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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Hondarribia?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Hondarribia? 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.

Where Should I go: Thessaloniki or Hondarribia?

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and serves as the capital city of the Central Macedonia region. It also has a rich history dating back more than 3,000 years. As a visitor, you'll find that the city has been touched by the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires, all of which left their mark. In particular, the many Byzantine churches are quite impressive, with some of them listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

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 Tours for Seniors to Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Hondarribia or Thessaloniki?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Thessaloniki is €134, while the average daily cost in Hondarribia is €132. 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 Thessaloniki and Hondarribia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Thessaloniki 79
    Hondarribia 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Thessaloniki 158
    Hondarribia 140
Compare Hotels in Thessaloniki and Hondarribia

Looking for a hotel in Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki


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: Thessaloniki Hotel Prices and Hondarribia Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Thessaloniki

Also for Thessaloniki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from Thessaloniki to Ikos Oceania: $153
  • Bus Transfer to/from Kavala: $18
  • Thessaloniki to Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) - Departure Transfer: $21
  • Thessaloniki Cruise Port: Transfer to Thessaloniki city: $142
  • Thessaloniki Airport to TUI Blue Lagoon Hotels Private Transfer: $93
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Sani Hotels Private Transfer: $98
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Portes Lithos Luxury Resort Private Transfer: $82
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Ikos Olivia Hotel Private Transfer: $98
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Ikos Oceania Hotel Private Transfer: $87
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Alia Palace Hotel Private Transfer: $131
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Afitis Boutique Hotel Private Transfer: $109
  • Thessaloniki Airport or Cruise Port Private Departure Transfer: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Thessaloniki or Hondarribia?

Prices for flights to both Hondarribia and Thessaloniki 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
    Thessaloniki 42
    Hondarribia 41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Thessaloniki

For Thessaloniki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Open Market Food Tour with Tasting: $48
  • Walking Open Market Food Tour and Tasting: $49
  • Cooking & Dining Experience with Greek Family: $63
  • Guided Food Tour: $70
  • Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $71
  • Private Walking Tour Gastronomic Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $87
  • Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $95
  • Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $95
  • Greek Cooking Class, Market Visit and Lunch: $95
  • Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $97
  • Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $97
  • Greek Cooking Class, Market visit and Lunch: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Thessaloniki 26
    Hondarribia 22

Tours and Activities in Thessaloniki

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

  • 4-Hour Thessaloniki Jewish Heritage Private Guided Tour: $207
  • Archery Odyssey Traditional Archery Experience: $65
  • Best of Private Guided Tour: $218
  • Best of Private Guided Tour: $192
  • Charming pearls of Thessaloniki – Romantic Tour: $153
  • City Sightseeing Thessaloniki Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $17
  • Daily Cruise:Discover Thessaloniki in a different way: $1,069
  • Daily Sailing Cruise Olympus Riviera Highlights: $122
  • Day Tour at Royal Tombs of Aigai and Museum of Pella with pickup: $93
  • Dion and Palaios Panteleimon Myth and History Tour: $153
  • Dion-Olympus Private Tour from Thessaloniki: $96
  • Discover Olympus from Paralia in Jeep Safari Shared Tour: $76

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Thessaloniki 15
    Hondarribia 18

Sample the Local Flavors in Thessaloniki

Also in Thessaloniki, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Friday Night Bar Crawl in Thessaloniki: $25
  • From Pella-Edessa wine tasting: $64
  • Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $81
  • Thessaloniki Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $83
  • Winery Visit with Wine Tasting Experience: $91
  • Wine Tasting Experience from Thessaloniki: $93
  • Thessaloniki to Naoussa, Wine Tasting Tour – Private Day Trip: $207


When comparing the travel costs between Thessaloniki and Hondarribia, 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 Hondarribia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Hondarribia?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hondarribia. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki or Hondarribia in the Summer?

Both Hondarribia and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Thessaloniki is generally a little warmer than Hondarribia. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 25°C (77°F), and Hondarribia fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

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

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Thessaloniki 25°C (77°F) 
    Hondarribia 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Hondarribia in the Autumn?

Both Hondarribia and Thessaloniki during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Hondarribia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Hondarribia fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

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

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Thessaloniki 16°C (61°F) 
    Hondarribia 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Hondarribia in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Hondarribia. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year.

In the winter, Thessaloniki is much colder than Hondarribia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Thessaloniki in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Hondarribia averages at about 8°C (47°F).

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

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Thessaloniki 5°C (41°F) 
    Hondarribia 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Hondarribia in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Hondarribia. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Thessaloniki is generally around the same temperature as Hondarribia. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 13°C (56°F), and Hondarribia fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

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

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Thessaloniki 13°C (56°F) 
    Hondarribia 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Hondarribia and Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki Hondarribia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 7°C (44°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 25°C (76°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 26 mm (1 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)