Which place is cheaper, Playa Blanca or Albufeira?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Albufeira or Playa Blanca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Albufeira or Playa Blanca? 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 Playa Blanca?
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.
Playa Blanca
Located on the southern tip of the Canary Island of Lanzarote, Playa Blanca is a resort area popular with families and couples seeking a quieter vacation alternative to the lively neighbor resort of Puerto del Carmen. The resort's white sandy beaches are peaceful and sheltered from the higher winds found on other parts of the island. Timanfaya National Park is also nearby, as well as a number of other spectacular volcanic features.
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 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAlbufeira €148Playa Blanca €155
The average daily cost (per person) in Albufeira is €148, while the average daily cost in Playa Blanca is €155. 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 Playa Blanca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAlbufeira €74Playa Blanca €81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAlbufeira €148Playa Blanca €162
Compare Hotels in Albufeira and Playa Blanca
Looking for a hotel in Albufeira or Playa Blanca? 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.
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 Playa Blanca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Albufeira €34Playa Blanca €49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Albufeira
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Albufeira:
- Transfer Vilamoura - Benamor Golf (Conceição): $79
- Transfer Vilamoura - Alto Golf Pestana (Alvor): $71
- Transfer Vilamoura - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $71
- Transfer Vila Real de Santo Antonio - Alto Golf Pestana (Alvor): $164
- Transfer Vila Nova de Cacela - Benamor Golf (Conceição): $64
- Transfer Vila Nova de Cacela - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $140
- Transfer Vila Nova de Cacela - Alto Golf Pestana (Alvor): $151
- Transfer Tavira - Benamor Golf (Conceição): $47
- Transfer Silves - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $41
- Transfer Silves - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $55
- Transfer Quarteira - Benamor Golf (Conceição): $79
- Transfer Quarteira - Alamos Golf (Portimão) : $71
Is it cheaper to fly into Albufeira or Playa Blanca?
Prices for flights to both Playa Blanca 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
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Food Meals for one dayAlbufeira €48Playa Blanca €45
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Albufeira €39Playa Blanca €20
Tours and Activities in Albufeira
Here are a few actual costs in Albufeira for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Algarve Coast & Chapel of Bones ( Private Van Tour ): $52
- Safari Experience with Traditional Tapas: $76
- 3 Hour Cruise Experience from Vilamoura: $33
- 70 Minutes Guided Secrets of Albufeira Walking Tour: $22
- Albufeira 1 hour Off-Road Tour Quad Adventure Tour: $19
- Albufeira 1.5-Hour Off-road Quad Tour: $44
- Albufeira 2 hour Off-Road Tour Buggy Adventure Tour: $49
- Albufeira 2 hour Off-Road Tour Quad Adventure Tour: $35
- Albufeira 3.5 hour Off-Road Tour Buggy Adventure Tour: $65
- Albufeira 6-Hour Off-Road Quad Tour: $202
- Albufeira Algarve 4Hours Benagil Tasting Experience: $96
- Albufeira Beach BBQ with Caves and Coastline Cruise : $65
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAlbufeira €26Playa Blanca €9.29
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
When comparing the travel costs between Albufeira and Playa Blanca, we can see that Playa Blanca 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 Playa Blanca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Albufeira or Playa Blanca?
Albufeira has a larger population, and is about 59% larger than the population of Playa Blanca. When comparing the sizes of Albufeira and Playa Blanca, 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 Playa Blanca?
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 Playa Blanca in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Albufeira as well as Playa Blanca. Many visitors come to Albufeira in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Albufeira is around the same temperature as Playa Blanca in the summer. The daily temperature in Albufeira averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Playa Blanca fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Albufeira usually gets more rain in July than Playa Blanca. Albufeira gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Playa Blanca receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAlbufeira 25°C (78°F)Playa Blanca 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Albufeira or Playa Blanca in the Autumn?
Both Playa Blanca and Albufeira are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Albufeira for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Albufeira is cooler than Playa Blanca. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Albufeira in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Playa Blanca averages at about 22°C (72°F).
In October, Albufeira usually receives more rain than Playa Blanca. Albufeira gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Playa Blanca receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAlbufeira 19°C (67°F)Playa Blanca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Albufeira or Playa Blanca in the Winter?
Both Playa Blanca and Albufeira during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Albufeira because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In January, Albufeira is generally much colder than Playa Blanca. Daily temperatures in Albufeira average around 11°C (52°F), and Playa Blanca fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
Albufeira usually gets more rain in January than Playa Blanca. Albufeira gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Playa Blanca receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAlbufeira 11°C (52°F)Playa Blanca 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Albufeira or Playa Blanca in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Albufeira and Playa Blanca. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Albufeira this time of year.
Albufeira is cooler than Playa Blanca in the spring. The daily temperature in Albufeira averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Playa Blanca fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
In April, Albufeira usually receives more rain than Playa Blanca. Albufeira gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Playa Blanca receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAlbufeira 15°C (60°F)Playa Blanca 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Playa Blanca and Albufeira
| Albufeira | Playa Blanca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (52°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| May | 19°C (65°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.