Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Hondarribia?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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 Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Spain, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHondarribia €132Bilbao €137
The average daily cost (per person) in Hondarribia is €132, while the average daily cost in Bilbao is €137. 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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHondarribia €70Bilbao €72
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHondarribia €140Bilbao €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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hondarribia €32Bilbao €26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:
- Private transfer from Bilbao City Center to Bilbao Airport (BIO): $33
- Private transfer from Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao City Center: $33
- Private one way arrival OR departure transfer in Bilbao from/to airport: $67
- Private Transfer on arrival and departure in Bilbao: $71
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to San Sebastian: $291
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to Pamplona: $229
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to Logroño: $245
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to Laguardia town: $199
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to Elciego town: $199
- Private Transfer from Vitoria to Bilbao Cruise Port: $208
- Private Transfer from Vitoria city to Logroño Airport : $245
- Private Transfer from Vitoria city to Bilbao Airport: $153
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
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Food Meals for one dayHondarribia €41Bilbao €45
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bilbao
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bilbao.
- Basque Food Tour with Guide: $85
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $101
- The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairing: $109
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar: $112
- Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao: $115
- Basque Flavours: High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $120
- Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $133
- Private Food Tour, Food Lovers with Tastings: $133
- Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $142
- Traditional Basque Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $154
- Guggenheim Museum Visit & Private Walking Food Tour: $196
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hondarribia €22Bilbao €29
Tours and Activities in Bilbao
Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- PRIVATE San Sebastian and Basque Coast Tour from Bilbao: $289
- Pintxos Tasting in Bilbao Small Group or Private Walking Tour: $81
- Private Tour San Sebastian & Getaria Fishing Village From Bilbao: $294
- Awesome Bilbao – Private Family Walking Tour: $382
- BILBAO-City Highlights Bike Tour: $35
- Basque Coast Tour: Vizcaya Bridge, Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo and Gernika: $66
- Basque Country 7-Day Guided Tour from Bilbao: $1,139
- Bike tour with Pintxos & Drinks in Getxo (Scenic Bilbao Seaside): $60
- Bilbao & Guggenheim Museum Private Walking Tour with guide: $285
- Bilbao & Guggenheim Private Walking Tour from Hotel/Center: $278
- Bilbao - Private Historic walking tour: $372
- Bilbao 3-Day Package: Guggenheim, Hotel Stay and Bike Tour: $250
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHondarribia €18Bilbao €21
Sample the Local Flavors in Bilbao
Also in Bilbao, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Pub Crawl Bilbao: $24
- Immersive Evening Spanish Wine Tasting w/ Sommelier: $53
- Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $79
- Txakoli, Gaztelugatxe, & Urdaibai with wine tasting: $80
- Guided tour of Txakoli wine tasting and tasting of wine and typical products: $147
- Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $176
- Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $186
- From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $239
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Vitoria: $240
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $246
- Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Vitoria: $251
- La Rioja Boutique Wine Tour - 2 Wineries & Picnic Lunch (From Bilbao): $257
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.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHondarribia 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHondarribia 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 and the shopping scene.
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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHondarribia 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHondarribia 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) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.