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

Should you visit Playa Blanca or Pamplona?

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 Pamplona 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 Pamplona?

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.

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.

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, Pamplona 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 Pamplona is €131. 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 Pamplona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Playa Blanca 81
    Pamplona 67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Playa Blanca 162
    Pamplona 134
Compare Hotels in Playa Blanca and Pamplona

Looking for a hotel in Playa Blanca or Pamplona? 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 Pamplona


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 Pamplona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Playa Blanca 49
    Pamplona 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamplona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pamplona:

  • Private Transfer from Pamplona city to San Sebastian Airport: $244
  • Private Transfer from Pamplona city to San Sebastian: $244
  • Private Transfer from Pamplona Airport to Laguardia town: $282

Is it cheaper to fly into Playa Blanca or Pamplona?

Prices for flights to both Pamplona 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
    Pamplona 41

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.
    Playa Blanca 20
    Pamplona 34

Tours and Activities in Pamplona

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

  • Biarritz and French Basque coast small group tour, lunch included: $260
  • Bilbao and Guggenheim Museum small group tour: $218
  • From San Sebastian: Pamplona City Tour: $91
  • Logroño historic&cultural guided walking tour: $32
  • Pamplona - Private Historic Walking Tour: $427
  • Pamplona Private Tour with Castle of Javier : $240
  • Pamplona pintxo tasting paired with Spanish wines small group tour: $72
  • Private City Tour Pamplona: $174
  • Private tour of Fuenterrabia and San Sebastian.: $283
  • Private tour of Getaria, Zumaia, Zarautz and Orio. : $204
  • Private tour of Lourdes and the three sacred temples: $240
  • Private tour of the jewels of Bilbao, with Guggenheim and pintxos tasting. : $251

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Playa Blanca 9.29
    Pamplona 31

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: $218
  • Wine tour of La Rioja, with two winery visits, and La Guardia. : $221
  • Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Logroño: $240
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Pamplona: $240
  • Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Logroño: $251
  • Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Pamplona: $251
  • Rioja Wine Tour: $283


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

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 Pamplona Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Playa Blanca or Pamplona?

Pamplona has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Playa Blanca. When comparing the sizes of Playa Blanca and Pamplona, 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 Pamplona?

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 Pamplona in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Playa Blanca as well as Pamplona. Additionally, many visitors come to Pamplona in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa Blanca this time of the year. In the summer, Playa Blanca often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Playa Blanca gets 282 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 209 hours of full sun.

Playa Blanca usually gets less rain in July than Pamplona. Playa Blanca gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Playa Blanca or Pamplona in the Autumn?

Both Pamplona and Playa Blanca are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Pamplona for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Playa Blanca is a little warmer than Pamplona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Playa Blanca in October average around 22°C (72°F), and Pamplona averages at about 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa Blanca. Playa Blanca usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during autumn. Playa Blanca gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. In October, Playa Blanca usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Playa Blanca gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Playa Blanca 22°C (72°F) 
    Pamplona 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Playa Blanca or Pamplona in the Winter?

Both Pamplona and Playa Blanca during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Playa Blanca is generally much warmer than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Playa Blanca average around 17°C (63°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Playa Blanca. In the winter, Playa Blanca often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Playa Blanca gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 85 hours of full sun.

Pamplona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Playa Blanca usually gets less rain in January than Pamplona. Playa Blanca gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Playa Blanca 17°C (63°F) 
    Pamplona 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Playa Blanca or Pamplona in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa Blanca and Pamplona. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year.

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

In Playa Blanca, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa Blanca usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during spring. Playa Blanca gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Playa Blanca usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Playa Blanca gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Pamplona and Playa Blanca

Playa Blanca Pamplona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 17°C (63°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 17°C (63°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 18°C (64°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 22°C (72°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)