A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hondarribia vs. Lake Garda for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hondarribia or Lake Garda?

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 Lake Garda. 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 Lake Garda?

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!

Lake Garda

As a gentle Mediterranean wind touches your skin, the aromatic fragrances of olive and lemon trees fill the air. Surrounded by lush gardens and Italian architecture in its ancient tans and beiges, you look to the horizon and find a paradise before your eyes: a shimmering lake, misty mountaintops, and a clear blue sky. Lake Garda is a popular holiday destination for locals of the Lombardy region and tourists alike. It has been shown that about 7% of Italy's tourists head straight for these gleaming blue shores. The largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda is located about halfway in between Brescia and Verona and between Venezia and Milano. Because it is surrounded by several different districts - Lombardy, Trentino, Alto, and the Veneto - Lake Garda is a culmination of culture that attracts cosmopolitan crowds. The lake is an ancient natural treasure Italy holds dear, with documents referring to Lake Garda dating as far back as the eighteenth century. The name "Garda" comes from the Germanic word "warda," which means "place of guard." Whether you are staying at one of the many luxurious resorts in Riva del Garda or are simply getting a pedicure in spa town Sirmione, Lake Garda continues to preserve its elegance and sophistication throughout the years.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hondarribia Expensive? and Is Lake Garda Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Hondarribia or Lake Garda?

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 Hondarribia or Lake Garda in the Summer?

Both Lake Garda and Hondarribia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Lake Garda for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hondarribia is cooler than Lake Garda. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hondarribia in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Lake Garda. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hondarribia. Hondarribia usually receives less sunshine than Lake Garda during summer. Hondarribia gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hondarribia usually receives more rain than Lake Garda. Hondarribia gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hondarribia or Lake Garda in the Autumn?

Both Lake Garda and Hondarribia during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lake Garda in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Hondarribia is generally a little warmer than Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Hondarribia average around 16°C (60°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Hondarribia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lake Garda. Hondarribia gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 137 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hondarribia. Hondarribia usually gets more rain in October than Lake Garda. Hondarribia gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hondarribia or Lake Garda in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hondarribia and Lake Garda. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lake Garda for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Lake Garda can be very cold during winter. Hondarribia is much warmer than Lake Garda in the winter. The daily temperature in Hondarribia averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Hondarribia usually receives less sunshine than Lake Garda during winter. Hondarribia gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hondarribia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hondarribia usually receives more rain than Lake Garda. Hondarribia gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hondarribia or Lake Garda in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hondarribia as well as Lake Garda. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Lake Garda because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Hondarribia is around the same temperature as Lake Garda. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hondarribia in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Hondarribia often gets less sunshine than Lake Garda. Hondarribia gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun.

Hondarribia receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hondarribia usually gets more rain in April than Lake Garda. Hondarribia gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Hondarribia