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

Should you visit Peniche or Carcassonne?

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 Carcassonne can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Peniche or Carcassonne?

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.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a hilltop town in southern France. Inhabited since the Neolithic period, Carcassonne is located in the Aude plain between historic trade routes, linking the Atlantic to the Mediterranean sea and the Massif Central to the Pyrenees. The Romans recognized its strategic importance and occupied its hilltop until the demise of the Western Roman Empire and was later taken over in the fifth century by the Visigoths who founded the city. Its desirable location led successive rulers to expand its fortifications until the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659. It is famous for its medieval citadel, La Cite, which has numerous watchtowers and double-walled fortifications. The first walls were built in Gallo-Roman times, with major additions made in the 13th and 14th centuries. With its position on a rocky hilltop, zigzag battlements, stout walls and spiky turrets, the fortified city of Carcassonne looks like something out of a children's storybook when it's seen from afar. A Unesco World Heritage Site since 1997, it's most people's idea of the perfect medieval castle. It attracts over four million visitors every year, peaking in high summer. Time your visit for late in the day (or even better in spring or fall) to truly appreciate the old town's medieval charm.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Portugal, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Peniche or Carcassonne?

Carcassonne has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Peniche. When comparing the sizes of Peniche and Carcassonne, 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 Carcassonne?

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 Peniche or Carcassonne in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Peniche and Carcassonne. Furthermore, most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Peniche is generally around the same temperature as Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Peniche average around 23°C (73°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Carcassonne this time of the year. In Peniche, it's very sunny this time of the year. Peniche usually receives more sunshine than Carcassonne during summer. Peniche gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Peniche usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Peniche gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Peniche or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Peniche as well as Carcassonne. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

Peniche is a little warmer than Carcassonne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Peniche averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Peniche this time of the year. In the autumn, Peniche often gets more sunshine than Carcassonne. Peniche gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun.

Peniche usually gets less rain in October than Carcassonne. Peniche gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Peniche or Carcassonne in the Winter?

Both Carcassonne and Peniche are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

In the winter, Peniche is a little warmer than Carcassonne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Peniche in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Peniche usually receives more sunshine than Carcassonne during winter. Peniche gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Peniche. In January, Peniche usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Peniche gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Peniche or Carcassonne in the Spring?

Both Carcassonne and Peniche during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Peniche is generally a little warmer than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Peniche average around 16°C (60°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Peniche. In the spring, Peniche often gets more sunshine than Carcassonne. Peniche gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun.

Peniche usually gets more rain in April than Carcassonne. Peniche gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Peniche