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

Should you visit Malaga or Hondarribia?

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 Malaga and Hondarribia. 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: Malaga or Hondarribia?

Malaga

Malaga is a port city in the southern part of Spain. It is the 6th largest city in Spain and the southernmost large city in Europe. Malaga lies on the Mediterranean on the Costa del Sol, only 62 miles east of the Strait of Gibraltar, and 80 miles north of Africa. Malaga's history dates back about 2,800 years, which makes it one of the oldest cities in the world. The archaeological remains and monuments from the Phoenician, Roman, Arabic and Christian eras make the historic center of the city an "open museum", displaying its history of more than 3,000 years. Because of its important cultural infrastructure and the artistic heritage, Malaga has been nominated for the European Capital of Culture. Malaga's most important economic contributors include tourism, technology, and construction, but transportation and logistics are becoming increasingly important factors as well.

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!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Hondarribia or Malaga?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Malaga is €140, while the average daily cost in Hondarribia is €132. 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 Malaga and Hondarribia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Malaga 75
    Hondarribia 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Malaga 150
    Hondarribia 140
Compare Hotels in Malaga and Hondarribia

Looking for a hotel in Malaga or Hondarribia? 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 Malaga


Hotels in Hondarribia


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: Malaga Hotel Prices and Hondarribia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Malaga 31
    Hondarribia 32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:

  • Vip Transfer from Malaga Airport to Malaga Fuengirola or Marbella: $55
  • Vip Private Transfer from Malaga Airport to Gibraltar Border: $164
  • Transfer from Malaga Airport to Costa del Sol Hotels (Any Hotel): $42
  • TRANSFER MALAGA AIRPORT from OR to ESTEPONA-PRICE ALL INCLUSIVE: $125
  • Private Transfer: Malaga to Malaga Airport (AGP): $33
  • Private Transfer from/to Seville to/from Malaga & Stop Alhambra: $230
  • Private Transfer from/to Motril to/from Malaga with private driver: $159
  • Private Transfer from airport to Malaga : $69
  • Private Transfer from Torrequebrada to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $57
  • Private Transfer from Torremuelle to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $57
  • Private Transfer from Torremolinos to Malaga (AGP) airport: $39
  • Private Transfer from Sitio de Calahonda to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Malaga or Hondarribia?

Prices for flights to both Hondarribia and Malaga 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
    Malaga 35
    Hondarribia 41
Typical Food Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    30
  • Dinner for 2
    44
  • Breakfast for 2
    8.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malaga

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

  • Dinner and Show at Alegría Flamenco & Restaurant in Malaga: $65
  • Malaga Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $86
  • Malaga Tapas Cooking Class: $89
  • Sardines On Skewers Show Cooking in Malaga beach: $147

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Malaga 31
    Hondarribia 22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:


  • Entrance to Castillos
    7.10
  • Concert
    31

Tours and Activities in Malaga

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Malaga are as follows:

  • Half-Day Luxury Motor Yacht Cruise in Granada: $153
  • Private Tour of Ronda and Setenil de Las Bodegas: $240
  • Sealife Benalmadena Entrance Ticket: $21
  • Winery and Olive Mill Guided and Tasting Tour with Tapas: $120
  • 1 Hour Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $87
  • 1.5-Hour Roman Theater and Alcazaba Castle Walking Tour: $16
  • 1h buggy tour: $115
  • 2 Hour Family Buggy Tour, Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $164
  • 2 Hour Quad/ATV Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $142
  • 2 Hours Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $125
  • 2 Hours Kayak Tour in Cerro Gordo Natural Park, La Herradura: $28
  • 2-Hour French Guided Walking Tour in Malaga: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Malaga 22
    Hondarribia 18

Sample the Local Flavors in Malaga

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

  • Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Clubs Entry: $17
  • Guided Cellar Tour and wine tasting: $35
  • Frigiliana Small-Group Hike and Wine Tasting Tour from Malaga: $60
  • Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included: $76
  • Malaga Food Walking Tour with Tapas & Wine Tasting: $98
  • Ronda Tour & Winery Experience with Wine Tasting from Malaga: $109
  • Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $136


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


Which is Bigger, Malaga or Hondarribia?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Hondarribia. When comparing the sizes of Malaga and Hondarribia, 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 Malaga or Hondarribia?

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 Malaga or Hondarribia in the Summer?

Both Hondarribia and Malaga during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Hondarribia. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 25°C (77°F), and Hondarribia fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Hondarribia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the summer, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Hondarribia. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hondarribia receives 209 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in July than Hondarribia. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Malaga 25°C (77°F) 
    Hondarribia 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Hondarribia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Hondarribia. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.

Malaga is a little warmer than Hondarribia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Hondarribia fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Hondarribia during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Hondarribia receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Hondarribia receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Malaga usually receives less rain than Hondarribia. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Malaga 19°C (67°F) 
    Hondarribia 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Hondarribia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Hondarribia. Many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Malaga is a little warmer than Hondarribia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Malaga in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Hondarribia averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Hondarribia. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hondarribia receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hondarribia. Malaga usually gets less rain in January than Hondarribia. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Malaga 12°C (54°F) 
    Hondarribia 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Malaga or Hondarribia in the Spring?

Both Hondarribia and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Malaga in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Hondarribia. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 16°C (60°F), and Hondarribia fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Hondarribia during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Hondarribia receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hondarribia. In April, Malaga usually receives less rain than Hondarribia. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Malaga 16°C (60°F) 
    Hondarribia 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Hondarribia and Malaga

Malaga Hondarribia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)