Which place is cheaper, San Sebastian or Puerto de la Cruz?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Puerto de la Cruz or San Sebastian?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Puerto de la Cruz and San Sebastian. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Puerto de la Cruz or San Sebastian?
Puerto de la Cruz
The coast of the island of Tenerife is a dream destination for those seeking a luxurious getaway full of beaches and parties. However, for those of you traveling with families or looking to simply avoid the hustle and bustle of the nightclub crowd, there's Puerto de la Cruz. Known as a sophisticated destination, Puerto de la Cruz is one of the top places to visit yet still retains its authentic, Canarian charm.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Spain, The Best Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPuerto de la Cruz €112San Sebastian €90
The average daily cost (per person) in Puerto de la Cruz is €112, 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 Puerto de la Cruz and San Sebastian in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPuerto de la Cruz €51San Sebastian €40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPuerto de la Cruz €102San Sebastian €80
Compare Hotels in Puerto de la Cruz and San Sebastian
Looking for a hotel in Puerto de la Cruz 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.
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: Puerto de la Cruz Hotel Prices and San Sebastian Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Puerto de la Cruz €40San Sebastian €14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Sebastian
Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Sebastian:
- Private Transfer from the Airport to San Sebastian City: $84
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Pamplona Airport : $245
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian Airport to Pamplona city: $247
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Bilbao Airport: $268
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Bilbao: $268
- San Sebastián-Bilbao city or airport private transfer: $273
- Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Vitoria: $291
Is it cheaper to fly into Puerto de la Cruz or San Sebastian?
Prices for flights to both San Sebastian and Puerto de la Cruz 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
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Food Meals for one dayPuerto de la Cruz €34San Sebastian €31
Typical Food Prices in San Sebastian
Some typical examples of dining costs in San Sebastian are as follows:
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Dinner for 2€55
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Lunch for 2€10
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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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Puerto de la Cruz €28San Sebastian €33
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Sebastian
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in San Sebastian are as follows:
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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:
- San Sebastian Walking Tour With Pintxo And Drink: $16
- Guided tour of San Sebastián: $19
- Walking Tour in San Sebastian: $43
- Electric scooter city tour: $45
- City tour, bike ride: $45
- San Sebastian : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $49
- City tour, by electric bicycle: $50
- Private Walking Tour in San Sebastian with Pintxo and Drink: $54
- San Sebastián City Bike tour : $54
- Private Guided Sightseeing Bike Tour of San Sebastian: $60
- Hondarribia, S.Juan & S.Pedro Small Group Tour from San Sebastian: $60
- Small-Group Electric Bike Tour in San Sebastián : $61
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPuerto de la Cruz €5.00San 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 Puerto de la Cruz and San Sebastian, we can see that Puerto de la Cruz 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 Puerto de la Cruz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Puerto de la Cruz 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 Puerto de la Cruz Expensive? and Is San Sebastian Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Puerto de la Cruz or San Sebastian?
San Sebastian has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Puerto de la Cruz. When comparing the sizes of Puerto de la Cruz 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 Puerto de la Cruz or San Sebastian?
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 Puerto de la Cruz or San Sebastian in the Summer?
Both San Sebastian and Puerto de la Cruz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Puerto de la Cruz is generally a little warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Puerto de la Cruz average around 24°C (75°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It's quite sunny in San Sebastian. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Puerto de la Cruz. Puerto de la Cruz usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during summer. Puerto de la Cruz gets 334 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Puerto de la Cruz usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Puerto de la Cruz gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPuerto de la Cruz 24°C (75°F)San Sebastian 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Puerto de la Cruz or San Sebastian in the Autumn?
Both San Sebastian and Puerto de la Cruz during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the shopping scene.
Puerto de la Cruz is a little warmer than San Sebastian in the autumn. The daily temperature in Puerto de la Cruz averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
It's quite sunny in Puerto de la Cruz. In the autumn, Puerto de la Cruz often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Puerto de la Cruz gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun.
San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Puerto de la Cruz usually gets less rain in October than San Sebastian. Puerto de la Cruz gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPuerto de la Cruz 21°C (70°F)San Sebastian 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Puerto de la Cruz or San Sebastian in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Puerto de la Cruz and San Sebastian. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.
In the winter, Puerto de la Cruz is much warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the winter temperatures in Puerto de la Cruz in January average around 18°C (64°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 8°C (47°F).
Puerto de la Cruz usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during winter. Puerto de la Cruz gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.
San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Puerto de la Cruz usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Puerto de la Cruz gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPuerto de la Cruz 18°C (64°F)San Sebastian 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Puerto de la Cruz or San Sebastian in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Puerto de la Cruz as well as San Sebastian. Also, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the beaches.
In April, Puerto de la Cruz is generally much warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Puerto de la Cruz average around 20°C (68°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Puerto de la Cruz this time of the year. In the spring, Puerto de la Cruz often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Puerto de la Cruz gets 229 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Puerto de la Cruz usually gets less rain in April than San Sebastian. Puerto de la Cruz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPuerto de la Cruz 20°C (68°F)San Sebastian 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Puerto de la Cruz
| Puerto de la Cruz | San Sebastian | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Feb | 18°C (64°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (68°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.