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

Should you visit Albufeira or Reykjavik?

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

Should I visit Albufeira or Reykjavik? 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 hiking, nightlife, and food.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a safe, friendly, and clean city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Albufeira and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Albufeira or Reykjavik?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Albufeira. Although Albufeira and Reykjavik are popular destinations, Albufeira has more sights and attractions for tourists. Albufeira is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Reykjavik attracts visitors for its hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Albufeira is more touristy than Reykjavik and is popular for its golden beaches and limestone cliffs. It is also well known for Praia da Falesia. Reykjavik is famous for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

How is Albufeira different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Albufeira is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Albufeira or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Albufeira is an amazing resort town to visit for nightlife. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Albufeira has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Reykjavik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

Is Albufeira or Reykjavik Better for Resorts?

Albufeira is an amazing resort town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Reykjavik is not a resort destination.

Albufeira offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Reykjavik is not a resort destination.

Is Albufeira or Reykjavik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Many visitors go to Albufeira to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Reykjavik is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Albufeira or Reykjavik Better for Beaches?

Albufeira is an amazing resort town to visit for its beaches. However, Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Albufeira are among the best in the world. 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.

Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

Is Albufeira or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

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

People visit Reykjavik specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

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 Reykjavik?

Reykjavik is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Albufeira is a resort town with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Reykjavik offers some nice shopping areas. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Albufeira has some good spots for those that want to go 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.

Is Albufeira or Reykjavik Better for Families?

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

Reykjavik is a very kid-friendly city. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

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 Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Albufeira is an amazing resort town to visit for romance. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Albufeira has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Couples visit Reykjavik frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

Is Albufeira or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Albufeira is an amazing resort town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Albufeira or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Reykjavik is a popular place for students. However, Albufeira is not popular with students.

Reykjavik is popular with students. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

Albufeira is not popular with students.

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

Reykjavik is a popular place for its public transit. However, Albufeira is a resort town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Reykjavik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

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 Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Reykjavik is a great destination for its high level of walkability. However, Albufeira is a resort town with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

Reykjavik is a very walkable city. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.

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 Reykjavik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Albufeira?

How long in Albufeira or Reykjavik?

In either Albufeira or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Albufeira than Reykjavik because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Albufeira, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

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

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

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the resort town of Albufeira. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the city of Reykjavik. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Albufeira or Reykjavik?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the touristy destination of Albufeira. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the clean destination of Reykjavik. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Albufeira or Reykjavik?

You'll find nightlife and food around the party hard resort town of Albufeira. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this resort town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this resort town has to offer.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the friendly city of Reykjavik. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city 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 city has to offer.

A week in Albufeira or Reykjavik?

Albufeira is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Albufeira, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Reykjavik 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Albufeira and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Albufeira or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Albufeira. When comparing the sizes of Albufeira and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Albufeira as well as Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Albufeira for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Albufeira is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Albufeira average around 25°C (78°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Albufeira usually gets less rain in July than Reykjavik. Albufeira gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Albufeira or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

Both Reykjavik 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. Also, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during autumn. Albufeira is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Albufeira averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In October, Albufeira usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Albufeira gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Albufeira or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik 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. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Reykjavik because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In the winter, Albufeira is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Albufeira in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).

Albufeira usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Reykjavik. Albufeira gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Albufeira or Reykjavik in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Albufeira and Reykjavik. The spring months attract visitors to Albufeira because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the spring. In April, Albufeira is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Albufeira average around 15°C (60°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In April, Albufeira usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Albufeira gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Albufeira