A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hofn vs. Biarritz for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hofn or Biarritz?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Hofn or Biarritz, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Hofn or Biarritz?

Hofn

Hofn is a very small fishing town on the southeast of Iceland, measuring just over half a mile across. It is best known for being located in the beautiful Vatnajokull Region, where the largest glacier in Europe is located. Hofn, and the surrounding area, is full of breathtaking natural scenery including lagoons, icefalls, and mountains.

Biarritz

Biarritz is an elegant seaside town on southwestern France's Basque coast that has been a popular resort since European royalty started visiting the area in the 1800s. It is located on France's Atlantic Coast in the Bay of Biscay. Half ritzy coastal resort, half summer surfer's hang-out, the seaside resort of Biarritz has been a favorite seaside getaway ever since Napoleon III and his Spanish-born wife Eugenie arrived during the mid-19th century. To entertain her court, the empress built a grand palace, which is now a luxurious hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant. Other than this exquisite villa by the sea, the names of the streets in Biarritz also hint at the city's royal past: Avenue de l'Imperatrice, Avenue de la Reine Victoria, and Esplanade Elizabeth II. Mansions decked with steeples and spectacular windows recall the city's 19th-century splendors. Though the royal influence of Biarritz has faded, the city is still a popular tourist destination for those looking for a classic summer holiday. Pristine sandy beaches, beautiful coastal villas, and stylish restaurants offer a sophisticated ambience. Wide seafront promenades and well-placed benches allow visitors to soak up the stunning natural landscape. Biarritz is also the capital of surfing in Europe.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Luxury Tours to Iceland, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Biarritz or Hofn?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hofn is $151, while the average daily cost in Biarritz is $141. 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 Hofn and Biarritz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hofn $97
    Biarritz $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hofn $194
    Biarritz $158
Compare Hotels in Hofn and Biarritz

Looking for a hotel in Hofn 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 Hofn


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: Hofn Hotel Prices and Biarritz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hofn $27
    Biarritz $42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Biarritz

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Hofn or Biarritz?

Prices for flights to both Biarritz and Hofn 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
    Hofn $36
    Biarritz $36

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.
    Hofn $18
    Biarritz $17

Tours and Activities in Hofn

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Hofn.

  • Blue Ice Cave Adventure: $284
  • Crystal Ice Cave Adventure : $185
  • Ice Cave Tour in the National Park of Vatnajökull: $160
  • Ice Exploration Tour from the Glacier Lagoon: $129
  • Private Iceland Aurora Hunting and Photography Tour from Hofn: $291
  • Sapphire Ice Cave Tour from Jökulsárlón - Extra Small Group: $170

Tours and Activities in Biarritz

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

  • Basque tour of Biarritz: $49
  • Bayonne Food Gastronomic Tour - Taste 10 Basque specialties: $97
  • Bayonne Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $279
  • Biarritz guided walking & gourmet tour: $74
  • Biarritz, Bayonne, and Basque Country: Private Driving Tour: $957
  • 2-Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: $187
  • City Exploration Game & Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.45
  • E-bike Guided Tour With Sunset local Aperitif Ride: $32
  • E-bike Guided Tour to Small California: $37
  • French Basque Country Coastline tour in a 70'sVW Van: $457
  • French Basque Country Private Day Tour in an 70's VW Combi: $599

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hofn $12
    Biarritz $8.62


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


Which is Bigger, Hofn or Biarritz?

Biarritz has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hofn. When comparing the sizes of Hofn 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 Hofn 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 Hofn or Biarritz in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hofn and Biarritz. Also, most visitors come to Biarritz for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Hofn is much colder than Biarritz in the summer. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 9°C (48°F) in July, and Biarritz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In July, Hofn usually receives around the same amount of rain as Biarritz. Hofn gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hofn 9°C (48°F) 
    Biarritz 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Biarritz in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hofn as well as Biarritz. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Hofn can be very cold during autumn. In the autumn, Hofn is much colder than Biarritz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hofn in October average around 4°C (40°F), and Biarritz averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. Hofn receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hofn usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Biarritz. Hofn gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hofn 4°C (40°F) 
    Biarritz 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Biarritz in the Winter?

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

The weather in Hofn can be very cold. In January, Hofn is generally much colder than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Hofn average around -0°C (31°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. It's quite rainy in Hofn. In January, Hofn usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Hofn gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hofn -0°C (31°F) 
    Biarritz 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Hofn or Biarritz in the Spring?

Both Biarritz and Hofn during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm.

It's quite cold in Hofn in the spring. Hofn is much colder than Biarritz in the spring. The daily temperature in Hofn averages around 2°C (36°F) in April, and Biarritz fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hofn usually gets less rain in April than Biarritz. Hofn gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hofn 2°C (36°F) 
    Biarritz 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Hofn

Hofn Biarritz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 0°C (32°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 0°C (32°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 5°C (40°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 8°C (46°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 9°C (48°F) 77 mm (3 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 9°C (48°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 4°C (40°F) 153 mm (6 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 1°C (34°F) 101 mm (4 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec -0°C (32°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)