A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Rhodes vs. Biarritz for Attractions, Food, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Rhodes or Biarritz?

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 Rhodes and Biarritz. 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.

Rhodes

Rhodes is a diverse, active, and world famous island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a dynamic, cultural, and relaxing seaside town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Rhodes and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rhodes or Biarritz?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Rhodes than Biarritz, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Rhodes is better known for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Biarritz is more popular for its nightlife and small town charm. Rhodes is well known for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural setting, and long running history. Also, Rhodes is famous for Rhodes Old Town. Biarritz is well known for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere.

How is Rhodes different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Biarritz and Rhodes. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Rhodes or Biarritz?

Rhodes is renowned for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Rhodes are world-renowned. Many of the villages feel like outdoor museums, with churches and archaeological sites throughout. Some of the most well known sites include the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Hospital of the Knights, Süleyman Mosque, and Roloi Clock Tower.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

Is the Food Better in Rhodes or Biarritz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rhodes is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Rhodes is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The island offers Greek classics with a local flair. Common ingredients include wheat, olives, legumes, wine, and cheese. Many dishes are flavored with cumin, which is more heavily used here than elsewhere in Greece. Popular local dishes include matsi (a pasta cooked in meat broth and prepared with cheese, butter, and legumes), tsouka (a veal and pasta casserole), and lakani (veal, goat, or lamb meat that is slow-cooked in tomato sauce).

Dining out in Biarritz is an experience not to be missed. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

Is Rhodes or Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

Biarritz is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Rhodes is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Biarritz is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

If you're looking for night time activities Rhodes has a few options to choose from. It's not the most party-oriented island, but you'll find plenty to do at night. Most of the clubs are found in Rhodes Town near Hippocrates Square, along Menekleous Street, or near Orfanidou Street. Faliraki has long been a popular nightlife area that brings in the British crowd, but it's not as lively as it once was. Some resorts offer more of a nightlife scene than others so if that's a priority, do your research before you book.

Is Rhodes or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Rhodes is renowned for its luxury resorts. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Rhodes is a great choice. It is a large and diverse island with a variety of resorts and towns to choose from. There are quiet areas like those around Kallithea Beach, Kolymbia, and Kalathos, as well as more lively areas like Faliraki. There are a number of all-inclusive resorts around the island but there are also boutique hotels and apartments if that's more your style.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Biarritz. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Is Rhodes or Biarritz Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Rhodes is an excellent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Biarritz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Rhodes. The island has many snorkeling and dive spots where you can enjoy the underwater world. There are plenty of snorkeling or scuba diving trips that you can organize in advance as well. Because of the island's large size, there's a diversity of vendors and areas to pick between.

Biarritz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Rhodes or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Rhodes is renowned for the beache. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Rhodes. The island has spectacular beaches with crystal blue waters. Many of the beaches are sandy with swimming or snorkeling opportunities. The island is also known for its watersports and several beaches are great windsurfing or kite surfing locations. There are countless beaches to choose from but some of the favorites are Tsambika, Saint Paul's Bay, Ladiko, and Kallithea.

Biarritz is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Is Rhodes or Biarritz Better for Hiking?

Rhodes is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Biarritz is not a hiking destination.

People visit Rhodes specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The breathtaking landscapes, sweeping views, and beautiful waters make this an amazing hiking island. There are a wide range of trails to choose from with easy, moderate, and challenging options available. The many quaint villages and unique archaeological sites all make this a fantastic place to hike.

Biarritz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rhodes or Biarritz?

Rhodes is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Rhodes draws large crowds to its stores. For a unique shopping experience head to Nea Agora (The New Market), which has a mix of shops and restaurants. You can also pick up fresh produce or pastries there. Sprinkled around the island you'll find many local artisan shops where you can buy ceramics, jewelry, soaps, leather goods, and more.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Biarritz. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Is Rhodes or Biarritz Better for Families?

Both Rhodes and Biarritz are superb family-friendly destinations.

Rhodes is a very kid-friendly island. It's large size, varied activities, and wonderful outdoor setting makes this one of the most kid-friendly islands in Greece. There are many local villages that everyone will enjoy as well as beautiful walks and stunning beaches. Kids will appreciate the diversity of water activities that are available and the family-friendly restaurants ensure everyone can eat out comfortably.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Biarritz. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

Is Rhodes or Biarritz Better for Couples?

Rhodes is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Rhodes makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The larger size and diversity of activities make this island a great option for a honeymoon. The beaches are breathtaking, but there are also a number of water sports that couples will enjoy. The hiking, archaeological sites, and amazing restaurants will make for an unforgettable honeymoon.

Couples visit Biarritz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

Is Rhodes or Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rhodes and Biarritz are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Rhodes is a great island to visit for backpackers. The island has something for everyone, and because it's one of the larger islands, there are more hostels and budget restaurants to choose from. You'll find all kinds of travelers on the island and there really is something that everyone can enjoy.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Biarritz. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

Is Rhodes or Biarritz Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Rhodes is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Rhodes can get you to some places easily. There is a comprehensive bus system that covers most of the island.

You'll find some public transit in Biarritz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Is Rhodes or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Biarritz is well known for its high level of walkability. However, Rhodes is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

Biarritz is a very walkable seaside town. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

Rhodes is generally not a very walkable island. The island is large so unless you're interested in hiking, most places are best reached with a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Rhodes Worth Visiting? and Is Biarritz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Rhodes?

How long in Rhodes or Biarritz?

Both Rhodes and Biarritz have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Biarritz than in Rhodes. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Rhodes, and 3-7 days is enough time in Biarritz.

Families should spend more time in Rhodes than Biarritz. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Rhodes, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Rhodes than Biarritz. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Rhodes that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rhodes than Biarritz if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Rhodes.

One day in Rhodes or Biarritz?

The beautiful island of Rhodes offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Biarritz. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Rhodes or Biarritz?

Rhodes is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Biarritz is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Rhodes or Biarritz?

Rhodes is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rhodes, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Rhodes or Biarritz?

Rhodes is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Biarritz. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Greece, The Best Bicycle Tours in Greece, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Rhodes and Biarritz, we can see that Rhodes 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 Rhodes Expensive? and Is Biarritz Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Rhodes or Biarritz?

Rhodes has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Rhodes and Biarritz, 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.