Should you visit Albufeira or Granada?
Should I visit Albufeira or Granada? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
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.
Granada
Granada is a city of southern Spain located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the autonomous community of Andalucia. Perhaps the most notable feature of the city is its medieval architecture that dates to the Moorish occupation of Spain. Each example stands from another time and place, strong fortresses and castles against the backdrop of lumbering mountains. Yet they are surrounded by a city thriving with modern day quirks. From castles and fortresses to bars, restaurants, and cafes, Granada is a unique setting for an otherworldly getaway.
Which city is cheaper, Granada or Albufeira?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Albufeira is €118, while the average daily cost in Granada is €98. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Albufeira and Granada in more detail.
Accommodation
If you're traveling alone, you may be able to find a budget hotel or hostel for around €59. But for two people in a standard two-person hotel room in Albufeira the cost is €118 on average.
An average hotel room with basic furnishings costs about €94 in Granada For the most convenient locations and nicer amenities you can expect to pay a bit more.
Local Transportation
The average price of local transportation around Albufeira is €27 per person, per day. As this average includes both taxis and public transport, keep in mind that the prices of private drivers and taxis are significantly more expensive than public transportation.
To get around in Granada, the average visitor spends €17 per day, per person. This includes the costs of taxi rides and private drivers as well as public transportation, which tends to be much more affordable.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Albufeira
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Albufeira:
-
Transfer Galé - Boavista Golf (Lagos):
$77
-
Transfer Galé - Benamor Golf (Conceição):
$100
-
Transfer Galé - Balaia Golf (Albufeira):
$36
-
Transfer Galé - Alto Golf Pestana (Alvor):
$62
-
Transfer Galé - Alamos Golf (Portimão):
$62
-
Transfer From Albufeira Algarve To Lisboa:
$235
-
Transfer Algarve - Up to 7 People:
$871
-
Transfer Algarve - Up to 3 People:
$746
-
Transfer Albufeira to Faro Airport:
$36
-
Transfer Albufeira - Boavista Golf (Lagos):
$77
-
Transfer Albufeira - Benamor Golf (Conceição):
$100
-
Transfer Albufeira - Balaia Golf (Albufeira):
$19
Typical Local Transportation prices in Granada
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Granada are as follows:
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Granada
Also for Granada, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
-
Granada Airport Private Arrival Transfer:
$51
-
Granada Airport Private Departure Transfer:
$51
-
Granada Luxury Private Airport Transfer:
$73
-
Granada Private Departure Transfer:
$51
-
Granada Private Transfer from the city centre to Granada Airport:
$62
-
Granada Private Transfer to Seville with a Visit to Cordoba:
$348
-
Granada airport private arrival transfer, Mercedes Sedan:
$81
-
Granada airport private arrival transfer, Mercedes minivan:
$107
-
Granada to Cordoba Private Transfer:
$275
-
Granada to Malaga Airport Private Transfer:
$216
-
Granada to Seville Private Transfer:
$388
-
Private Transfer IN or OUT in Upscale Vehicle with Professional Driver:
$93
Is it cheaper to fly into Albufeira or Granada?
Prices for flights to both Granada 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
The average traveler spends about €38 per day in Albufeira for food, but obviously this is dependent on the type of restaurant and the amount of food ordered. To save money you can grab a lighter lunch or dinner, or you can try fast food or street food.
The average traveler spends about €29 per day in Granada for food, but obviously this is dependent on the type of restaurant and the amount of food ordered. To save money you can grab a lighter lunch or dinner, or you can try fast food or street food.
-
Food
Meals for one day
Albufeira €38
Granada €29
Typical Food prices in Granada
For Granada, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Sangria
€2.50
-
Sandwich to go
€3.00
-
Bocadillo & Drink
€6.25
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Granada
For Granada, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
-
Middle Eastern 6-course dinner in Granada with a professional chef:
$49
-
Albaicín & Sacromonte Guided Walking Tour with Flamenco & Tapas Dinner:
$81
-
Small Group Food Tour in Granada:
$88
-
Spanish Tapas Cooking Class in Granada:
$116
Entertainment
Albufeira's costs for entertainment, tickets, attractions, and tours will often cost around €31 per person, per day. This cost can vary widely by the type of activity, however, as this includes admission tickets, day tours, museums, and other things to do.
In Granada, the costs for things to do, activities, admission tickets, and other sightseeing expenses are on average €23 per person, per day.
Tours and Activities in Albufeira
Here are a few actual costs in Albufeira for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
-
'Leaozinho' Pirate Ship Cruise from Albufeira:
$30
-
1.5 Hour Quad Off-Road Tour from Albufeira:
$31
-
Abulferia: 3-Hour Yacht Cruise to Benagil:
$34
-
Albufeira 1.5 hour Off-Road Tour Buggy Adventure Tour:
$40
-
Albufeira 1.5-Hour Off-road Quad Tour:
$75
-
Albufeira 3-Hour Off-Road Quad Tour:
$137
-
Albufeira Beach Tour:
$25
-
Albufeira Coast and Countryside Mountain Bike Tour:
$73
-
Albufeira Jeep Safari Tour (Full Day):
$65
-
Albufeira to Algibre Trails Bike Tour:
$73
-
2-Hour Caves and Cliffs Kayaking Experience:
$40
-
2.5-Hour Dolphin Watching and Caves Cruise:
$31
Tours and Activities in Granada
For Granada, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
-
Alhambra 3D Audioguide Tour For Children:
$11
-
Self-guided Virtual Tour of Alhambra Palace: The Highlights:
$11
-
Albaicin and Sacromonte Walking Tour:
$12
-
Jewish and Christian Neighborhoods Guided Tour:
$13
-
Illustration Walking Tours in Albayzin Granada:
$15
-
Granada Walking Tour:
$15
-
Granada Walking Tour: Albaicin and Sacromonte Quarters:
$16
-
Sunset Walking Tour in Albaicín & Sacromonte:
$17
-
Albaicín and Sacromonte Guided Walking Tour:
$17
-
Tour Albaicín & Sacromonte:
$17
-
Albaicin & Sacromonte regular tour:
$17
-
Albaicin & Sacromonte nigth tour:
$17
Alcohol
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Albufeira may vary from person to person, on average a person spends €21 per day on alcoholic beverages.
Typically, people visiting Granada spend on average €19 on alcoholic beverages per person, per day.
Sample the Local Flavors in Albufeira
Also in Albufeira, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
-
Small group Wine Tasting Tour from Albufeira:
$61
-
sunset wine tasting from Albufeira:
$87
-
Half Day Small Group Premium Wine Tour from Albufeira:
$93
-
Wine Tour & Walking 7 Hanging Valleys - Coast Algarve:
$156
-
From Algarve: Medieval Évora with Lunch and Wine Tasting:
$319
-
Algarve Art and Wine Tour from Albufeira:
$653
Sample the Local Flavors in Granada
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Granada:
-
Wine Tasting in Granada:
$57
-
Granada Tapas and wine tour!:
$67
-
Granada Traditional Tapas and Wine Tour - by Oh My Good Guide!:
$81
-
Small-Group Granada Tapas Bar Crawl Evening Tasting Experience:
$83
-
BEST OF Flamenco, Tapas and Wine Tour - by OhMyGoodGuide!:
$106
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Albufeira and Granada, we can see that Albufeira is more expensive. And not only is Granada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Granada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Granada 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 Granada.
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