valle de los Caídos Monument
    6.00

Tours and Activities in San Sebastian

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

  • San Sebastian Walking Tour With Pintxo And Drink: $16
  • Guided tour of San Sebastián: $19
  • Walking Tour in San Sebastian: $43
  • Electric scooter city tour: $45
  • City tour, bike ride: $45
  • San Sebastian : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $49
  • City tour, by electric bicycle: $50
  • Private Walking Tour in San Sebastian with Pintxo and Drink: $54
  • San Sebastián City Bike tour : $54
  • Private Guided Sightseeing Bike Tour of San Sebastian: $60
  • Hondarribia, S.Juan & S.Pedro Small Group Tour from San Sebastian: $60
  • Small-Group Electric Bike Tour in San Sebastián : $61

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Figueira da Foz 21
    San Sebastian 20

Sample the Local Flavors in San Sebastian

Also in San Sebastian, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Ultimate San Sebastian Pintxos & Wine Tour (Evening): $141
  • Getaria Txakoli Wine Tour with Hotel Pick-up from San Sebastian: $148
  • Best quality food & wine tasting tour in San Sebastian. : $191
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries Visit with Tasting from San Sebastian: $240
  • Rioja Wine Tour: Winery, Tasting & Lunch from San Sebastian: $251
  • Full Rioja Wine Tour with Lunch from San Sebastian Private Tour: $298


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Figueira da Foz and San Sebastian, we can see that Figueira da Foz is more expensive. And not only is San Sebastian much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Sebastian would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Sebastian 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 Figueira da Foz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Figueira da Foz than you might in San Sebastian.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Figueira da Foz Expensive? and Is San Sebastian Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Figueira da Foz or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Figueira da Foz. When comparing the sizes of Figueira da Foz and San Sebastian, 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 Figueira da Foz or San Sebastian?

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 Figueira da Foz or San Sebastian in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Figueira da Foz and San Sebastian. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Figueira da Foz is generally a little warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Figueira da Foz average around 23°C (73°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Sebastian this time of the year. In Figueira da Foz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Figueira da Foz usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during summer. Figueira da Foz gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Figueira da Foz usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Figueira da Foz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Figueira da Foz 23°C (73°F) 
    San Sebastian 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Figueira da Foz or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Figueira da Foz as well as San Sebastian. Additionally, the shopping scene are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.

Figueira da Foz is a little warmer than San Sebastian in the autumn. The daily temperature in Figueira da Foz averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Figueira da Foz often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Figueira da Foz gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Figueira da Foz receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Figueira da Foz usually gets less rain in October than San Sebastian. Figueira da Foz gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Figueira da Foz 18°C (65°F) 
    San Sebastian 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Figueira da Foz or San Sebastian in the Winter?

Both San Sebastian and Figueira da Foz are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Figueira da Foz is a little warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the winter temperatures in Figueira da Foz in January average around 11°C (51°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Figueira da Foz usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during winter. Figueira da Foz gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. It's quite rainy in Figueira da Foz. In January, Figueira da Foz usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Figueira da Foz gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Figueira da Foz 11°C (51°F) 
    San Sebastian 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Figueira da Foz or San Sebastian in the Spring?

Both San Sebastian and Figueira da Foz during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Figueira da Foz is generally a little warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Figueira da Foz average around 15°C (59°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Figueira da Foz. In the spring, Figueira da Foz often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Figueira da Foz gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun.

San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Figueira da Foz usually gets less rain in April than San Sebastian. Figueira da Foz gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Figueira da Foz 15°C (59°F) 
    San Sebastian 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Figueira da Foz

Figueira da Foz San Sebastian
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (51°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 12°C (53°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 13°C (56°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 101 mm (4 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 128 mm (5 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)