A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Hondarribia vs. Bilbao for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hondarribia or Bilbao?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Hondarribia and Bilbao. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Hondarribia or Bilbao?

Hondarribia

The characteristic Spanish buildings painted in the brightest, most vibrant of colors only match the true spirit of the town, Hondarribia, Spain. Hondarribia is located on the west shore of Bidasoa river's mouth in Gipuzkoa of Basque Country. The town is rich in its Spanish history, holding both an ancient old quarter with walls and a castle within. Hondarribia is also known for its gorgeous beach of bright blue water across the Bidasoa alongside the fertile, roaming mountain of Jaizkibel. What's more, Hondarribia faces the border of Hendaye, France, so if you are yearning to expand your cultural learning, take a service boat over to Spain's friendly neighbor! No matter if you want to explore the ancient architecture or enjoy the cooling waters of the bay, Hondarribia is definitely a location known for its beauty and activity!

Bilbao

The industrial city of Bilbao is located on a port of the Nervión River in northern Spain, an important location of Basque country. While the downtown is filled with skyscrapers and innovative architecture, it sits between a river and mountains of natural allure. A city of hard-workers to the core, Bilbao displays remnants of its industrial past, though in more recent years it has transformed into a center for art. It is now a popular location for visitors looking to experience art galleries and museums.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Spain, The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Hondarribia?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Hondarribia Prices
    Spain Prices
    Bilbao Prices
    Spain Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Hondarribia 162
    Bilbao 170

The average daily cost (per person) in Hondarribia is €162, while the average daily cost in Bilbao is €170. 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 Hondarribia and Bilbao in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hondarribia 70
    Bilbao 72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hondarribia 140
    Bilbao 144
Compare Hotels in Hondarribia and Bilbao

Looking for a hotel in Hondarribia or Bilbao? 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 Hondarribia


Hotels in Bilbao


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: Hondarribia Hotel Prices and Bilbao Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hondarribia 32
    Bilbao 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:

  • Transfer Bilbao or San Sebastian Airports to San Sebastian by Van: $116
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Laguardia town: $229
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Bilbao Cruise Port: $228
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Bilbao: $176
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria city to Logroño Airport : $281
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria city to Bilbao Airport: $176
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Elciego town: $229
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao to Santander Port: $277
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Vitoria Airport : $176
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Vitoria: $176
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Santander Airport : $277
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Bilbao Cruise Port: $200

Is it cheaper to fly into Hondarribia or Bilbao?

Prices for flights to both Bilbao and Hondarribia 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
    Hondarribia 71
    Bilbao 77

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bilbao

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

  • Bilbao Food Tour with Pintxos & Drinks with a Local: $105
  • Bilbao Food Tour: Pintxos, Drinks, and Tapas with a Local: $107
  • The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $112
  • Basque Food Tour and Wine Tasting with Guide: $112
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class: $112
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao: $120
  • Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $120
  • The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing by Basque Local: $126
  • Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $148
  • Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $150
  • Immersive Basque Cooking Class: $165
  • Gourmet Pintxos & Premium Wines small groups Food Tour: $216

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hondarribia 22
    Bilbao 29

Tours and Activities in Hondarribia

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

  • Get to know Hondarribia by sea. Audio-guided boat tour: $53
  • From San Sebastian: Hondarribia, San Pedro & San Juan Tour: $65

Tours and Activities in Bilbao

Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 4-hour Private Bilbao City Walking Tour: $213
  • Artist-Guided Tour of the Guggenheim Museum: $107
  • Awesome Bilbao – Private Family Walking Tour: $473
  • BILBAO-City Highlights Bike Tour: $42
  • Basque Country 7-Day Guided Tour from Bilbao: $1,315
  • Bilbao & Guggenheim Museum Private Walking Tour with guide: $246
  • Bilbao & Guggenheim Private Walking Tour from Hotel/Center: $308
  • Bilbao - Private Historic walking tour: $414
  • Bilbao 3-Day Package: Guggenheim, Hotel Stay and Bike Tour: $297
  • Bilbao : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $53
  • Bilbao All Iron Tour: Guggenheim and San Mamés with Lunch: $295
  • Bilbao Electric Bike Tour: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hondarribia 18
    Bilbao 21

Sample the Local Flavors in Bilbao

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

  • Unique Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier - In Bilbao: $53
  • Basque Wine Tasting with Sommelier (Bilbao): $54
  • Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, Mundaka, Gernika, & Wine Tour: $70
  • From La Rioja Wineries Day Trip with Wine Tastings: $75
  • Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $100
  • Basque Best Bites - #1 Food & Wine tour of Bilbao: $120
  • Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $195
  • Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $198
  • Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $207
  • Boutique Rioja Wine Tour with Charming Lunch (From Bilbao): $266
  • Marques de Riscal and Ysios Rioja Wine Tour w/ Lunch from Bilbao: $274
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $287


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


Which is Bigger, Hondarribia or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hondarribia. When comparing the sizes of Hondarribia and Bilbao, 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 Hondarribia or Bilbao?

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 Hondarribia or Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Hondarribia during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In the summer, Hondarribia is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hondarribia in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Bilbao averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Hondarribia. In the summer, Hondarribia often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Hondarribia gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

Hondarribia usually gets more rain in July than Bilbao. Hondarribia gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hondarribia 20°C (68°F) 
    Bilbao 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Hondarribia or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hondarribia and Bilbao. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Hondarribia is generally around the same temperature as Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Hondarribia average around 16°C (60°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

Hondarribia usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Hondarribia gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Hondarribia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Hondarribia usually receives more rain than Bilbao. Hondarribia gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hondarribia 16°C (60°F) 
    Bilbao 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Hondarribia or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hondarribia as well as Bilbao. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hondarribia is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the winter. The daily temperature in Hondarribia averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Hondarribia often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Hondarribia gets 85 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Hondarribia receives a lot of rain in the winter. Hondarribia usually gets more rain in January than Bilbao. Hondarribia gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hondarribia 8°C (47°F) 
    Bilbao 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Hondarribia or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and Hondarribia are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Hondarribia is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hondarribia in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Bilbao averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Hondarribia usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Hondarribia gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. It's quite rainy in Hondarribia. In April, Hondarribia usually receives more rain than Bilbao. Hondarribia gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hondarribia 12°C (54°F) 
    Bilbao 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Hondarribia

Hondarribia Bilbao
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)