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

Should you visit Nantes or Hondarribia?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nantes or Hondarribia, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Nantes or Hondarribia?

Nantes

Nantes is a city in western France, located on the Loire River, 31 miles from the Atlantic coast. The city is the sixth largest in France, with almost 600,000 inhabitants within the Urban area. Together with Saint-Nazaire, a seaport located on the Loire estuary, Nantes forms the main metropolis of north-western France. The city has a unique architectural heritage with its magnificent Chateau des ducs de Bretagne - a Renaissance-style castle nestled in a fortress, a medieval quarter and one of the highest cathedrals of France. It has been transformed in the last 20 years probably more than any other city in France. It is not only a vibrant and young metropolis often rewarded for its top-quality of life, but a city where art has literally been integrated in all possible aspects, making it a true example of how artists can turn a city upside down.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Nantes or Hondarribia?

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

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 Nantes or Hondarribia in the Summer?

Both Hondarribia and Nantes are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nantes for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nantes is around the same temperature as Hondarribia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nantes in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Hondarribia averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Hondarribia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nantes. Nantes usually receives more sunshine than Hondarribia during summer. Nantes gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Hondarribia receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nantes usually receives less rain than Hondarribia. Nantes gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nantes or Hondarribia in the Autumn?

Both Hondarribia and Nantes during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nantes in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Nantes is generally cooler than Hondarribia. Daily temperatures in Nantes average around 13°C (56°F), and Hondarribia fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Nantes often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hondarribia. Nantes gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hondarribia receives 144 hours of full sun.

Hondarribia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nantes usually gets less rain in October than Hondarribia. Nantes gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nantes or Hondarribia in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantes and Hondarribia. Most visitors come to Nantes for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Nantes is much colder than Hondarribia in the winter. The daily temperature in Nantes averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Hondarribia fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Nantes usually receives less sunshine than Hondarribia during winter. Nantes gets 72 hours of sunny skies, while Hondarribia receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hondarribia receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Nantes usually receives less rain than Hondarribia. Nantes gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nantes or Hondarribia in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nantes as well as Hondarribia. The spring months attract visitors to Nantes because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Nantes is cooler than Hondarribia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nantes in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Hondarribia averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Nantes often gets more sunshine than Hondarribia. Nantes gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hondarribia receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hondarribia. Nantes usually gets less rain in April than Hondarribia. Nantes gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hondarribia and Nantes