Which place is cheaper, Pontevedra or Albufeira?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Albufeira or Pontevedra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Albufeira or Pontevedra? 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 Pontevedra?
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.
Pontevedra
An important port city with a medieval past, Pontevedra sits on the northwestern coast of Spain where the Lerez River opens out into the ocean. It is a part of the Galicia region and is known for its seafood, charming plazas, and old world architecture that include a number of chapels, churches, and cathedrals.
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 Spain, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAlbufeira €148Pontevedra €120
The average daily cost (per person) in Albufeira is €148, while the average daily cost in Pontevedra is €120. 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 Pontevedra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAlbufeira €74Pontevedra €61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAlbufeira €148Pontevedra €122
Compare Hotels in Albufeira and Pontevedra
Looking for a hotel in Albufeira or Pontevedra? 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 Pontevedra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Albufeira €34Pontevedra €23
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 Pontevedra?
Prices for flights to both Pontevedra 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 €48Pontevedra €42
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
Typical Food Prices in Pontevedra
For Pontevedra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for 2€11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pontevedra
For Pontevedra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Galician Cooking Class with Chef Instructor: $159
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Albufeira €39Pontevedra €19
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
Tours and Activities in Pontevedra
For Pontevedra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Pontevedra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
- O Grove Aquarium Experience: $16
- Private Guided Walking Tour: $43
- NEW!! Private Walking Tour with local guide: $64
- Walking Tour and Galician Food Tasting: $64
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAlbufeira €26Pontevedra €20
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Pontevedra
Also in Pontevedra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Albariño Wine Tasting with Winery Tour: $32
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Albufeira and Pontevedra, we can see that Albufeira is more expensive. And not only is Pontevedra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pontevedra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pontevedra 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 Pontevedra.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Albufeira Expensive? and Is Pontevedra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Albufeira or Pontevedra?
Pontevedra has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Albufeira. When comparing the sizes of Albufeira and Pontevedra, 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 Pontevedra?
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 Pontevedra in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Albufeira as well as Pontevedra. Many travelers come to Albufeira for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Albufeira is a little warmer than Pontevedra in the summer. The daily temperature in Albufeira averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Pontevedra fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
Albufeira usually gets less rain in July than Pontevedra. Albufeira gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAlbufeira 25°C (78°F)Pontevedra 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Albufeira or Pontevedra in the Autumn?
Both Pontevedra and Albufeira are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Albufeira in the autumn 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 a little warmer than Pontevedra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Albufeira in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Pontevedra averages at about 17°C (62°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Pontevedra. In October, Albufeira usually receives less rain than Pontevedra. Albufeira gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAlbufeira 19°C (67°F)Pontevedra 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Albufeira or Pontevedra in the Winter?
Both Pontevedra and Albufeira during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Albufeira for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Albufeira is generally a little warmer than Pontevedra. Daily temperatures in Albufeira average around 11°C (52°F), and Pontevedra fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Pontevedra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Albufeira usually gets less rain in January than Pontevedra. Albufeira gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 232 mm (9.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAlbufeira 11°C (52°F)Pontevedra 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Albufeira or Pontevedra in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Albufeira and Pontevedra. The spring months attract visitors to Albufeira because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.
Albufeira is a little warmer than Pontevedra in the spring. The daily temperature in Albufeira averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Pontevedra fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
Pontevedra receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Albufeira usually receives less rain than Pontevedra. Albufeira gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAlbufeira 15°C (60°F)Pontevedra 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Pontevedra and Albufeira
| Albufeira | Pontevedra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (52°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 19°C (65°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 228 mm (9 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.