A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Biarritz vs. Costa de Prata for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Biarritz or Costa de Prata?

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

Should I visit Biarritz or Costa de Prata? 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: Biarritz or Costa de Prata?

Biarritz

Biarritz is an elegant seaside town on southwestern France's Basque coast that has been a popular resort since European royalty started visiting the area in the 1800s. It is located on France's Atlantic Coast in the Bay of Biscay. Half ritzy coastal resort, half summer surfer's hang-out, the seaside resort of Biarritz has been a favorite seaside getaway ever since Napoleon III and his Spanish-born wife Eugenie arrived during the mid-19th century. To entertain her court, the empress built a grand palace, which is now a luxurious hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant. Other than this exquisite villa by the sea, the names of the streets in Biarritz also hint at the city's royal past: Avenue de l'Imperatrice, Avenue de la Reine Victoria, and Esplanade Elizabeth II. Mansions decked with steeples and spectacular windows recall the city's 19th-century splendors. Though the royal influence of Biarritz has faded, the city is still a popular tourist destination for those looking for a classic summer holiday. Pristine sandy beaches, beautiful coastal villas, and stylish restaurants offer a sophisticated ambience. Wide seafront promenades and well-placed benches allow visitors to soak up the stunning natural landscape. Biarritz is also the capital of surfing in Europe.

Costa de Prata

Costa de Prata is a region located on the Silver Coast of Portugal, an hour north of Lisbon. The area is known for its beautiful beaches, ancient architecture, and relaxed, welcoming, atmosphere. The area experiences gorgeous weather nearly all year round, with temperatures in the high 70's and 80's Fahrenheit from May-September. June-August sees the warmest ocean temperatures, making these the best months for swimming. Even during their winter, temperatures rarely dip below 60°F, although ocean temperatures drop, making swimming a bit colder.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to France, The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Biarritz and Costa de Prata, we can see that Costa de Prata is more expensive. And not only is Biarritz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Biarritz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Biarritz 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 Costa de Prata would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Costa de Prata than you might in Biarritz.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Biarritz Expensive? and Is Costa de Prata Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Biarritz or Costa de Prata?

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 Biarritz or Costa de Prata in the Summer?

Both Costa de Prata and Biarritz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Biarritz is cooler than Costa de Prata in the summer. The daily temperature in Biarritz averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Costa de Prata fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Costa de Prata. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Costa de Prata during summer. Biarritz gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Costa de Prata receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Costa de Prata. Biarritz gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Costa de Prata receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Biarritz or Costa de Prata in the Autumn?

Both Costa de Prata and Biarritz during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year.

In the autumn, Biarritz is cooler than Costa de Prata. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Biarritz in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Costa de Prata averages at about 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Costa de Prata. Biarritz gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Costa de Prata receives 184 hours of full sun.

Costa de Prata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. Biarritz usually gets more rain in October than Costa de Prata. Biarritz gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Costa de Prata receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Biarritz or Costa de Prata in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Biarritz and Costa de Prata. Many travelers come to Biarritz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Biarritz is generally cooler than Costa de Prata. Daily temperatures in Biarritz average around 8°C (47°F), and Costa de Prata fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Costa de Prata during winter. Biarritz gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Costa de Prata receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.

Costa de Prata receives a lot of rain in the winter. Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Costa de Prata. Biarritz gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Costa de Prata receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Biarritz or Costa de Prata in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Biarritz as well as Costa de Prata. Many visitors come to Biarritz in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

Biarritz is cooler than Costa de Prata in the spring. The daily temperature in Biarritz averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Costa de Prata fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Costa de Prata. In the spring, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Costa de Prata. Biarritz gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Costa de Prata receives 217 hours of full sun.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the spring. Biarritz usually gets more rain in April than Costa de Prata. Biarritz gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Costa de Prata receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Costa de Prata and Biarritz