A Travel Price Comparison for Spain Ezcaray vs. Bilbao for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Ezcaray or Bilbao?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ezcaray or Bilbao, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Ezcaray or Bilbao?

Ezcaray

Ezcaray, Spain is a great place to go if you are looking for a scenic, relaxing, and peaceful destination. It is located in the Sierra de la Demanda mountains on the banks of the Oja river. Because of the mountain range nearby, it is also a great place for mountaineers. Ezcaray is a small town with big charm and momentous possibilities. It is located right at the base of the San Lorenzo peak in the Oja valley in the La Rioja region of Spain. The town has a population of less than 2,000, so it is a far cry from big city life, but that's part of what makes it such a gem to visit. Some say it is one of the best locations to get an authentic feel of real Spain without the big touristy populations. Its sheer beauty has also been compared to something out of a fairy tale.

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 Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Bilbao or Ezcaray?

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

  • Ezcaray Prices
    Spain Prices
    Bilbao Prices
    Spain Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Ezcaray 140
    Bilbao 170

The average daily cost (per person) in Ezcaray is €140, 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 Ezcaray and Bilbao in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ezcaray 56
    Bilbao 72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ezcaray 112
    Bilbao 144
Compare Hotels in Ezcaray and Bilbao

Looking for a hotel in Ezcaray 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 Ezcaray


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: Ezcaray Hotel Prices and Bilbao Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ezcaray 21
    Bilbao 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bilbao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bilbao:

  • Transfer Bilbao or San Sebastian Airports to San Sebastian by Van: $116
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Pamplona: $264
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Laguardia town: $228
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Bilbao Cruise Port: $228
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria to Bilbao: $176
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria city to Vitoria Airport : $97
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria city to Pamplona Airport : $264
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria city to Logroño Airport : $281
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria city to Bilbao Airport: $176
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Laguardia town: $228
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Elciego town: $229
  • Private Transfer from Vitoria Airport to Bilbao city: $176

Is it cheaper to fly into Ezcaray or Bilbao?

Prices for flights to both Bilbao and Ezcaray 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
    Ezcaray 68
    Bilbao 77

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.
    Ezcaray 21
    Bilbao 29

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
    Ezcaray 19
    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 Ezcaray and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Ezcaray much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ezcaray would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ezcaray 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 Ezcaray.

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


Which is Bigger, Ezcaray or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 170 times larger than the population of Ezcaray. When comparing the sizes of Ezcaray 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 Ezcaray 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 Ezcaray or Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Ezcaray during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bilbao in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ezcaray is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ezcaray in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Bilbao averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In the summer, Ezcaray often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao. Ezcaray gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

Ezcaray usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Bilbao. Ezcaray gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ezcaray 20°C (68°F) 
    Bilbao 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Ezcaray or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ezcaray and Bilbao. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Ezcaray is generally around the same temperature as Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Ezcaray average around 16°C (62°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

Ezcaray usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao during autumn. Ezcaray gets 125 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Ezcaray gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Ezcaray usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bilbao. Ezcaray gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ezcaray 16°C (62°F) 
    Bilbao 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Ezcaray or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ezcaray as well as Bilbao. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ezcaray is around the same temperature as Bilbao in the winter. The daily temperature in Ezcaray averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Ezcaray often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao. Ezcaray gets 77 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Ezcaray receives a lot of rain in the winter. Ezcaray usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Bilbao. Ezcaray gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ezcaray 9°C (48°F) 
    Bilbao 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Ezcaray or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and Ezcaray are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In the spring, Ezcaray is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ezcaray in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Bilbao averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Ezcaray usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bilbao during spring. Ezcaray gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. It's quite rainy in Ezcaray. In April, Ezcaray usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bilbao. Ezcaray gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ezcaray 12°C (54°F) 
    Bilbao 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Ezcaray

Ezcaray Bilbao
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in) 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)