A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint-Etienne vs. Hondarribia for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Saint-Etienne or Hondarribia?

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 Saint-Etienne and Hondarribia. 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: Saint-Etienne or Hondarribia?

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne (Saint Stephen), a city southwest of Lyon, is drawing on its Industrial Revolution origins and its history of arms, bicycle, textile and ribbon production, to reinvent itself as design city. And the change is noticeable. After almost 30 years of decline, the city is now looking optimistically towards the future. Its center and suburbs are smartening up at a rapid pace. There are plenty of good surprises, including two great museums and a great eating scene.

Hondarribia

The characteristic Spanish buildings painted in the brightest, most vibrant of colors only match the true spirit of the town, Hondarribia, Spain. Hondarribia is located on the west shore of Bidasoa river's mouth in Gipuzkoa of Basque Country. The town is rich in its Spanish history, holding both an ancient old quarter with walls and a castle within. Hondarribia is also known for its gorgeous beach of bright blue water across the Bidasoa alongside the fertile, roaming mountain of Jaizkibel. What's more, Hondarribia faces the border of Hendaye, France, so if you are yearning to expand your cultural learning, take a service boat over to Spain's friendly neighbor! No matter if you want to explore the ancient architecture or enjoy the cooling waters of the bay, Hondarribia is definitely a location known for its beauty and activity!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Saint-Etienne Expensive? and Is Hondarribia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint-Etienne or Hondarribia?

Saint-Etienne has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hondarribia. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Etienne and Hondarribia, 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 Saint-Etienne or Hondarribia?

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 Saint-Etienne or Hondarribia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Etienne and Hondarribia. The summer months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint-Etienne is generally around the same temperature as Hondarribia. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 22°C (71°F), and Hondarribia fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hondarribia this time of the year. In Saint-Etienne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint-Etienne usually receives more sunshine than Hondarribia during summer. Saint-Etienne gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Hondarribia receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint-Etienne usually receives less rain than Hondarribia. Saint-Etienne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Hondarribia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint-Etienne as well as Hondarribia. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

Saint-Etienne is cooler than Hondarribia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Hondarribia fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than Hondarribia. Saint-Etienne gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hondarribia receives 144 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hondarribia. Saint-Etienne usually gets less rain in October than Hondarribia. Saint-Etienne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Hondarribia in the Winter?

Both Hondarribia and Saint-Etienne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint-Etienne. In the winter, Saint-Etienne is much colder than Hondarribia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint-Etienne in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Hondarribia averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Saint-Etienne usually receives less sunshine than Hondarribia during winter. Saint-Etienne gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Hondarribia receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hondarribia. In January, Saint-Etienne usually receives less rain than Hondarribia. Saint-Etienne gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Hondarribia in the Spring?

Both Hondarribia and Saint-Etienne during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Saint-Etienne is generally around the same temperature as Hondarribia. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 11°C (53°F), and Hondarribia fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Saint-Etienne often gets more sunshine than Hondarribia. Saint-Etienne gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hondarribia receives 141 hours of full sun.

Hondarribia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint-Etienne usually gets less rain in April than Hondarribia. Saint-Etienne gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hondarribia and Saint-Etienne