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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Biarritz?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Biarritz? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a high energy, bustling, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a quirky, dynamic, and cultural seaside town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Thessaloniki and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Biarritz?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Thessaloniki than Biarritz, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Thessaloniki is better known for its museums and big city activities, while Biarritz is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and small town charm. Thessaloniki is well known for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. Also, Thessaloniki is famous for The Monument of Rotonda. Biarritz is well known for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere.

How is Thessaloniki different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Thessaloniki is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Thessaloniki offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a huge number of historic and archeological sights in the city. These include the Rotunda of Galerius, the White Tower, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Arch of Galerius.

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 Thessaloniki or Biarritz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Thessaloniki and Biarritz both to be high quality destinations.

Thessaloniki has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a huge culinary scene in the city, and you'll find everything from fun street food options to traditional tavernas and even some great international restaurants.

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 Thessaloniki or Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

Both Thessaloniki and Biarritz have high quality vibes after the sun sets.

Thessaloniki has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It's the second largest city in Greece, and it has large student and tourist populations, so the nightlife scene is among the best in Greece. There are clubs, bars, and lounges that stay busy late into the night.

The people in Biarritz know how to have a good time. 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.

Is Thessaloniki or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Thessaloniki is not a resort destination.

Biarritz is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Thessaloniki is not a resort destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Thessaloniki is lacking in options for the beach.

Biarritz is considered a top beach destination. 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.

The beach in Thessaloniki is worth checking out. Although the city's not known for its beaches, there are some places where you can relax by the water, particularly if you're willing to get a bit out of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Biarritz?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Thessaloniki and Biarritz.

Thessaloniki is well-known for its shopping. There are shopping streets as well as large malls and shopping centers. You'll find everything from fashion, jewelry, and handicrafts to most European and international brands.

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 Thessaloniki or Biarritz Better for Families?

Biarritz is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Biarritz is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Thessaloniki. The port city has a number of museums and attractions for kids including Dinosaur Park, the Noesis Science and Technology Museum, and the water park known as Waterland. There's also the fascinating Kapani Market that is fun to explore.

Is Thessaloniki or Biarritz Better for Couples?

Biarritz is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Biarritz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Thessaloniki is a good city for couples to visit. It's a bustling city that is filled with history and excellent restaurants. Couples who enjoy history and fun cities will appreciate a visit here.

Is Thessaloniki or Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki and Biarritz are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Thessaloniki. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Biarritz is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

Is Thessaloniki or Biarritz Better for Students?

Thessaloniki is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Biarritz is not popular with students.

Thessaloniki is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There's a large student population in the city and you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene, easy transportation options, and a reasonable cost of living.

Biarritz is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Thessaloniki and Biarritz.

Thessaloniki has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

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 Thessaloniki or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Biarritz is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Thessaloniki is a somewhat walkable city. You can explore much of the city center on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Biarritz?

Both Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Thessaloniki, and 3-7 days is enough time in Biarritz.

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

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

One day in Thessaloniki or Biarritz?

The city of Thessaloniki offers food and shopping. 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.

In Biarritz, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this relaxing seaside town offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Biarritz?

Thessaloniki is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Thessaloniki, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Biarritz is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Thessaloniki or Biarritz?

Thessaloniki is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Biarritz, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this relaxing destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Thessaloniki or Biarritz?

Thessaloniki is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Biarritz is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Biarritz?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki 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.

When is the best time to visit Thessaloniki or Biarritz?

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 Thessaloniki or Biarritz in the Summer?

Both Biarritz and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year.

Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Biarritz in the summer. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Biarritz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Biarritz. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Biarritz in the Autumn?

Both Biarritz and Thessaloniki during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Biarritz for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Biarritz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Thessaloniki in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Biarritz averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in October than Biarritz. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Biarritz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Biarritz. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Biarritz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Thessaloniki is generally much colder than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 5°C (41°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Biarritz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Biarritz. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Biarritz in the spring. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Biarritz fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in April than Biarritz. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Thessaloniki