A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Peniche vs. Bilbao for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Peniche or Bilbao?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Peniche and Bilbao can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Peniche or Bilbao?

Peniche

Peniche is a beach destination with many attractions for travelers. First, the raging sea and the lay of the land make this a popular surfing destination. The best of many supreme beaches is Praia dos Supertubos, which has a tubular wave fit for big time international events. Peniche has also been a port since the Early Modern Age, when a fort was constructed to defend it. This monument has an absorbing history, first as a maritime defense and then a prison during the Estado Novo regime in the 20th century. The walled historic center makes for pleasant strolling, and the seaside fort where Salazar's regime detained political prisoners is a must-see for anyone interested in Portuguese history. Artisan lovers will enjoy Peniche's specialty, handmade lace, and it is even possible to see the lace-work in action. And on top of everything, Peniche also has the Berlingas Islands, a natural reserve off the coast, which are well worth a visit.

Bilbao

The industrial city of Bilbao is located on a port of the Nervión River in northern Spain, an important location of Basque country. While the downtown is filled with skyscrapers and innovative architecture, it sits between a river and mountains of natural allure. A city of hard-workers to the core, Bilbao displays remnants of its industrial past, though in more recent years it has transformed into a center for art. It is now a popular location for visitors looking to experience art galleries and museums.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Portugal, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.


Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Peniche?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Peniche is €122, while the average daily cost in Bilbao is €137. 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 Peniche and Bilbao in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Peniche 50
    Bilbao 72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Peniche 100
    Bilbao 144
Compare Hotels in Peniche and Bilbao

Looking for a hotel in Peniche or Bilbao? 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 Peniche


Hotels in Bilbao


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: Peniche Hotel Prices and Bilbao Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Peniche 53
    Bilbao 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Peniche

Also for Peniche, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Lisbon: Transfer from/to Peniche (Wave Capital): $128

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:

  • Bilbao Airport Transfers to Pamplona: $417
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers to Santander: $315
  • Bilbao Airport Transfers to San Sebastian: $315
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to San Sebastian city: $291
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria city to San Sebastian Airport: $291
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to San Sebastian: $291
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao city to San Sebastian Airport: $268
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao to San Sebastian: $268
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao Airport to Santander Port: $252
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Santander: $252
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Logroño: $245
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Pamplona city: $229

Is it cheaper to fly into Peniche or Bilbao?

Prices for flights to both Bilbao and Peniche 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
    Peniche 41
    Bilbao 45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bilbao

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bilbao.

  • Basque Food Tour with Guide: $86
  • The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $102
  • Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $109
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar: $112
  • The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairing: $115
  • Basque Flavours: High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local: $120
  • Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $134
  • Private Food Tour, Food Lovers with Tastings: $134
  • Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $142
  • Traditional Basque Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $155
  • Guggenheim Museum Visit & Private Walking Food Tour: $197

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Peniche 19
    Bilbao 29

Tours and Activities in Peniche

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Peniche.

  • From 1-Hour Cabo Carvoeiro Boat Tour: $16
  • Private Walking Tour - Footsteps of Our People: $21
  • From Round-Trip Boat Tour of Berlengas Archipelago: $24
  • Berlenga Island and Cave Tour: $33
  • Berlengas Roundtrip and Glass-Bottom Boat Cave Tour: $33
  • Berlengas Island Trip, Hiking and Cave Tour: $36
  • Peniche : Walking Tour: $37
  • Traction Buoy or Banana Boat Adventure: $43
  • Berlengas Island Caves Tour and Snorkeling: $44
  • Mountain Bike Tour: $53
  • Private Jeep Tour + Tasting Offer: $53
  • From Lisbon: Berlenga Grande Sightseeing Tour: $134

Tours and Activities in Bilbao

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

  • PRIVATE San Sebastian and Basque Coast Tour from Bilbao: $290
  • Pintxos Tasting in Bilbao Small Group or Private Walking Tour: $81
  • 2 Hours Private Family Guided Walking Tour in Bilbao: $197
  • 3-day Bilbao Bike Tour and Guggenheim Museum Ticket: $257
  • Awesome Bilbao – Private Family Walking Tour: $384
  • BILBAO-City Highlights Bike Tour: $36
  • Basque Country 7-Day Guided Tour from Bilbao: $1,144
  • Bike tour with Pintxos & Drinks in Getxo (Scenic Bilbao Seaside): $60
  • Bilbao & Guggenheim Museum Private Walking Tour with guide: $286
  • Bilbao & Guggenheim Private Walking Tour from Hotel/Center: $279
  • Bilbao - Private Historic walking tour: $374
  • Bilbao 3-Day Package: Guggenheim, Hotel Stay and Bike Tour: $251

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Peniche 12
    Bilbao 21

Sample the Local Flavors in Bilbao

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

  • Pub Crawl Bilbao: $25
  • Immersive Evening Spanish Wine Tasting w/ Sommelier: $53
  • Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier (close to Guggenheim museum): $54
  • Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $79
  • Txakoli, Gaztelugatxe, & Urdaibai with wine tasting: $80
  • Guided tour of Txakoli wine tasting and tasting of wine and typical products: $148
  • Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $176
  • Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $187
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Vitoria: $240
  • From Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour: $241
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Bilbao: $246
  • Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour with Lunch from Bilbao : $246


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


Which is Bigger, Peniche or Bilbao?

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

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 Peniche or Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Peniche as well as Bilbao. Additionally, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Peniche is a little warmer than Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Peniche averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Peniche this time of the year. In the summer, Peniche often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Peniche gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

Peniche usually gets less rain in July than Bilbao. Peniche gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Peniche 23°C (73°F) 
    Bilbao 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Peniche or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Peniche are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Peniche is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Peniche in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Peniche. Peniche usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Peniche gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In October, Peniche usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Peniche gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Peniche 19°C (66°F) 
    Bilbao 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Peniche or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Peniche during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In January, Peniche is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Peniche average around 12°C (53°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Peniche often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Peniche gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Peniche. Peniche usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Peniche gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Peniche 12°C (53°F) 
    Bilbao 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Peniche or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Peniche and Bilbao. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the activities around the city.

Peniche is a little warmer than Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Peniche averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Peniche, it's very sunny this time of the year. Peniche usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Peniche gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Peniche usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Peniche gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Peniche 16°C (60°F) 
    Bilbao 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Peniche

Peniche Bilbao
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)