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

Should you visit Granada or Biarritz?

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

Should I visit Granada or Biarritz? 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.

Granada

Granada is a beautiful, charming, and cultural city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a quirky, dynamic, and cultural seaside town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Granada and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Biarritz?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Granada. Although Granada and Biarritz are popular destinations, Granada has more sights and attractions for tourists. Granada is very popular for its museums, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Biarritz attracts visitors for its food, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm. Granada is famous for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. It is also well known for The Alhambra. Biarritz is famous for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere.

How is Granada different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Granada is renowned for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Granada are world-renowned. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

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 Granada or Biarritz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Biarritz is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Biarritz. 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).

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Granada. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around town.

Is Granada or Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

Both Granada and Biarritz have high quality vibes after the sun sets.

Granada has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

The people in Biarritz know how to have a good time. 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.

Is Granada or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Granada is not a resort destination.

Biarritz is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Granada is not a resort destination.

Is Granada or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, Granada is not a beach destination.

Biarritz is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Granada is not a beach destination.

Is Granada or Biarritz Better for its Old Town?

Granada is renowned for its old town. However, Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Granada is one of the most recognized in the world. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Is Granada or Biarritz Better for Hiking?

Granada 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 Granada. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

Biarritz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Biarritz?

Biarritz is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Granada offers some nice shopping areas. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.

Is Granada or Biarritz Better for Families?

Biarritz is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Biarritz is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Granada. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

Is Granada or Biarritz Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Granada and Biarritz make for a high quality place to visit.

Granada makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

Couples visit Biarritz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Granada or Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada and Biarritz are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Granada is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet other travelers.

Biarritz is a great city to visit for backpackers. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

Is Granada or Biarritz Better for Students?

Granada is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Biarritz is not popular with students.

Granada is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

Biarritz is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Granada and Biarritz.

Granada has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

You'll find some public transit in Biarritz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Is Granada or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Granada and Biarritz are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Granada is very walkable. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Granada?

How long in Granada or Biarritz?

Both Granada 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 Granada. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Granada, and 3-7 days is enough time in Biarritz.

Families should spend more time in Biarritz than Granada. 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 Granada. 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 Granada than Biarritz 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 Granada.

One day in Granada or Biarritz?

The beautiful city of Granada offers food and shopping. 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, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This seaside town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Granada or Biarritz?

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

In Biarritz, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Granada or Biarritz?

Granada is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Biarritz has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Granada or Biarritz?

Granada is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. 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 city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. In Biarritz, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Granada or Biarritz?

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

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 Granada or Biarritz in the Summer?

Both Biarritz and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Granada because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year.

In the summer, Granada is a little warmer than Biarritz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Granada in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Biarritz averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Biarritz. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Granada. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during summer. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Granada usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Granada or Biarritz in the Autumn?

Both Biarritz and Granada during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Granada this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Biarritz for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Granada is generally a little warmer than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 19°C (67°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Granada. In the autumn, Granada often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Granada gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Granada usually gets less rain in October than Biarritz. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Biarritz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Biarritz. Many travelers come to Granada for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Biarritz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Granada is a little warmer than Biarritz in the winter. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Biarritz fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Granada usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during winter. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Granada usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Granada or Biarritz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Granada as well as Biarritz. Many visitors come to Granada in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

In the spring, Granada is a little warmer than Biarritz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Granada in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Biarritz averages at about 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Granada this time of the year. In the spring, Granada often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. Granada usually gets less rain in April than Biarritz. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Granada