A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Albufeira vs. Krakow for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Albufeira or Krakow?

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

Should I visit Albufeira or Krakow? 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 Krakow?

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.

Krakow

Krakow is Poland's second largest city. It sits on both sides of the Wisla River at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. There are more than 1.4 million residents in the metropolitan area. Krakow is known as a historical and beautiful city that is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Tourism makes up a large part of the city's economy, but there is also a university and several local colleges which are major employers as well. Technology has grown in recent years and the city has some notable employees including Google, IBM and Motorola. Other important industries include steel, pharmaceuticals and tobacco.

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 10-Day Tours in Poland, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland.


Which place is cheaper, Krakow 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 Krakow is €60. 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 Krakow in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Albufeira 74
    Krakow 39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Albufeira 148
    Krakow 78
Compare Hotels in Albufeira and Krakow

Looking for a hotel in Albufeira or Krakow? 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 Krakow


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 Krakow Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Albufeira 34
    Krakow 6.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Albufeira

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Albufeira:

  • Albufeira - Faro Airport Transfers 4pax: $49
  • Faro Airport Private Transfer - Albufeira (Departure): $27
  • From Slide & Splash Waterpark One-Way Transfer: $59
  • Private Airport Transfer To Albufeira Area: $109
  • Private Airport Transfer To Albufeira Area: $98
  • Private Transfer From Albufeira To Faro Airport By Minibus: $75
  • Private Transfer From Algarve to Sevilha By 8 Seats Minibus: $513
  • Private Transfer from Albufeira to Faro Airport (5 to 8 pax): $59
  • Private Transfer from Alte to Faro (FAO) Airport: $82
  • Private Transfer from Apartamentos Pescadores (Albufeira) to Faro (FAO) Airport: $48
  • Private Transfer from Ferreiras to Faro (FAO) Airport: $59
  • Private Transfer from Pera to Faro (FAO) Airport: $82

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krakow

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Krakow:

  • 1945-1989 Communism Tour of Krakow Nowa Huta with Transfers: $160
  • 1945-1989 Communism Tour of Krakow Nowa Huta with Transfers: $171
  • Airport Transfer (Krakow - Katowice): $100
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Krakow Airport KRK to Krakow City by Business Car: $39
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Krakow Airport KRK to Krakow City by Luxury Van: $54
  • Auschwitz - Birkenau Roundtrip Transfer with assistance: $17
  • Auschwitz Birkenau Transfer Service- Private Driver from Krakow: $109
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour & Transfer from Krakow: $12
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum with Private Transfers from Krakow: $217
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum Guided Tour with Ticket and Transfer: $35
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour with Transfer, eBook and Optional Guide: $32
  • Balice KRK airport OneWay PRIVATE TRANSFER to/from Krakow’s hotel: $29

Is it cheaper to fly into Albufeira or Krakow?

Prices for flights to both Krakow 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
    Krakow 12

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 with pick up: $49
  • Portuguese Dinner and Cocktail Experience with Pick up: $52
  • Dinner at the Vineyards in Lagoa: $60
  • Algarve Bike and Food Tour with Sea Food and Wine Tasting: $61
  • Sunset Safari with Traditional Dinner : $65
  • 6-Hour Sunset Dinner Catamaran Cruise from Albufeira: $74
  • Half-Day-Orange Picking &Jam Cooking/Lunch with the Orange Farmer: $109

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krakow

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

  • Walking Street Food Tour: $22
  • From Polish Folk Show with All-You-Can-Eat Dinner: $32
  • Polish Folk Show and Dinner From Krakow: $40
  • Folk Show & 3-Course Dinner at Jama Michalika Café: $44
  • Romantic Dinner with a Cruise on the Vistula River: $47
  • Brewery Dinner -center of Krakow : $49
  • Krakow : Folk Show Dinner Drinking and Fun ! Book Now!: $59
  • Folk Show Dinner Drinking and Fun in Krakow: $63
  • Cabaret Show with Optional Dinner: $69
  • Half-Day Krakow Food Tour in Old Town and Kazimierz: $83
  • 4-Hour Polish Food Tour: $88
  • Polish Pierogi Cooking Class with Farmer's Market Shopping: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Albufeira 39
    Krakow 19

Tours and Activities in Albufeira

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

  • From Portugal eSIM Tourist Data Plan: $4.81
  • Albufeira 1 hour Off-Road Tour Quad Adventure Tour: $19
  • Old Town History Walking Tour with Drink: $20
  • Quarteira Town & Gypsy Market Tour with Beach Bliss: $21
  • Authentic Algarve: Loulé Town Tour and Markets: $21
  • Albufeira Old Town: In-App Adventure Hunt: $21
  • Albufeira The Strip: In-App Adventure Hunt: $21
  • Private Tuk-Tuk Tour of Albufeira: $22
  • 70 Minutes Guided Secrets of Albufeira Walking Tour: $22
  • Algarve Wines Tasting Shared Experience at Mercado Municipal de Silves: $27
  • Tour to Benagil Caves and Coastline in Albufeira: $29
  • Private Guided Tuk Tuk Tour with pick-up and drop-off in Albufeira : $30

