A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Pamplona vs. Ezcaray for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Pamplona or Ezcaray?

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

Should I visit Pamplona or Ezcaray? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Pamplona or Ezcaray?

Pamplona

Pamplona is a city in northern Spain located on the snow-capped foothills of the Pyrenees Range. With the backdrop of mountains, the city is surrounded by a setting ideal for skiing, mountaineering, hiking, wildlife and breathtaking scenery. Yet Pamplona itself is a place full of lively culture and stunning architecture. With a long history, the place is embedded in tradition and perhaps most famous for its annual "running of the bulls" celebrated in July, also known as the San Fermin festival.

Ezcaray

Ezcaray, Spain is a great place to go if you are looking for a scenic, relaxing, and peaceful destination. It is located in the Sierra de la Demanda mountains on the banks of the Oja river. Because of the mountain range nearby, it is also a great place for mountaineers. Ezcaray is a small town with big charm and momentous possibilities. It is located right at the base of the San Lorenzo peak in the Oja valley in the La Rioja region of Spain. The town has a population of less than 2,000, so it is a far cry from big city life, but that's part of what makes it such a gem to visit. Some say it is one of the best locations to get an authentic feel of real Spain without the big touristy populations. Its sheer beauty has also been compared to something out of a fairy tale.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Ezcaray or Pamplona?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Pamplona is €131, while the average daily cost in Ezcaray is €111. 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 Pamplona and Ezcaray in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pamplona 67
    Ezcaray 56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pamplona 134
    Ezcaray 112
Compare Hotels in Pamplona and Ezcaray

Looking for a hotel in Pamplona or Ezcaray? 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 Pamplona


Hotels in Ezcaray


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: Pamplona Hotel Prices and Ezcaray Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pamplona 24
    Ezcaray 21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamplona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pamplona:

  • Private Transfer from Pamplona to Elciego town: $285
  • Private Transfer from Pamplona city to San Sebastian: $247
  • Private Transfer from Pamplona Airport to Vitoria city: $231
  • Private Transfer from Logroño city to Pamplona Airport : $247

Is it cheaper to fly into Pamplona or Ezcaray?

Prices for flights to both Ezcaray and Pamplona 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
    Pamplona 41
    Ezcaray 39
Typical Food Prices in Pamplona

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


  • Lunch for 2
    10
  • Ice Cream
    4.50
  • Coffee
    1.30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pamplona 34
    Ezcaray 21

Tours and Activities in Pamplona

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

  • Biarritz and French Basque coast small group tour, lunch included: $262
  • From San Sebastian: Pamplona City Tour: $92
  • La Ribera winerie and extra virgin olive oil guided tour: $198
  • Pamplona Private Tour with Castle of Javier : $242
  • Private City Tour Pamplona: $176
  • Private tour of Fuenterrabia and San Sebastian.: $286
  • Private tour of Getaria, Zumaia, Zarautz and Orio. : $206
  • Private tour of Lourdes and the three sacred temples: $242
  • Private tour of the jewels of Bilbao, with Guggenheim and pintxos tasting. : $253
  • Private tour of the towns of the French and Aragonese Pyrenees.: $270
  • San Sebastián city and pintxos tour from Pamplona: $286
  • San Sebastian & Basque Coast Tour From Pamplona: $239

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pamplona 31
    Ezcaray 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Pamplona

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

  • Half Day Rioja Wine Tour: $220
  • Wine tour of La Rioja, with two winery visits, and La Guardia. : $224
  • Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Logroño: $242
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Pamplona: $242
  • Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Logroño: $253
  • Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Pamplona: $253
  • Rioja Wine Tour: $286


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

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


Which is Bigger, Pamplona or Ezcaray?

Pamplona has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Ezcaray. When comparing the sizes of Pamplona and Ezcaray, 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 Pamplona or Ezcaray?

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 Pamplona or Ezcaray in the Summer?

Both Ezcaray and Pamplona during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Pamplona for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Pamplona is generally around the same temperature as Ezcaray. Daily temperatures in Pamplona average around 20°C (68°F), and Ezcaray fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Pamplona. In the summer, Pamplona often gets more sunshine than Ezcaray. Pamplona gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ezcaray receives 188 hours of full sun.

Pamplona usually gets more rain in July than Ezcaray. Pamplona gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Ezcaray receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pamplona 20°C (68°F) 
    Ezcaray 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Pamplona or Ezcaray in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamplona and Ezcaray. Many visitors come to Pamplona in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

Pamplona is around the same temperature as Ezcaray in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pamplona averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Ezcaray fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

Pamplona usually receives more sunshine than Ezcaray during autumn. Pamplona gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Ezcaray receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Ezcaray receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pamplona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Pamplona usually receives more rain than Ezcaray. Pamplona gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Ezcaray receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pamplona 16°C (60°F) 
    Ezcaray 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Pamplona or Ezcaray in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Pamplona as well as Ezcaray. Most visitors come to Pamplona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Pamplona is around the same temperature as Ezcaray. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pamplona in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Ezcaray averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Pamplona often gets more sunshine than Ezcaray. Pamplona gets 85 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ezcaray receives 77 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ezcaray. Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the winter. Pamplona usually gets more rain in January than Ezcaray. Pamplona gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Ezcaray receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pamplona 8°C (47°F) 
    Ezcaray 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Pamplona or Ezcaray in the Spring?

Both Ezcaray and Pamplona are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the activities around the city.

In April, Pamplona is generally around the same temperature as Ezcaray. Daily temperatures in Pamplona average around 12°C (54°F), and Ezcaray fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Pamplona usually receives more sunshine than Ezcaray during spring. Pamplona gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Ezcaray receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ezcaray. It's quite rainy in Pamplona. In April, Pamplona usually receives more rain than Ezcaray. Pamplona gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Ezcaray receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pamplona 12°C (54°F) 
    Ezcaray 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Ezcaray and Pamplona

Pamplona Ezcaray
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)