A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Albufeira vs. Calais for Nightlife, Beaches, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Albufeira or Calais?

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

Should I visit Albufeira or Calais? 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.

Albufeira

Albufeira is a vibrant, touristy, and popular resort town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Calais

Calais is a undiscovered, coastal, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Albufeira and Calais: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Albufeira or Calais?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Albufeira. Although Albufeira and Calais are both popular with visitors, Albufeira has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Albufeira is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Calais is known for its museums & sights and shopping. Albufeira is more touristy than Calais and is known for its golden beaches and limestone cliffs. It is also home to Praia da Falesia. Calais is popular for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Albufeira different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Calais and Albufeira. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Albufeira or Calais?

Calais is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Albufeira does not have museums and landmarks.

Calais offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

Albufeira does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Albufeira or Calais? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Albufeira is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Albufeira is an experience not to be missed. As the largest resort town in the Algarve, the city also has the widest selection of restaurants. There are traditional options that serve up classic dishes like grilled sardines, as well as international restaurants with traveler favorites. As expected, you'll find a lot of seafood, but you'll also find inland influences from local farms in the area.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Albufeira or Calais Better for Nightlife?

Albufeira is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Albufeira is a world class party destination. It's probably the most infamous party destination in the Algarve and it won't disappoint. During the peak summer months you'll find the streets around the popular "Strip" filled with tourists and party-goers. There are hen and stag parties, backpackers, and drunken travelers out for a good time. The Strip has become so popular that there are now bars and clubs on the adjacent streets as well. If you're not staying in the area, you'll likely want to take a taxi, as it's a couple kilometers outside of the town center.

If you're looking for night time activities Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Albufeira or Calais Better for Resorts?

Albufeira is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Calais is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Albufeira is a great choice. As the largest resort town in the Algarve, you'll find a wide selection of hotels to choose from. Party-goers will want to stay near the Strip while families will prefer the old town or resorts in Olhos de Agua.

Calais is not a resort destination.

Is Albufeira or Calais Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Albufeira is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Calais is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Albufeira. There are countless vendors who will take you by boat to explore the underwater world, either by snorkeling or scuba diving. The marine life is impressive and the water is generally clear.

Calais is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Albufeira or Calais Better for Beaches?

Albufeira is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Albufeira. With their golden sands and blue waters, the beaches are world class. The area also has a diversity of beaches that are perfect for all types of vacationers. For water sports, head to Praia dos Alemaes but for relaxation and catching some rays check out Praia da Falesia. You'll find some interesting rock formations at Praia dos Olhos de Agua. One of the most convenient beaches to town is Praia dos Pescadores. For nightlife you'll want to head to Praia da Oura.

Many people head to Calais to enjoy the beach. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Is Albufeira or Calais Better for Hiking?

Albufeira is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Calais is not a hiking destination.

Albufeira is a good destination for hiking. There are countless coastal walks that are perfect for all skill levels. Many offers stunning views along the rocky coast and pass through natural settings. Popular trails in the area include Praia Grande Interpretation Trail and Paderne Castle Trail.

Calais is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Albufeira or Calais?

Calais is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Albufeira is a resort town with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Calais offers some nice shopping areas. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Albufeira has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find most of the shops are geared toward souvenirs or beach items, particularly near the beach and marina. If you look hard you might find some nice ceramics or items made of cork.

Is Albufeira or Calais Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Albufeira or Calais.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Albufeira. Despite it's reputation as a party-hard city, there are actually a lot of family-friendly activities in the area. Because it's the largest resort town in the Algarve, it also has the most activities to choose from, including theme parks, water parks, dolphin watching, ropes courses, go karting, and more. The best area's for families are in the old town or the most of the family-friendly resorts outside of town. Families should avoid staying near "the Strip."

Calais offers lots of family activities. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Albufeira or Calais Better for Couples?

Albufeira is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Albufeira makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. For an active honeymoon or couple's retreat, this resort town has it all. Beautiful beaches, adventure-filled activities, a wild nightlife scene, and excellent resorts and restaurants all make for a memorable couple's getaway.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Albufeira or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Albufeira is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Albufeira is a very popular resort town to visit for backpackers. If you're looking for a party, then you found it. The area is a top pick for European holidays, so you'll find plenty of energy and activities around town. There are also golden beaches and a decent selection of hostels to choose from.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Albufeira or Calais Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Calais is a popular place for its public transit. However, Albufeira is a resort town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Calais, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Public transit is mostly limited in Albufeira. There are regional buses and even trains, but do take note that many of the train and bus stations are a good distance outside of town.

Is Albufeira or Calais a more walkable city?

Calais is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Albufeira is a resort town with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Calais is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

Albufeira is generally not a very walkable resort town. Most people prefer to hire a car, but if your hotel is near the beach and you're ok with walking to restaurants, then you may be able to get away without one. If you hope to travel into the countryside at all then a car is necessary.

For even more information, also check out Is Albufeira Worth Visiting? and Is Calais Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calais or Albufeira?

How long in Albufeira or Calais?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Albufeira and Calais. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Albufeira than in Calais. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Albufeira, and 1-3 days is enough time in Calais.

Families should spend more time in Albufeira than Calais. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Albufeira, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Albufeira than Calais. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Albufeira that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Albufeira than Calais if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Albufeira.

One day in Albufeira or Calais?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Albufeira. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Calais. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Calais has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Albufeira or Calais?

Albufeira is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the undiscovered destination of Calais. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Albufeira or Calais?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Albufeira. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the coastal city of Calais. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Albufeira or Calais?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the touristy destination of Albufeira. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Calais is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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 Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Albufeira and Calais, we can see that Albufeira 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 Albufeira Expensive? and Is Calais Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Albufeira or Calais?

Calais has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Albufeira. When comparing the sizes of Albufeira and Calais, 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 Calais?

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 Calais in the Summer?

Both Calais and Albufeira are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Albufeira because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Calais this time of year.

In the summer, Albufeira is a little warmer than Calais. Typically, the summer temperatures in Albufeira in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Calais averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In July, Albufeira usually receives less rain than Calais. Albufeira gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Albufeira or Calais in the Autumn?

Both Calais and Albufeira during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Calais for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Albufeira is generally much warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Albufeira average around 19°C (67°F), and Calais fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Albufeira usually gets more rain in October than Calais. Albufeira gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Albufeira or Calais in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Albufeira and Calais. Many travelers come to Albufeira for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Calais in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Calais can get quite cold in the winter. Albufeira is much warmer than Calais in the winter. The daily temperature in Albufeira averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Calais fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In January, Albufeira usually receives more rain than Calais. Albufeira gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Albufeira or Calais in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Albufeira as well as Calais. Many visitors come to Albufeira in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Calais for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Albufeira is much warmer than Calais. Typically, the spring temperatures in Albufeira in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Calais averages at about 9°C (47°F).

Albufeira usually gets less rain in April than Calais. Albufeira gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Calais and Albufeira