A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Albufeira vs. Interlaken for Hiking, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Albufeira or Interlaken?

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

Should I visit Albufeira or Interlaken? 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 touristy, popular, and activity-filled resort town. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and nightlife.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a adrenaline-filled, breathtaking, and world-class town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and skiing.

Albufeira and Interlaken: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Albufeira or Interlaken?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Albufeira. Although Albufeira and Interlaken are popular destinations, Albufeira has more sights and attractions for tourists. Albufeira is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Interlaken attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Albufeira is famous for its golden beaches and limestone cliffs. It is also well known for Praia da Falesia. Interlaken is famous for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes.

How is Albufeira different from Interlaken?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Albufeira or Interlaken Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a popular place for winter skiing. However, Albufeira is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Interlaken is a great destination to visit. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Albufeira is not a skiing destination.

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

Foodies will find both Albufeira and Interlaken both to be great destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Albufeira. 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.

Interlaken has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

Is Albufeira or Interlaken Better for Nightlife?

Albufeira is a world-class destination for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

People head to Albufeira just to party. 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.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Albufeira or Interlaken Better for Resorts?

Albufeira is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Interlaken is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Albufeira is a perfect 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.

Interlaken is not a resort destination.

Is Albufeira or Interlaken Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Albufeira is an excellent place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Interlaken is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Interlaken is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Albufeira or Interlaken Better for Beaches?

Albufeira is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Interlaken is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Albufeira is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Is Albufeira or Interlaken Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Albufeira is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

People visit Interlaken specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Many people include a hike when visiting Albufeira. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Albufeira or Interlaken?

Albufeira is a decent place to visit for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Albufeira is a good destination for 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.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Albufeira or Interlaken Better for Families?

Interlaken is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Albufeira is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Interlaken is a very family-friendly destination. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

Albufeira offers lots of family activities. 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."

Is Albufeira or Interlaken Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Albufeira and Interlaken make for a world-class place to visit.

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.

For those traveling as a couple, Interlaken has plenty to offer. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

Is Albufeira or Interlaken Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Albufeira is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Albufeira. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Interlaken. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

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

Interlaken is a great destination for its public transit. However, Albufeira is a resort town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Interlaken can get you around easily. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

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 Interlaken a more walkable city?

Interlaken 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.

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

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 Interlaken Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Interlaken or Albufeira?

How long in Albufeira or Interlaken?

In either Albufeira or Interlaken, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Albufeira than Interlaken because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Albufeira, and 2-5 days is enough time in Interlaken.

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

Couples should spend more time in Albufeira than Interlaken. 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 Interlaken 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 Interlaken?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the popular resort town of Albufeira, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find skiing and food around the town of Interlaken. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Albufeira or Interlaken?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Albufeira, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and skiing around the adventurous destination of Interlaken. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Albufeira or Interlaken?

Albufeira, a popular resort town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this resort town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find skiing and food around the breathtaking town of Interlaken. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

A week in Albufeira or Interlaken?

Albufeira is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this resort town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this resort town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Interlaken is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Albufeira or Interlaken?

Albufeira has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Albufeira and Interlaken, 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 Interlaken?

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 Albufeira or Interlaken in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Albufeira as well as Interlaken. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Albufeira this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Interlaken for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Albufeira is generally a little warmer than Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Albufeira average around 25°C (78°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

Albufeira usually gets less rain in July than Interlaken. Albufeira gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Albufeira or Interlaken in the Autumn?

Both Interlaken and Albufeira are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Albufeira for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Interlaken in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Albufeira is a little warmer than Interlaken in the autumn. The daily temperature in Albufeira averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Interlaken fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In October, Albufeira usually receives around the same amount of rain as Interlaken. Albufeira gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Albufeira or Interlaken in the Winter?

Both Interlaken and Albufeira during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Albufeira in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Interlaken for the skiing and the cuisine during these months.

Interlaken can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Albufeira is much warmer than Interlaken. Typically, the winter temperatures in Albufeira in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Interlaken averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Albufeira usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Interlaken. Albufeira gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Albufeira or Interlaken in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Albufeira and Interlaken. Most visitors come to Albufeira for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the natural beauty.

In April, Albufeira is generally a little warmer than Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Albufeira average around 15°C (60°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In April, Albufeira usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Albufeira gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Interlaken and Albufeira