A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Setubal vs. Calais for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Setubal or Calais?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Setubal and Calais can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Setubal or Calais?

Setubal

Setubal is a busy working port and major commercial fishing center. Setubal is a city that has always had a close connection to the seas, and this is celebrated along the newly rejuvenated waterfront, which encompasses the colorful fishing harbor, the popular urban park and the Troia Peninsula ferry terminal. Within the charming historic center is a maze of narrow alleys, hidden plazas, and family-owned shops, along with Portugal's largest fish market. Setubal is primarily an industrial city, but is situated in a region of immense beauty; to the east is the stunning Serra da Arrabida, to the north is historic Palmela, while to the south are the paradise beaches of the Troia Peninsula. Setubal may not be a conventional holiday destination, but there is a surprising amount to see and do within the city and the surrounding region.

Calais

Calais is a port city in northern France located across the English Channel from the clifftop town of Dover It's the principal ferry crossing point between France and England. Its old town, Calais-Nord, sits on an artificial island surrounded by canals.

Calais is a Cultural Link to Europe, just a hop, skip and a jump away from Belgium and England, on the Opal Coast in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. The city of Calais is exceptionally located between sea and countryside. Calais is renowned for its lace, which can be found in haute-couture designs. Preserved natural spaces abound with its 23 km of coastline, rugged cliffs, breathtakingly diverse terrain, and coastal villages. Whether on foot, bike or horseback, and even in the water along the coast, there is plenty to do to make this a great option for a visit!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Setubal or Calais?

Setubal has a larger population, and is about 57% larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Setubal and Calais, 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 Setubal or Calais?

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 Setubal or Calais in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Setubal as well as Calais. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Calais because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Setubal is generally a little warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 23°C (73°F), and Calais fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Calais. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Setubal this time of the year. In the summer, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Calais. Setubal gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun.

Setubal usually gets less rain in July than Calais. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Setubal or Calais in the Autumn?

Both Calais and Setubal are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Calais this time of year.

Setubal is much warmer than Calais in the autumn. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Calais fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Calais during autumn. Setubal gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Setubal usually receives more rain than Calais. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Setubal or Calais in the Winter?

Both Calais and Setubal during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Calais for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Calais. In the winter, Setubal is much warmer than Calais. Typically, the winter temperatures in Setubal in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Calais averages at about 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Calais. Setubal gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Setubal. Setubal usually gets more rain in January than Calais. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Setubal or Calais in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and Calais. Also, many visitors come to Calais in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Setubal is generally much warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 16°C (60°F), and Calais fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In Setubal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Calais during spring. Setubal gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Setubal usually receives more rain than Calais. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Calais and Setubal