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

Should you visit Montpellier 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 Montpellier 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: Montpellier or Hondarribia?

Montpellier

Montpellier is the 8th largest city of France, and also has been the fastest growing city in the country over the past 25 years. Graceful and easy-going, Montpellier is a stylish metropolis with elegant buildings, grand hotels, private mansions, stately boulevards and shady backstreets, and gorgeous white-sand beaches on its doorstep. Unlike many southern towns, Montpellier has no Roman heritage. Instead it was founded in the 10th century by the counts of Toulouse and later became a prosperous trading port as well as a scholarly center - Europe's first medical school was established here in the 12th century. The population swelled in the 1960s when many French settlers left independent Algeria and relocated here, and it's now France's fastest-growing city and one of its most multicultural areas. Students make up over a third of the population, giving it a spirited vibe.

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Montpellier or Hondarribia?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Montpellier as well as Hondarribia. The summer months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Montpellier is a little warmer than Hondarribia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Montpellier in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Hondarribia averages at about 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hondarribia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. In the summer, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Hondarribia. Montpellier gets 351 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hondarribia receives 209 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets less rain in July than Hondarribia. Montpellier gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or Hondarribia in the Autumn?

Both Hondarribia and Montpellier are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

In October, Montpellier is generally around the same temperature as Hondarribia. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 15°C (60°F), and Hondarribia fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Hondarribia during autumn. Montpellier gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Hondarribia receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hondarribia. It's quite rainy in Montpellier. In October, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Hondarribia. Montpellier gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Montpellier or Hondarribia in the Winter?

Both Hondarribia and Montpellier during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Montpellier for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Montpellier is cooler than Hondarribia in the winter. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Hondarribia fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Hondarribia. Montpellier gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hondarribia receives 85 hours of full sun.

Hondarribia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Montpellier usually gets less rain in January than Hondarribia. Montpellier gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or Hondarribia in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montpellier and Hondarribia. Many visitors come to Montpellier in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Hondarribia during spring. Montpellier gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Hondarribia receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

Hondarribia receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Hondarribia. Montpellier gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hondarribia and Montpellier