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

Should you visit Pamplona or Lugo?

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

Should I visit Pamplona or Lugo? 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 Lugo?

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.

Lugo

Located in northwestern Spain, Lugo is a city of the Galicia region best known for its old city, completely surrounded by Roman walls. Within these walls are some of Lugo's most impressive sights including a striking city hall, elaborate cathedral, and many beautiful city squares and plazas. The city is also known for its festivals and is the capital of a province of the same name.

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, Lugo 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 Lugo is €98. 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 Lugo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pamplona 67
    Lugo 50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pamplona 134
    Lugo 100
Compare Hotels in Pamplona and Lugo

Looking for a hotel in Pamplona or Lugo? 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 Lugo


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 Lugo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pamplona 24
    Lugo 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamplona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pamplona:

  • Private Transfer from Logroño city to Vitoria: $243
  • Private Transfer from Pamplona Airport to San Sebastian city: $243
  • Private Transfer from Pamplona city to Logroño: $243
  • Private Transfer from Pamplona city to Logroño Airport : $243
  • Private Transfer from Pamplona city to San Sebastian: $243
  • Private Transfer from Pamplona to Laguardia town: $281

Is it cheaper to fly into Pamplona or Lugo?

Prices for flights to both Lugo 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
    Lugo 34
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
    Lugo 13

Tours and Activities in Pamplona

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

  • Logroño historic&cultural guided walking tour: $32
  • From San Sebastian: Pamplona City Tour: $91
  • Private City Tour Pamplona: $174
  • Private tour of Getaria, Zumaia, Zarautz and Orio. : $203
  • Tour of the Bardenas " The great desert of Europe" and Tudela. : $233
  • Olive oil and Navarre winery visit with tastings and lunch in small group tour: $234
  • San Sebastian & Basque Coast Tour From Pamplona: $234
  • Private tour of Lourdes and the three sacred temples: $239
  • Pamplona Private Tour with Castle of Javier : $239
  • San Sebastian And Basque Coast Tour From Pamplona: $239
  • Private tour of the jewels of Bilbao, with Guggenheim and pintxos tasting. : $250
  • Two winerie visits in la Rioja and walking tour of la Guardia : $258

Tours and Activities in Lugo

Here are a few actual costs in Lugo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Cathedral of Santa Maria Entry Ticket and Audio Guide: $6.39
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $80
  • ¡¡NEW!! Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pamplona 31
    Lugo 16

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: $217
  • Wine tour of La Rioja, with two winery visits, and La Guardia. : $220
  • La Rioja Small villages small group tour with wine tasting and lunch: $228
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Pamplona: $239
  • Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Logroño: $239
  • Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Logroño: $250
  • Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Pamplona: $250
  • Rioja Wine Tour: $282


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Pamplona and Lugo, we can see that Pamplona is more expensive. And not only is Lugo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lugo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lugo 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 Lugo.

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


Which is Bigger, Pamplona or Lugo?

Pamplona has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Lugo. When comparing the sizes of Pamplona and Lugo, 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 Lugo?

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 Pamplona or Lugo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamplona and Lugo. Many travelers come to Pamplona for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Pamplona is around the same temperature as Lugo in the summer. The daily temperature in Pamplona averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Lugo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lugo this time of the year. In Pamplona, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pamplona usually receives less sunshine than Lugo during summer. Pamplona gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Lugo receives 248 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pamplona usually receives more rain than Lugo. Pamplona gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Lugo receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pamplona 20°C (68°F) 
    Lugo 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Pamplona or Lugo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Pamplona as well as Lugo. Many visitors come to Pamplona in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Pamplona is around the same temperature as Lugo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pamplona in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Lugo averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Pamplona often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lugo. Pamplona gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lugo receives 155 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Lugo. Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pamplona usually gets more rain in October than Lugo. Pamplona gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Lugo receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pamplona 16°C (60°F) 
    Lugo 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Pamplona or Lugo in the Winter?

Both Lugo and Pamplona are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Pamplona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Pamplona is generally cooler than Lugo. Daily temperatures in Pamplona average around 8°C (47°F), and Lugo fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Pamplona usually receives less sunshine than Lugo during winter. Pamplona gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Lugo receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lugo. It's quite rainy in Pamplona. In January, Pamplona usually receives more rain than Lugo. Pamplona gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Lugo receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pamplona 8°C (47°F) 
    Lugo 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Pamplona or Lugo in the Spring?

Both Lugo and Pamplona during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the activities around the city.

Pamplona is around the same temperature as Lugo in the spring. The daily temperature in Pamplona averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Lugo fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Pamplona often gets less sunshine than Lugo. Pamplona gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lugo receives 167 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. Pamplona usually gets more rain in April than Lugo. Pamplona gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Lugo receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pamplona 12°C (54°F) 
    Lugo 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Lugo and Pamplona

Pamplona Lugo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Feb 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 19°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 128 mm (5 in)