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

Should you visit San Sebastian or Hondarribia?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Sebastian or Hondarribia, 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 Hondarribia?

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.

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 Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Hondarribia or San Sebastian?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • San Sebastian Prices
    Spain Prices
    Hondarribia Prices
    Spain Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    San Sebastian 113
    Hondarribia 162

The average daily cost (per person) in San Sebastian is €113, while the average daily cost in Hondarribia is €162. 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 Hondarribia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Sebastian 40
    Hondarribia 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Sebastian 80
    Hondarribia 140
Compare Hotels in San Sebastian and Hondarribia

Looking for a hotel in San Sebastian or Hondarribia? 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 Hondarribia


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 and Hondarribia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Sebastian 13
    Hondarribia 32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Sebastian

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Sebastian:

  • Transfer S. Sebastian to Bilbao or S. Sebastian Airports by Sedan: $66
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Biarritz: $194
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to San Sebastian Airport: $97
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Pamplona Airport : $283
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Biarritz Airport : $194
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian Airport to Pamplona city: $283

Is it cheaper to fly into San Sebastian or Hondarribia?

Prices for flights to both Hondarribia 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 55
    Hondarribia 71
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 Food Tour Oysters, Iberian Ham, Sweet Bite & more: $117
  • San Sebastian Food Tour: Pintxos, Drinks, and Tapas with a Local: $119
  • San Sebastian Food Tour: Pintxo Tasting Paired with Spanish Wines: $132
  • Pintxos cooking class from the classics to modern pintxos: $144
  • Basque Cooking Experience: Market Tour & Hands-On Class English: $156
  • Basque cuisine cooking class: $157
  • Authentic Basque Cooking Class in San Sebastian Old Town: $167
  • San Sebastián Food & Wine Tour with Basque Club Dinner Experience: $250
  • San Sebastián Food & History Tour: Dinner with a Local Twist: $259
  • Private San Sebastian Food Tour: Pintxo Tasting & Spanish Wines: $265
  • Local Cooking Class in San Sebastian: $277
  • Small Group Food Tour: Biarritz, St.Jean de Luz and Hondarribia: $291

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Sebastian 32
    Hondarribia 22
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:

  • Pamplona City Tour from San Sebastian: $107
  • " Basque Farm House & Cider house" tour + meal from San Sebastian: $112
  • "A la Vasca" - Top Notch Gastro Cultural Experience: $211
  • 2 h Privated Sail Sebastian Tour or Sunset: $283
  • A Perfect Start to your SS visit! City/cultural Tour: $66
  • Best Private Pintxos tour in San Sebastian : $175
  • Biarritz and French Coast Small Grop Tour from San Sebastian: $95
  • Bike Tour in San Sebastián with FREE pintxo and drink!: $66
  • Bilbao City Tour from San Sebastian: $114
  • Cider House Experience From San Sebastian: $132
  • City tour, by electric bicycle: $72
  • Coastal "Winery Camino Trail" Walking Tour from San Sebastian: $198

Tours and Activities in Hondarribia

For Hondarribia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Get to know Hondarribia by sea. Audio-guided boat tour: $53
  • From San Sebastian: Hondarribia, San Pedro & San Juan Tour: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Sebastian 20
    Hondarribia 18

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:

  • San Sebastian Centro Neighborhood Pintxos & Wine Tour: $131
  • San Sebastian Old Town Pintxos & Wine Tour Small Group Tour: $133
  • Small Group Basque Food, Pintxos and Wine Tour in San Sebastian : $179
  • Private Half Day Txakoli Wine Tour & Getaria Fishing Village: $210
  • Best quality food & wine tasting tour in San Sebastian. : $216
  • Open Food & Wine tours in San Sebastian: $217
  • Marques de Riscal and Ysios Architecture Wine Tour w/Lunch, SS: $288
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries Visit with Tasting from San Sebastian: $289


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between San Sebastian and Hondarribia, we can see that Hondarribia 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 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 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 Hondarribia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, San Sebastian or Hondarribia?

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

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 San Sebastian or Hondarribia in the Summer?

Both Hondarribia and San Sebastian during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to San Sebastian for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, San Sebastian is generally around the same temperature as Hondarribia. Daily temperatures in San Sebastian average around 20°C (68°F), and Hondarribia fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Hondarribia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in San Sebastian. In the summer, San Sebastian often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hondarribia. San Sebastian gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hondarribia receives 209 hours of full sun.

San Sebastian usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Hondarribia. San Sebastian gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    San Sebastian 20°C (68°F) 
    Hondarribia 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit San Sebastian or Hondarribia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both San Sebastian and Hondarribia. Many visitors come to San Sebastian in the autumn for the shopping scene.

San Sebastian is around the same temperature as Hondarribia in the autumn. The daily temperature in San Sebastian averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Hondarribia fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

San Sebastian usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hondarribia during autumn. San Sebastian gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Hondarribia receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Hondarribia receives a lot of rain in the autumn. San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, San Sebastian usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hondarribia. San Sebastian gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit San Sebastian or Hondarribia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to San Sebastian as well as Hondarribia. Most visitors come to San Sebastian for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, San Sebastian is around the same temperature as Hondarribia. Typically, the winter temperatures in San Sebastian in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Hondarribia averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, San Sebastian often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hondarribia. San Sebastian gets 85 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hondarribia receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hondarribia. San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the winter. San Sebastian usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Hondarribia. San Sebastian gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    San Sebastian 8°C (47°F) 
    Hondarribia 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit San Sebastian or Hondarribia in the Spring?

Both Hondarribia and San Sebastian are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the beaches.

In April, San Sebastian is generally around the same temperature as Hondarribia. Daily temperatures in San Sebastian average around 12°C (54°F), and Hondarribia fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

San Sebastian usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hondarribia during spring. San Sebastian gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Hondarribia receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hondarribia. It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. In April, San Sebastian usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hondarribia. San Sebastian gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    San Sebastian 12°C (54°F) 
    Hondarribia 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Hondarribia and San Sebastian

San Sebastian Hondarribia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)