A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Outer Hebrides vs. Biarritz for Food, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Outer Hebrides or Biarritz?

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 Outer Hebrides and Biarritz. 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.

Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides is a serene, remote, and stunning archipelago. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and food.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a quirky, dynamic, and cultural seaside town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Outer Hebrides and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Biarritz?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Biarritz. Although Outer Hebrides and Biarritz are popular destinations, Biarritz has more sights and attractions for tourists. Biarritz is very popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, shopping, and small town charm, while Outer Hebrides attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Biarritz is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is known for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. It is also well known for Grande Plage. Outer Hebrides is famous for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

How is Outer Hebrides different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Biarritz and Outer Hebrides. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Outer Hebrides or Biarritz?

Biarritz is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Biarritz specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Outer Hebrides or Biarritz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Outer Hebrides and Biarritz can be an enjoyable experience.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Outer Hebrides. You'll find plenty of seafood, smokehouses, distilleries and crofting produce in the area. Most islands have independent restaurants as well as pubs and other local eateries to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Biarritz. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

Is Outer Hebrides or Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

Biarritz is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Biarritz has a large number of nightlife venues. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Outer Hebrides or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Outer Hebrides is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Biarritz to choose from. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Outer Hebrides is not a resort destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Outer Hebrides and Biarritz both offer superb beaches.

Many people visit Outer Hebrides for it's beautiful beaches. From white sand beaches to hidden coves, you'll enjoy a completely serene beach experience on these islands. You can get lost in the nature and soak up the surprisingly blue waters at any of the remote beaches. Favorite beaches in the area include Vatersay Bay, Coilleag a’Phrionnsa, West Coast Beach, and Crabhadail.

Biarritz is considered a top beach destination. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Is Outer Hebrides or Biarritz Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Biarritz is not a hiking destination.

People visit Outer Hebrides specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.

Biarritz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Outer Hebrides or Biarritz?

Biarritz is a very popular place for shopping. However, Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Biarritz. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Biarritz Better for Families?

Biarritz is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Outer Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Biarritz is a very family-friendly destination. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Outer Hebrides. The beautiful outdoor setting is great for kids and adults alike. There are beaches to explore as well as kid-friendly museums. You can also try your hand at digging for cockles or head out on the water to watch for dolphins.

Is Outer Hebrides or Biarritz Better for Couples?

Outer Hebrides and Biarritz both superb destinations for a couple.

Outer Hebrides makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

Couples visit Biarritz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

Is Outer Hebrides or Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Outer Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Biarritz is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Outer Hebrides. You'll need to take either a plane of ferry to reach the islands but once you're there you can camp and hike and soak up the tranquil setting.

Is Outer Hebrides or Biarritz Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Biarritz is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Outer Hebrides is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Biarritz has some public transit options. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Public transit is generally limited in Outer Hebrides. There are buses that run doing the day between Monday and Saturday. In Stornoway you may be able to find some evening buses as well.

Is Outer Hebrides or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Biarritz is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

Biarritz is very walkable. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Outer Hebrides Worth Visiting? and Is Biarritz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Biarritz?

Both Outer Hebrides and Biarritz have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Outer Hebrides than in Biarritz. Usually, 4-10 days is a good amount of time for Outer Hebrides, and 3-7 days is enough time in Biarritz.

Families should spend more time in Biarritz than Outer Hebrides. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Biarritz, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Biarritz than Outer Hebrides. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Biarritz that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Biarritz than Outer Hebrides if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Biarritz.

One day in Outer Hebrides or Biarritz?

The beautiful archipelago of Outer Hebrides offers food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Biarritz, you'll find nightlife and food. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Outer Hebrides or Biarritz?

Outer Hebrides is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Biarritz is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Outer Hebrides or Biarritz?

Outer Hebrides is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Outer Hebrides, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Outer Hebrides or Biarritz?

Outer Hebrides is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Outer Hebrides has to offer. This archipelago offers something for everyone.

In Biarritz, you'll find nightlife and food. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Outer Hebrides and Biarritz, we can see that Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides Expensive? and Is Biarritz Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Outer Hebrides or Biarritz?

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 Outer Hebrides or Biarritz in the Summer?

Both Biarritz and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Outer Hebrides this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Biarritz for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Outer Hebrides is much colder than Biarritz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Outer Hebrides in July average around 13°C (55°F), and Biarritz averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Biarritz. Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Biarritz during summer. Outer Hebrides gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Outer Hebrides usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Outer Hebrides gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Biarritz in the Autumn?

Both Biarritz and Outer Hebrides during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Outer Hebrides for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Biarritz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Outer Hebrides is generally much colder than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 9°C (49°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Biarritz. Outer Hebrides gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Outer Hebrides. Outer Hebrides usually gets less rain in October than Biarritz. Outer Hebrides gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Biarritz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and Biarritz. Many visitors come to Outer Hebrides in the winter for the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Biarritz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Outer Hebrides can get quite cold in the winter. Outer Hebrides is much colder than Biarritz in the winter. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Biarritz fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Biarritz during winter. Outer Hebrides gets 33 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the winter. Outer Hebrides gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Outer Hebrides usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Biarritz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Outer Hebrides as well as Biarritz. Most visitors come to Outer Hebrides for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the beaches and the small town charm.

In the spring, Outer Hebrides is much colder than Biarritz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Outer Hebrides in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Biarritz averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Outer Hebrides often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Biarritz. Outer Hebrides gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. Outer Hebrides usually gets less rain in April than Biarritz. Outer Hebrides gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Outer Hebrides