A Travel Price Comparison for Spain San Sebastian vs. Gijon for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit San Sebastian or Gijon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Sebastian or Gijon, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: San Sebastian or Gijon?

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.

Gijon

Gijon is a coastal city of the Asturias Principality of Spain. Known for its Roman past, museums, sculptures, and architecture, visitors have many opportunities to learn about Gijon's cultural and historic past. Given its location by the sea, the city is also skirted by a few nice beaches for a more leisurely getaway.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Spain, and The Best Budget Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Gijon or San Sebastian?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in San Sebastian is €90, while the average daily cost in Gijon is €119. 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 San Sebastian and Gijon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Sebastian 40
    Gijon 80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Sebastian 80
    Gijon 160
Compare Hotels in San Sebastian and Gijon

Looking for a hotel in San Sebastian or Gijon? 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 San Sebastian


Hotels in Gijon


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: San Sebastian Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Sebastian 14
    Gijon 9.69

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gijon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Gijon:

  • Private Transfer from Gijon Cruise Port to Asturias Airport (OVD): $39

Is it cheaper to fly into San Sebastian or Gijon?

Prices for flights to both Gijon and San Sebastian 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
    San Sebastian 31
    Gijon 31
Typical Food Prices in San Sebastian

Some typical examples of dining costs in San Sebastian are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    55
  • Lunch for 2
    10
  • 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

Typical Food Prices in Gijon

Some typical examples of dining costs in Gijon are as follows:


  • Lunch for 2
    22

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Sebastian 33
    Gijon 12
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Sebastian

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in San Sebastian are as follows:


  • 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

Tours and Activities in Gijon

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

  • Gijón Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Experience: $8.95
  • Hiking Experience in Asturias, from Gijón or Oviedo: $93
  • Classic romantic walking tour in Gijon: $192
  • Fascinating Memories of the Gijon Walking Tour: $208
  • Full-Day Cudillero and Luarca Private Tour from Gijon: $286
  • Private Tour of Gijon City and Villaviciosa : $287
  • Private Cultural Tour of Oviedo with Pickup: $297

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Sebastian 20
    Gijon 14

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 San Sebastian and Gijon, we can see that Gijon 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 Gijon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gijon 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 San Sebastian Expensive? and Is Gijon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, San Sebastian or Gijon?

Gijon has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of San Sebastian and Gijon, 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 San Sebastian or Gijon?

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 San Sebastian or Gijon in the Summer?

Both Gijon and San Sebastian are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, San Sebastian is around the same temperature as Gijon. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Sebastian in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Gijon averages at about 19°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Gijon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. San Sebastian usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gijon during summer. San Sebastian gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Gijon receives 203 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, San Sebastian usually receives more rain than Gijon. San Sebastian gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Gijon receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    San Sebastian 20°C (68°F) 
    Gijon 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit San Sebastian or Gijon in the Autumn?

Both Gijon and San Sebastian during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.

In October, San Sebastian is generally around the same temperature as Gijon. Daily temperatures in San Sebastian average around 16°C (60°F), and Gijon fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, San Sebastian often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gijon. San Sebastian gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gijon receives 138 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. San Sebastian usually gets more rain in October than Gijon. San Sebastian gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Gijon receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    San Sebastian 16°C (60°F) 
    Gijon 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit San Sebastian or Gijon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both San Sebastian and Gijon. Many travelers come to San Sebastian for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

San Sebastian is cooler than Gijon in the winter. The daily temperature in San Sebastian averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Gijon fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

San Sebastian usually receives less sunshine than Gijon during winter. San Sebastian gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Gijon receives 95 hours of full sun in the winter.

Gijon receives a lot of rain in the winter. San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, San Sebastian usually receives more rain than Gijon. San Sebastian gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Gijon receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    San Sebastian 8°C (47°F) 
    Gijon 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit San Sebastian or Gijon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to San Sebastian as well as Gijon. Many visitors come to San Sebastian in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, San Sebastian is around the same temperature as Gijon. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Sebastian in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Gijon averages at about 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, San Sebastian often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gijon. San Sebastian gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gijon receives 143 hours of full sun.

San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the spring. San Sebastian usually gets more rain in April than Gijon. San Sebastian gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Gijon receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    San Sebastian 12°C (54°F) 
    Gijon 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Gijon and San Sebastian

San Sebastian Gijon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Feb 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 11°C (53°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 14°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 19°C (65°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 10°C (51°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)