A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Playa Blanca vs. Bilbao for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Playa Blanca or Bilbao?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Playa Blanca and Bilbao can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Playa Blanca or Bilbao?

Playa Blanca

Located on the southern tip of the Canary Island of Lanzarote, Playa Blanca is a resort area popular with families and couples seeking a quieter vacation alternative to the lively neighbor resort of Puerto del Carmen. The resort's white sandy beaches are peaceful and sheltered from the higher winds found on other parts of the island. Timanfaya National Park is also nearby, as well as a number of other spectacular volcanic features.

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 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, Bilbao or Playa Blanca?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Playa Blanca is €155, 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 Playa Blanca and Bilbao in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Playa Blanca 81
    Bilbao 72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Playa Blanca 162
    Bilbao 144
Compare Hotels in Playa Blanca and Bilbao

Looking for a hotel in Playa Blanca 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 Playa Blanca


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: Playa Blanca Hotel Prices and Bilbao Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Playa Blanca 49
    Bilbao 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:

  • Private transfer from Bilbao City Center to Bilbao Airport (BIO): $33
  • Private transfer from Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Bilbao City Center: $33
  • Private one way arrival OR departure transfer in Bilbao from/to airport: $67
  • Private Transfer on arrival and departure in Bilbao: $72
  • Private Transfer from the Airport to Vitoria city: $84
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to San Sebastian: $291
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Pamplona: $229
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Logroño: $245
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Laguardia town: $199
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Elciego town: $199
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Bilbao: $153
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria city to San Sebastian Airport: $291

Is it cheaper to fly into Playa Blanca or Bilbao?

Prices for flights to both Bilbao and Playa Blanca 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
    Playa Blanca 45
    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.
    Playa Blanca 20
    Bilbao 29

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
    Playa Blanca 9.29
    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 Playa Blanca and Bilbao, we can see that Playa Blanca 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 Playa Blanca Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Playa Blanca or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Playa Blanca. When comparing the sizes of Playa Blanca 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 Playa Blanca 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 Playa Blanca or Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Playa Blanca during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Playa Blanca. In the summer, Playa Blanca often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Playa Blanca gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

Playa Blanca usually gets less rain in July than Bilbao. Playa Blanca gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Playa Blanca or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa Blanca and Bilbao. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Playa Blanca is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Playa Blanca in October average around 22°C (72°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

In Playa Blanca, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa Blanca usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Playa Blanca gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Playa Blanca usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Playa Blanca gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Playa Blanca 22°C (72°F) 
    Bilbao 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Playa Blanca or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Playa Blanca as well as Bilbao. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the museums and the shopping scene during these months.

In January, Playa Blanca is generally much warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Playa Blanca average around 17°C (63°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa Blanca this time of the year. In the winter, Playa Blanca often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Playa Blanca gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Playa Blanca usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Playa Blanca gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Playa Blanca 17°C (63°F) 
    Bilbao 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Playa Blanca or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and Playa Blanca are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the activities around the city.

Playa Blanca is much warmer than Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Playa Blanca averages around 19°C (66°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa Blanca. Playa Blanca usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Playa Blanca gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In April, Playa Blanca usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Playa Blanca gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Playa Blanca 19°C (66°F) 
    Bilbao 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Playa Blanca

Playa Blanca Bilbao
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 17°C (63°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 17°C (63°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Mar 18°C (64°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in) 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 22°C (72°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)