A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ericeira vs. Bilbao for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Ericeira or Bilbao?

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 Ericeira and Bilbao can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Ericeira or Bilbao?

Ericeira

Beneath an indigo sky, a city perches at the edge of sandstone cliffs that overlook the vast expanse of the Atlantic. A seaside resort and fishing community, Ericeira is located in western Portugal within the municipality of Mafra. A picturesque village, Ericeira is quaint, quiet, and absolutely breathtaking with a population of no more than 10,260. Because of its blue waters and pristine coastlines, it has been named the Surfing Mecca of Europe. The town was a famous summer retreat for the families of Lisbon during the 1940s and 1950s and still remains so today for families beyond Lisbon's borders. Ericeira also has a World Surfing Reserve, the first in Europe and second in the world. Besides the many beaches on Ericeira, including Ribeira d'Ilhas, Pescadores, and Mataduoro, the town also has a park called Parque de Santa Maria as well as an old town center that has a collection of cafes, shops, restaurants, and bars. There are also some important landmarks that can be explored as no more than a brief visit, such as Forte Mil Regos and Casa De Cultura Jaime Lobo E. Silvs. Whether you are a surfer, fisher, or simply a lover of the beach, Ericeira is the perfect place for those who wish to experience the Atlantic like never before.

Bilbao

The industrial city of Bilbao is located on a port of the Nervión River in northern Spain, an important location of Basque country. While the downtown is filled with skyscrapers and innovative architecture, it sits between a river and mountains of natural allure. A city of hard-workers to the core, Bilbao displays remnants of its industrial past, though in more recent years it has transformed into a center for art. It is now a popular location for visitors looking to experience art galleries and museums.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lisbon, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Ericeira?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Ericeira is €118, while the average daily cost in Bilbao is €170. 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 Ericeira and Bilbao in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ericeira 51
    Bilbao 72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ericeira 102
    Bilbao 144
Compare Hotels in Ericeira and Bilbao

Looking for a hotel in Ericeira or Bilbao? 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 Ericeira


Hotels in Bilbao


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: Bilbao Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ericeira 25
    Bilbao 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:

  • Private Transfer from Bilbao Airport to Santander Port: $291
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Santander: $290
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria city to Logroño Airport : $281
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Santander Airport : $277
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao to Santander Port: $277
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Pamplona: $264
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria city to Pamplona Airport : $264
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Elciego town: $229
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Laguardia town: $228
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Laguardia town: $228
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Bilbao Cruise Port: $228
  • Private Transfer from Bilbao city to Bilbao Cruise Port: $200

Is it cheaper to fly into Ericeira or Bilbao?

Prices for flights to both Bilbao and Ericeira 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
    Ericeira 44
    Bilbao 77

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ericeira

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

  • Ericeira Private Tour: 10 Tastings Food Tour: $122

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bilbao

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bilbao.

  • Bilbao Food Tour with Pintxos & Drinks with a Local: $105
  • Bilbao Food Tour: Pintxos, Drinks, and Tapas with a Local: $107
  • The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings: $112
  • Basque Food Tour and Wine Tasting with Guide: $112
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class: $112
  • Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao : $119
  • Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class in Bilbao: $120
  • The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing by Basque Local: $125
  • Paella Cooking Class with Sangria in Bilbao: $148
  • Paella Cooking Class (with Basque Sangria) in Bilbao: $149
  • Immersive Basque Cooking Class: $165
  • Private Guided Street Food Tour of Bilbao: $182

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ericeira 26
    Bilbao 29

Tours and Activities in Ericeira

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ericeira.

  • Surf School Experience & Equipment Rental: $59

Tours and Activities in Bilbao

Here are a few actual costs in Bilbao for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Full-day private Bilbao tour (Guggenheim museum & full pintxo lunch included): $299
  • Pintxos Tasting in Bilbao Small Group or Private Walking Tour: $102
  • 2 Hours Private Family Guided Walking Tour in Bilbao: $215
  • 4-hour Private Bilbao City Walking Tour: $213
  • Alhondiga Bilbao Group Tour: $72
  • Artist-Guided Tour of the Guggenheim Museum: $107
  • Awesome Bilbao – Private Family Walking Tour: $473
  • BILBAO-City Highlights Bike Tour: $42
  • Basque Coast Tour: Vizcaya Bridge, Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo and Gernika: $72
  • Basque Country 7-Day Guided Tour from Bilbao: $1,315
  • Biarritz and French Basque coast small group tour lunch included: $285
  • Bike tour with Pintxos & Drinks in Getxo (Scenic Bilbao Seaside): $66

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ericeira 17
    Bilbao 21

Sample the Local Flavors in Bilbao

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

  • Unique Spanish Wine Tasting with Sommelier - In Bilbao: $53
  • Basque Wine Tasting with Sommelier (Bilbao): $54
  • Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, Mundaka, Gernika, & Wine Tour: $70
  • From La Rioja Wineries Day Trip with Wine Tastings: $75
  • Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide: $100
  • The Authentic Bilbao Pintxos, Food & Wine Tour with a Local: $118
  • Basque Best Bites - #1 Food & Wine tour of Bilbao: $119
  • Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $195
  • Bilbao Txakoli Wine Tour: $198
  • Guided Txacoli Wine Tasting: $207
  • Boutique Rioja Wine Tour with Charming Lunch (From Bilbao): $266
  • La Rioja Boutique Wine Tour & Charming Lunch (From Bilbao): $275


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

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


Which is Bigger, Ericeira or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Ericeira. When comparing the sizes of Ericeira and Bilbao, 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 Ericeira or Bilbao?

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 Ericeira or Bilbao in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ericeira as well as Bilbao. Additionally, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Ericeira is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Ericeira average around 23°C (73°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ericeira this time of the year. In the summer, Ericeira often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Ericeira gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

Ericeira usually gets less rain in July than Bilbao. Ericeira gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ericeira 23°C (73°F) 
    Bilbao 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Ericeira or Bilbao in the Autumn?

Both Bilbao and Ericeira are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Ericeira is a little warmer than Bilbao in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ericeira averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ericeira. Ericeira usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Ericeira gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In October, Ericeira usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Ericeira gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ericeira 19°C (66°F) 
    Bilbao 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Ericeira or Bilbao in the Winter?

Both Bilbao and Ericeira during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In the winter, Ericeira is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ericeira in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Bilbao averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Ericeira often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Ericeira gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.

Bilbao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ericeira. Ericeira usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Ericeira gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ericeira 12°C (53°F) 
    Bilbao 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Ericeira or Bilbao in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ericeira and Bilbao. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the activities around the city.

In April, Ericeira is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Ericeira average around 16°C (60°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Ericeira, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ericeira usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Ericeira gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Ericeira usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Ericeira gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ericeira 16°C (60°F) 
    Bilbao 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Ericeira

Ericeira Bilbao
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)