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

Should you visit Peniche or San Sebastian?

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 San Sebastian can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Peniche or San Sebastian?

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.

San Sebastian

San Sebastián is a city in northern Spain very well known for its summertime fun in the sun. While the streets are cool and happening at night, they take on a different charm by day. Beautiful beaches line the city's edge, right next to elegant historic architecture and churches, topping charts as some of the best city beaches in Europe. The food, too, is said to be some of the best with traditional Basque cuisine as well as the popular pintxo (tapas) bites. San Sebastián is a place of lively culture, teeming with beauty, flavors, and colors.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Portugal, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian is €90. 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 San Sebastian in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Peniche 50
    San Sebastian 40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Peniche 100
    San Sebastian 80
Compare Hotels in Peniche and San Sebastian

Looking for a hotel in Peniche or San Sebastian? 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 San Sebastian


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 San Sebastian Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Peniche 53
    San Sebastian 14

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 San Sebastian

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Sebastian:

  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Vitoria: $291
  • San Sebastián-Bilbao city or airport private transfer: $273
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Bilbao Airport: $268
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Bilbao: $268
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian Airport to Pamplona city: $247
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Pamplona Airport : $245
  • Private Transfer from the Airport to San Sebastian City: $84

Is it cheaper to fly into Peniche or San Sebastian?

Prices for flights to both San Sebastian 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
    San Sebastian 31

Typical Food Prices in San Sebastian

Some typical examples of dining costs in San Sebastian are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    55
  • Lunch for 2
    10
  • Lunch for 2
    31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Sebastian

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

  • San Sebastian Walking and Food Tour: $104
  • Insider Best Culinary Gems Guided Food Tour in San Sebastian: $109
  • Basque Cuisine Cooking Class with Market Visit: $148
  • Full Day San Sebastian Food Tour : $150
  • I travel for Food Tour in San Sebastian: $152
  • Authentic Basque Cooking Class in the Old Town: $152
  • Private San Sebastian Walking Food Tour: $158
  • Michelin Star Secrets Cooking Class in San Sebastian: $213
  • Food tour in San Sebastian and Visit to a Gastronomical Club: $224
  • History and flavors of San Sebastian for Dinner with Eskerne Falcón: $235

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Peniche 19
    San Sebastian 33

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in San Sebastian

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in San Sebastian are as follows:


  • Valle de los Caídos Monument
    6.00

Tours and Activities in San Sebastian

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

  • Biarritz & La Côte Basque Private tour: $246
  • Biarritz and French Coast Small Grop Tour from San Sebastian: $86
  • Bilbao city and Guggenheim Museum small group tour: $164
  • Chef-Led Market Tour & Pintxo Lunch: $163
  • Chef-Led Walking Pintxo Tour of San Sebastián : $272
  • Cider House Experience From San Sebastian: $120
  • City tour, bike ride: $45
  • City tour, by electric bicycle: $50
  • Coastal "Winery Camino Trail" Walking Tour from San Sebastian: $186
  • Electric scooter city tour: $45
  • Evening Pintxo-Tapas Tour with Discover San Sebastian: $191
  • Exclusive Private Pintxos Adventure with Premium Spanish Wines": $175

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Peniche 12
    San Sebastian 20

Sample the Local Flavors in San Sebastian

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

  • Ultimate San Sebastian Pintxos & Wine Tour (Evening): $141
  • Getaria Txakoli Wine Tour with Hotel Pick-up from San Sebastian: $148
  • Best quality food & wine tasting tour in San Sebastian. : $191
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries Visit with Tasting from San Sebastian: $240
  • Rioja Wine Tour: Winery, Tasting & Lunch from San Sebastian: $251
  • Full Rioja Wine Tour with Lunch from San Sebastian Private Tour: $298


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

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


Which is Bigger, Peniche or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Peniche. When comparing the sizes of Peniche and San Sebastian, 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 San Sebastian?

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 San Sebastian in the Summer?

Both San Sebastian and Peniche during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In San Sebastian, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Peniche. In the summer, Peniche often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Peniche gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun.

Peniche usually gets less rain in July than San Sebastian. Peniche gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Peniche or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Peniche and San Sebastian. Also, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Peniche is a little warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Peniche in October average around 19°C (66°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In Peniche, it's very sunny this time of the year. Peniche usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during autumn. Peniche gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Peniche usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Peniche gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Peniche 19°C (66°F) 
    San Sebastian 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Peniche or San Sebastian in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Peniche as well as San Sebastian. Also, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Peniche is generally a little warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Peniche average around 12°C (53°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Peniche often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Peniche gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Peniche receives a lot of rain in the winter. Peniche usually gets less rain in January than San Sebastian. Peniche gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Peniche 12°C (53°F) 
    San Sebastian 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Peniche or San Sebastian in the Spring?

Both San Sebastian and Peniche are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the beaches.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Peniche. Peniche usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during spring. Peniche gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. In April, Peniche usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Peniche gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Peniche

Peniche San Sebastian
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)