Tours and Activities in Krakow

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

  • Kraków in a nutshell - walking tour: $1.24
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Old Town Audio-Guided Walking Tour with Headset: $3.72
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.28
  • Old Town Audioguided walking Tour: $4.46
  • Tadeusz Kościuszko Mound Entry Tickets: $4.71
  • From Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour: $4.95
  • Wawel Hill Tour with Audio Guide: $5.57
  • Tadeusz Kościuszko Mound Entrance Tickets: $5.62
  • From Kraków: Wieliczka Salt Mine Trip & Guided Tour: $6.19
  • Skip the Line Ticket for Kościuszko Mound in Krakow: $6.59
  • Wawel Hill Audioguide Tour: $6.69

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Albufeira 26
    Krakow 6.32

Sample the Local Flavors in Albufeira

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

  • Exclusive Wine Tasting Experience in Porches (Algarve): $49
  • Sunset Wine Tasting With BBQ in Porches: $49
  • Wine Tasting Tour in Algarve Winery : $58
  • Half Day Safari Tour with Wine Tasting: $58
  • Winery Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas: $63
  • Small-Group Wine Tour & Silves Exploration (from Albufeira): $68
  • Wine Tour and Tasting - Semi-Private from Albufeira: $71
  • Albufeira Coast Tour w/ Wine tasting & Chicken lunch: $74
  • From Private Lagos Tour Whith Wine Tasting: $92
  • Lagos and Ponta Da Piedade Private Tour & Algarvian Wine Tasting: $107

Typical Alcohol Prices in Krakow

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Krakow:


  • Vodka
    13

Sample the Local Flavors in Krakow

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

  • Pub Crawl with 1 Hour of Unlimited Alcoholic Drinks: $22
  • Kazimierz Pub Crawl with 1-Hour of Unlimited Drinks: $22
  • Pub Crawl - 1-hour Open Bar then Vip to 5 Clubs - Krakow: $24
  • Halloween Pub Crawl - Krawl Through Krakow: $24
  • Pub tour in Old Town with 1 hour open bar with a guide.: $25
  • Kazimierz Pub Crawl + 1-hour Open Bar: $25
  • Pub Crawl with Shots, Drinks & Skip-the-Line Entry: $25
  • Pub Crawl of Kazimierz Jewish Quarter with a Local Guide : $25
  • Three-Hour Pub Crawl: $39
  • Wieliczka Vineyard: Wine tasting with local snacks: $44
  • Hoppy tours - Krakow brewery tour : $56
  • Krakow Wine Tasting Private Tour with Wine Expert: $176


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Albufeira and Krakow, we can see that Albufeira is more expensive. And not only is Krakow much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Krakow would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Krakow 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 Krakow.

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


Which is Bigger, Albufeira or Krakow?

Krakow has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Albufeira. When comparing the sizes of Albufeira and Krakow, 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 Krakow?

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 Krakow in the Summer?

Both Krakow 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.

In the summer, Albufeira is a little warmer than Krakow. Typically, the summer temperatures in Albufeira in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Krakow averages at about 19°C (67°F).

In July, Albufeira usually receives less rain than Krakow. Albufeira gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Albufeira 25°C (78°F) 
    Krakow 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Albufeira or Krakow in the Autumn?

Both Krakow 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.

In October, Albufeira is generally much warmer than Krakow. Daily temperatures in Albufeira average around 19°C (67°F), and Krakow fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Albufeira usually gets more rain in October than Krakow. Albufeira gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Albufeira 19°C (67°F) 
    Krakow 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Albufeira or Krakow in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Albufeira and Krakow. Many travelers come to Albufeira for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Krakow can get quite cold in the winter. Albufeira is much warmer than Krakow in the winter. The daily temperature in Albufeira averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Krakow fluctuates around -2°C (29°F).

In January, Albufeira usually receives more rain than Krakow. Albufeira gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Albufeira 11°C (52°F) 
    Krakow -2°C (29°F)

Should I visit Albufeira or Krakow in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Albufeira as well as Krakow. 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 much warmer than Krakow. Typically, the spring temperatures in Albufeira in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Krakow averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Albufeira usually gets less rain in April than Krakow. Albufeira gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Albufeira 15°C (60°F) 
    Krakow 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Krakow and Albufeira

Albufeira Krakow
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) -2°C (29°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 0°C (32°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (40°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (67°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 1°C (33°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)