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

Should you visit Ericeira or San Sebastian?

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 San Sebastian can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Ericeira or San Sebastian?

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.

San Sebastian

San Sebastián is a city in northern Spain very well known for its summertime fun in the sun. While the streets are cool and happening at night, they take on a different charm by day. Beautiful beaches line the city's edge, right next to elegant historic architecture and churches, topping charts as some of the best city beaches in Europe. The food, too, is said to be some of the best with traditional Basque cuisine as well as the popular pintxo (tapas) bites. San Sebastián is a place of lively culture, teeming with beauty, flavors, and colors.

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 Bicycle Tours in Spain, and The Best Adventure Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, San Sebastian or Ericeira?

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

  • Ericeira Prices
    Portugal Prices
    San Sebastian Prices
    Spain Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Ericeira 118
    San Sebastian 113

The average daily cost (per person) in Ericeira is €118, while the average daily cost in San Sebastian is €113. 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 San Sebastian in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ericeira 51
    San Sebastian 40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ericeira 102
    San Sebastian 80
Compare Hotels in Ericeira and San Sebastian

Looking for a hotel in Ericeira or San Sebastian? 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 San Sebastian


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: San Sebastian Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ericeira 25
    San Sebastian 13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Sebastian

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Sebastian:

  • San Sebastián: Transfer to Biarritz: $287
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian Airport to Pamplona city: $281
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Pamplona Airport : $281
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian Airport to Biarritz city: $192
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Biarritz: $192
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to Biarritz Airport : $192
  • Transfer San Sebastian to Bilbao or San Sebastian Airports by Van: $116
  • Private Transfer from San Sebastian city to San Sebastian Airport: $97
  • Private Transfer in San Sebastian: $87
  • Transfer S. Sebastian to Bilbao or S. Sebastian Airports by Sedan: $65
  • San Sebastian Private Arrival Transfer: $59

Is it cheaper to fly into Ericeira or San Sebastian?

Prices for flights to both San Sebastian 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
    San Sebastian 55

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

Typical Food Prices in San Sebastian

Some typical examples of dining costs in San Sebastian are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    55
  • Lunch for 2
    10
  • Lunch for 2
    31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Sebastian

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

  • San Sebastian Food Tour: Pintxos, Drinks, and Tapas with a Local: $118
  • San Sebastian Food Tour: Pintxo Tasting Paired with Spanish Wines: $131
  • Best Street Food Tour of San Sebastian with a Local Guide: $133
  • Basque cuisine cooking class: $155
  • Basque Cooking Experience: Market Tour & Hands-On Class English: $155
  • Authentic Basque Cooking Class in San Sebastian Old Town: $166
  • Private San Sebastian Walking Food Tour: $173
  • Dinner in a Gastronomic Club in San Sebastian: $191
  • Eat Like a True Basque San Sebastian Authentic Culinary Food Tour: $197
  • Local Cooking Class in San Sebastian: $233
  • San Sebastián Food & History Tour: Dinner with a Local Twist: $256
  • Michelin Star Secrets Cooking Class in San Sebastian: $275

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ericeira 26
    San Sebastian 32

Tours and Activities in Ericeira

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

  • Surf School Experience & Equipment Rental: $59

Typical Entertainment Prices in San Sebastian

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in San Sebastian are as follows:


  • Valle de los Caídos Monument
    6.00

Tours and Activities in San Sebastian

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for San Sebastian are as follows:

  • Pamplona City Tour from San Sebastian: $106
  • " Basque Farm House & Cider house" tour + meal from San Sebastian: $111
  • "A la Vasca" - Top Notch Gastro Cultural Experience: $208
  • 2 h Privated Sail Sebastian Tour or Sunset: $281
  • A Perfect Start to your SS visit! City/cultural Tour: $66
  • BASQUE CRAFT BEER and FOOD - Private Gastronomic Adventure: $214
  • Best Private Pintxos tour in San Sebastian : $173
  • Biarritz and French Coast Small Grop Tour from San Sebastian: $94
  • Bike Tour La Belle ëpoque. Romantic Area and beaches.: $48
  • Bilbao City Tour from San Sebastian: $113
  • Camino de Santiago trail. Private trekking tour along the coast: $298
  • City tour, bike ride: $54

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ericeira 17
    San Sebastian 20

Sample the Local Flavors in San Sebastian

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

  • San Sebastian Old Town Pintxos & Wine Tour Small Group Tour: $123
  • San Sebastian Centro Neighborhood Pintxos & Wine Tour: $130
  • San Sebastian Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour: $173
  • Small Group Basque Food, Pintxos and Wine Tour in San Sebastian : $178
  • Private Half Day Txakoli Wine Tour & Getaria Fishing Village: $209
  • Open Food & Wine tours in San Sebastian: $214
  • Marques de Riscal and Ysios Architecture Wine Tour w/Lunch, SS: $284
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries Visit with Tasting from San Sebastian: $287
  • Private Txakoli Wine Tour through the Coast from San Sebastian: $287
  • Private Getaria Txakoli Wine Tour from San Sebastian: $299
  • Rioja Wine Tour: Winery, Tasting & Lunch from San Sebastian: $299


When comparing the travel costs between Ericeira and San Sebastian, we can see that Ericeira 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 Ericeira Expensive? and Is San Sebastian Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ericeira or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ericeira. When comparing the sizes of Ericeira and San Sebastian, 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 San Sebastian?

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 San Sebastian in the Summer?

Both San Sebastian and Ericeira during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In San Sebastian, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ericeira. In the summer, Ericeira often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Ericeira gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun.

Ericeira usually gets less rain in July than San Sebastian. Ericeira gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Ericeira or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ericeira and San Sebastian. Also, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Ericeira is a little warmer than San Sebastian in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ericeira averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Ericeira, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ericeira usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during autumn. Ericeira gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Ericeira usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Ericeira gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ericeira 19°C (66°F) 
    San Sebastian 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Ericeira or San Sebastian in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ericeira as well as San Sebastian. Also, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Ericeira is a little warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ericeira in January average around 12°C (53°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Ericeira often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Ericeira gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Ericeira receives a lot of rain in the winter. Ericeira usually gets less rain in January than San Sebastian. Ericeira gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ericeira 12°C (53°F) 
    San Sebastian 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Ericeira or San Sebastian in the Spring?

Both San Sebastian and Ericeira are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the beaches.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ericeira. Ericeira usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during spring. Ericeira gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. In April, Ericeira usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Ericeira gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Ericeira

Ericeira San Sebastian
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)