A Travel Price Comparison for Portugal Albufeira vs. Braga for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Albufeira or Braga?

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

Should I visit Albufeira or Braga? 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: Albufeira or Braga?

Albufeira

Located in the Algarve region in the south of Portugal, Albufeira was once a small fishing village which has since evolved into a popular destination for tourists attracted by the area's beaches, pleasant climate, and fresh seafood.

Braga

Located in the Cavado Valley of Northern Portugal, Braga is a medium sized city with both historical and modern characteristics. There is a university in town, known as Universidade do Minho, which gives the city a young feel with a lot of life. There are also many bars, clubs, and activities around to keep you entertained.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Braga or Albufeira?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Albufeira is €148, while the average daily cost in Braga is €112. 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 Albufeira and Braga in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Albufeira 74
    Braga 54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Albufeira 148
    Braga 108
Compare Hotels in Albufeira and Braga

Looking for a hotel in Albufeira or Braga? 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 Albufeira


Hotels in Braga


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: Albufeira Hotel Prices and Braga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Albufeira 34
    Braga 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Albufeira

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Albufeira:

  • Faro Airport Private Transfer - Albufeira (Departure): $27
  • Transfer Vilamoura - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $30
  • Private Transfer from Quarteira to Faro (FAO) Airport: $34
  • Private Transfer from Vilamoura to Faro (FAO) Airport: $38
  • Private Transfer from Résidence Pierre Vilamoura to Faro (FAO) Airport: $38
  • Transfer Alcantarilha - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $43
  • Stork Transfers - Private Transfer From Albufeira to Faro Airport (up to 4 pax): $45
  • Private Transfer from Albufeira to Faro (FAO) Airport: $48
  • Private Transfer from Apartamentos Pescadores (Albufeira) to Faro (FAO) Airport: $48
  • Private Transfer from Vilas Guerreiro (Olhos de Água) to Faro (FAO) Airport: $48
  • Albufeira - Faro Airport Transfers 4pax: $50
  • Transfer Silves - Alto Golf Pestana (Alvor): $55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Braga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Braga:

  • Braga Private Transfer to Porto: $55
  • Braga Private Transfer:To/From the Oporto Airport: $103
  • Esposende Private Transfer to Porto: $41
  • Traditional Vinho Verde Tour in Bowl with Private Transfer (Porto and Braga): $132

Is it cheaper to fly into Albufeira or Braga?

Prices for flights to both Braga and Albufeira 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
    Albufeira 48
    Braga 40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Albufeira

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

  • A Portuguese Dinner and Cocktail Experience: $50
  • Algarve Bike and Food Tour with Sea Food and Wine Tasting: $62
  • Sunset Safari with Traditional Dinner : $66
  • 6-Hour Sunset Dinner Catamaran Cruise from Albufeira: $75
  • Sunset Tour - Champagne and Traditional Dinner: $76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Braga

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

  • Private Guimaraes Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $61
  • Small-Group Braga Food Tour With A Local Guide: $86

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Albufeira 39
    Braga 16

Tours and Activities in Albufeira

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

  • Inflatable Waterpark Entry Ticket: $7.71
  • Algarve Wines Tasting Shared Experience at Mercado Municipal de Silves: $17
  • Quarteira Town & Gypsy Market Tour with Beach Bliss: $21
  • 70 Minutes Guided Secrets of Albufeira Walking Tour: $22
  • 70 Minutes Guided Old Ruins Walking Tour in Albufeira: $22
  • Benagil Boat Tour: $29
  • Caves and Dolphin Watching Cruise from Albufeira: $32
  • Benagil Caves Boat Cruise: $32
  • From Algarve Coastline Sunset Cruise: $33
  • Benagil caves's kayak tour: $33
  • Catamaran Cruise: Caves and Coastline to Benagil: $33
  • Benagil Coastline Tour - Allboat: $33

Tours and Activities in Braga

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

  • Casa dos Coimbras ( Chapel and Tower ) ticket & drink: $5.43
  • Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $7.80
  • Braga Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tourer Hunt: $7.97
  • Tuk Tuk City Tour: $16
  • Paintball Experience : $33
  • Bravaes Kayak Park Private Adventure: $39
  • Small-Group Braga Half-Day Tour with Bom Jesus: $42
  • Small-Group Braga Half-Day Tour with Bom Jesus: $43
  • KAYAK TOUR I Descent of the River Lima in Kayak: $55
  • KAYAK TOUR I Going down the Lima River in Kayak | AV: $66
  • Rafting Experience on the River Tâmega : $66
  • E-Bike Tour: $66

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Albufeira 26
    Braga 21

Sample the Local Flavors in Albufeira

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

  • Sunset Wine Tasting With BBQ in Porches: $50
  • Exclusive Wine Tasting Experience in Porches (Algarve): $50
  • Winery Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas: $64
  • Small-Group Wine Tour & Silves Exploration (from Albufeira): $68
  • Wine Tour and Tasting - Semi-Private from Albufeira: $72
  • Albufeira Coast Tour w/ Wine tasting & Chicken lunch: $75
  • Lagos and Ponta Da Piedade Private Tour & Algarvian Wine Tasting: $108
  • From Private Lagos Tour Whith Wine Tasting: $413

Sample the Local Flavors in Braga

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Braga:

  • Wine Tasting & Lunch | Quinta de Santa Cristina Vinho Verde: $51
  • Green Wine Region-Small Group Tour with Lunch and Wine Tastings, from Porto city: $143
  • Douro Valley - Régua-Pinhão - with wine tasting: $149
  • Private Culture and Wine Tourism Tour: $226
  • Vinho Verde Private Wine Tour: $543
  • Douro Valley Private Tour from Lunch & Wine Tour: $1,085


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

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


Which is Bigger, Albufeira or Braga?

Braga has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Albufeira. When comparing the sizes of Albufeira and Braga, 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 Albufeira or Braga?

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 Albufeira or Braga in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Albufeira and Braga. The summer months attract visitors to Albufeira because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Albufeira is a little warmer than Braga. Typically, the summer temperatures in Albufeira in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Braga averages at about 21°C (69°F).

In July, Albufeira usually receives less rain than Braga. Albufeira gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Braga receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Albufeira 25°C (78°F) 
    Braga 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Albufeira or Braga in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Albufeira as well as Braga. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Albufeira this time of year.

In October, Albufeira is generally a little warmer than Braga. Daily temperatures in Albufeira average around 19°C (67°F), and Braga fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite rainy in Braga. Albufeira usually gets less rain in October than Braga. Albufeira gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Braga receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Albufeira 19°C (67°F) 
    Braga 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Albufeira or Braga in the Winter?

Both Braga and Albufeira are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Albufeira for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Albufeira is a little warmer than Braga in the winter. The daily temperature in Albufeira averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Braga fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Braga. In January, Albufeira usually receives less rain than Braga. Albufeira gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Braga receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Albufeira 11°C (52°F) 
    Braga 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Albufeira or Braga in the Spring?

Both Braga and Albufeira during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Albufeira in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Albufeira is a little warmer than Braga. Typically, the spring temperatures in Albufeira in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Braga averages at about 14°C (56°F).

Braga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Albufeira usually gets less rain in April than Braga. Albufeira gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Braga receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Albufeira 15°C (60°F) 
    Braga 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Braga and Albufeira

Albufeira Braga
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (56°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 21°C (69°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 176 mm (6.9 in)