Which place is cheaper, Santander or Albufeira?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Albufeira or Santander?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Albufeira or Santander? 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 Santander?
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.
Santander
Santander is the capital of the Cantabria Region which runs along the northern coast of Spain. Located right on the bay, it is a place of many historic churches and a handful of interesting museums that range from archaeological discoveries of the region, to maritime history, and cultural features like bullfighting. There is also a large selection of beaches for those looking for a more relaxing getaway in the sun and sand.
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 from Madrid, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAlbufeira €148Santander €108
The average daily cost (per person) in Albufeira is €148, while the average daily cost in Santander is €108. 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 Santander in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAlbufeira €74Santander €51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAlbufeira €148Santander €102
Compare Hotels in Albufeira and Santander
Looking for a hotel in Albufeira or Santander? 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 Santander Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Albufeira €34Santander €24
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 Santander
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Santander:
- One-way Private Transfer From/To Santander Airport: $41
- Private Transfer from Santander Port to Bilbao Airport: $252
- Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao: $252
- Private Transfer from Santander city to Bilbao Airport: $252
- Santander Private Arrival Transfer: $35
- Santander Private Departure Transfer: $35
- Santander Private Transfer from Santander Airport to City centre: $44
- Santander Private Transfer from the city centre to Santander Airport: $44
Is it cheaper to fly into Albufeira or Santander?
Prices for flights to both Santander 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 €48Santander €41
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 €39Santander €18
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 Santander
Here are a few actual costs in Santander for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Hour City Cruise Around the Bay: $14
- City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
- City Sightseeing Santander Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $23
- Obregón: Parque de la Naturaleza de Cabárceno Entry Ticket: $26
- From Potes, Santillana and Altamira Day Tour: $42
- Full Day Tour Lakes of Covadonga and Santillana from Santander: $46
- Guided Tour by Electric Bike: $53
- Full Day Self Guided Tour in Santillana del Mar and Comillas: $55
- From Santillana del Mar & Altamira Museum Tour: $64
- Santoña: Anchovy Factory Tour and Boat Trip: $70
- Tour to the Towns of the Western Coast of Cantabria: $79
- Picos, Santo Toribio Monastery and Potes Day Tour: $82
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAlbufeira €26Santander €14
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 Santander, we can see that Albufeira is more expensive. And not only is Santander much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santander would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santander 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 Santander.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Albufeira Expensive? and Is Santander Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Albufeira or Santander?
Santander has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Albufeira. When comparing the sizes of Albufeira and Santander, 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 Santander?
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 Santander in the Summer?
Both Santander and Albufeira are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Albufeira this time of year.
In the summer, Albufeira is a little warmer than Santander. Typically, the summer temperatures in Albufeira in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Santander averages at about 19°C (66°F).
In July, Albufeira usually receives less rain than Santander. Albufeira gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Santander receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAlbufeira 25°C (78°F)Santander 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Albufeira or Santander in the Autumn?
Both Santander and Albufeira during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 October, Albufeira is generally a little warmer than Santander. Daily temperatures in Albufeira average around 19°C (67°F), and Santander fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
Santander gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Albufeira usually gets less rain in October than Santander. Albufeira gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Santander receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAlbufeira 19°C (67°F)Santander 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Albufeira or Santander in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Albufeira and Santander. Many visitors come to Albufeira in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Albufeira is a little warmer than Santander in the winter. The daily temperature in Albufeira averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Santander fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).
Santander receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Albufeira usually receives less rain than Santander. Albufeira gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Santander receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAlbufeira 11°C (52°F)Santander 9°C (49°F)
Should I visit Albufeira or Santander in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Albufeira as well as Santander. Most visitors come to Albufeira for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Albufeira is a little warmer than Santander. Typically, the spring temperatures in Albufeira in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Santander averages at about 12°C (53°F).
It's quite rainy in Santander. Albufeira usually gets less rain in April than Santander. Albufeira gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Santander receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAlbufeira 15°C (60°F)Santander 12°C (53°F)
Typical Weather for Santander and Albufeira
| Albufeira | Santander | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 11°C (52°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 119 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| May | 19°C (65°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 181 mm (7.1 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 157 mm (6.2 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.