Which place is cheaper, Playa de las Americas or Albufeira?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Albufeira or Playa de las Americas?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Albufeira or Playa de las Americas? 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 de las Americas?
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 de las Americas
If you are looking to escape your life - to relax on a modern day pleasure island, then you need to book a trip to the Playa de las Americas resort town. Located on the south coast of Tenerife, this party, beach, and vacation capital never goes to sleep. Packed with nightclubs, bars, live music, shops and restaurants, Playa de las Americas is the stuff Hollywood movies are made of.
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 Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAlbufeira €148Playa de las Americas €195
The average daily cost (per person) in Albufeira is €148, while the average daily cost in Playa de las Americas is €195. 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 de las Americas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAlbufeira €74Playa de las Americas €115
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAlbufeira €148Playa de las Americas €230
Compare Hotels in Albufeira and Playa de las Americas
Looking for a hotel in Albufeira or Playa de las Americas? 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 de las Americas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Albufeira €34Playa de las Americas €56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Albufeira
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Albufeira:
- Private Transfer From Algarve to Sevilha By 8 Seats Minibus: $513
- Private transfer from Albufeira to Lisbon with 2 hours sightseeing: $283
- Transfer Vila Real de Santo Antonio - Alto Golf Pestana (Alvor): $164
- Transfer Vila Nova de Cacela - Alto Golf Pestana (Alvor): $151
- Transfer Vila Nova de Cacela - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $140
- Private Transfer from Vila Real de Santo António to Faro (FAO) Airport: $132
- Private Airport Transfer To Albufeira Area: $109
- Transfer Alcantarilha - Benamor Golf (Conceição): $99
- Private Airport Transfer To Albufeira Area: $98
- Transfer Galé - Benamor Golf (Conceição): $89
- Transfer Albufeira - Benamor Golf (Conceição): $89
- Private Transfer from Pera to Faro (FAO) Airport: $82
Is it cheaper to fly into Albufeira or Playa de las Americas?
Prices for flights to both Playa de las Americas 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 de las Americas €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 de las Americas €30
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 de las Americas €8.57
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Albufeira and Playa de las Americas, we can see that Playa de las Americas 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 Playa de las Americas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Playa de las Americas 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 Playa de las Americas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Albufeira or Playa de las Americas?
Albufeira has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Playa de las Americas. When comparing the sizes of Albufeira and Playa de las Americas, 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 de las Americas?
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 de las Americas in the Summer?
Both Playa de las Americas and Albufeira during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Albufeira this time of year.
Albufeira is around the same temperature as Playa de las Americas in the summer. The daily temperature in Albufeira averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Playa de las Americas fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
Albufeira usually gets less rain in July than Playa de las Americas. Albufeira gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAlbufeira 25°C (78°F)Playa de las Americas 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Albufeira or Playa de las Americas in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Albufeira and Playa de las Americas. 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.
In the autumn, Albufeira is cooler than Playa de las Americas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Albufeira in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Playa de las Americas averages at about 24°C (75°F).
In October, Albufeira usually receives more rain than Playa de las Americas. Albufeira gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAlbufeira 19°C (67°F)Playa de las Americas 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Albufeira or Playa de las Americas in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Albufeira as well as Playa de las Americas. Many visitors come to Albufeira in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In January, Albufeira is generally much colder than Playa de las Americas. Daily temperatures in Albufeira average around 11°C (52°F), and Playa de las Americas fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
Albufeira usually gets more rain in January than Playa de las Americas. Albufeira gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAlbufeira 11°C (52°F)Playa de las Americas 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Albufeira or Playa de las Americas in the Spring?
Both Playa de las Americas and Albufeira are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Albufeira for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.
Albufeira is cooler than Playa de las Americas in the spring. The daily temperature in Albufeira averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Playa de las Americas fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
In April, Albufeira usually receives more rain than Playa de las Americas. Albufeira gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAlbufeira 15°C (60°F)Playa de las Americas 20°C (68°F)
Typical Weather for Playa de las Americas and Albufeira
| Albufeira | Playa de las Americas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (52°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 19°C (65°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 43 mm (1.7 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.