A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Albufeira vs. Toulon for Nightlife, Beaches, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Albufeira or Toulon?

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

Should I visit Albufeira or Toulon? 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 high energy, party hard, and vibrant 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. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and nightlife.

Toulon

Toulon is a real world, industrial, and authentic port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Albufeira and Toulon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Albufeira or Toulon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Albufeira. Although Albufeira and Toulon are popular destinations, Albufeira has more sights and attractions for tourists. Albufeira is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Toulon attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, and shopping. Albufeira is more touristy than Toulon and is known for its golden beaches and limestone cliffs. It is also well known for Praia da Falesia. Toulon is famous for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Albufeira different from Toulon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Albufeira or Toulon?

Toulon is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Albufeira does not have museums and landmarks.

Toulon offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many of the sights are found in the old town and harbor areas. Some of the most interesting attractions include the Opera House, the Allied Landings Museum, the Naval Museum, and Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds.

Albufeira does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Albufeira is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Albufeira makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Toulon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a variety of cafes and restaurants that are found along the harbor or in the old town. Whether you want waterfront views or a charming street front cafe, there are great options available. Many restaurants offer local seafood but you'll also find pastries, traditional local food, a several Italian restaurants.

Is Albufeira or Toulon Better for Nightlife?

Albufeira is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Albufeira is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Toulon. It's a relatively large city and traditionally a sailor's town, so the city has a long running tradition of partying into the night. While it doesn't have the party-hard reputation of some places, you likely won't be bored at night. Head to the harbor area or the beaches around Mourillon for the most lively bars and cafes.

Is Albufeira or Toulon Better for Resorts?

Albufeira is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Toulon is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Albufeira is a perfect choice. 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.

Toulon is not a resort destination.

Is Albufeira or Toulon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Albufeira is a well-known place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Toulon is not a good port city for its diving and snorkeling.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Albufeira. 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.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Toulon. There are a few beaches in the area that are worth checking out with a mask and snorkel. You'll likely see some underwater life hanging out by the rocks in the quieter areas.

Is Albufeira or Toulon Better for Beaches?

Albufeira is an unbeatable place for its beaches. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for the beache.

With world-famous beaches, Albufeira is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

Toulon has a beach worth visiting. The beaches are sandy and less crowded than some of the more popular areas. The most accessible beach is Mourillon Beach which has public facilities and restaurants. If you're willing to venture a little farther from the center of town you'll find Mitre Beach which has some snorkeling. Battere Basse Beach is a bit quieter and also has snorkeling. Anse de Méjean is a popular spot with the locals.

Is Albufeira or Toulon Better for its Old Town?

Toulon is a port city with a few options for its old town. However, Albufeira does not have a historic old town.

You can check out the historic old town in Toulon. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

Albufeira does not have a historic old town.

Is Albufeira or Toulon Better for Hiking?

Albufeira is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Toulon is not a hiking destination.

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.

Toulon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Albufeira or Toulon?

Toulon is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Albufeira is a resort town with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Toulon is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. If you're looking for traditional local shopping opportunities then this is your place. There are a number of traditional Provençal markets around town but the most famous is Cours Lafayette. You can shop with the locals looking for produce or flowers. There's also a weekend farmers market, Petit Cours, that is fun to explore.

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 Toulon Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Albufeira or Toulon.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Albufeira. 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."

Toulon offers lots of family activities. The city may be known as a hub for the French navy, but there are also activities that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There are several military themed museums, a few good beaches, and local shopping. There's also the enjoyable cable car ride that you can take to the top of Mont Faron as well as several nice seaside walks in the area.

Is Albufeira or Toulon Better for Couples?

Albufeira is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Albufeira has plenty to offer. 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.

Toulon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will appreciate the walks along the coast or through the harbor. There are also nice restaurants, interesting art galleries, and a few good hotels around town that make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Albufeira or Toulon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Albufeira is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Albufeira is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Toulon. It doesn't have the reputation of many nearby towns along the French Riviera, so you can still find some affordable hostels and cafes in the area. You also won't find the crowds so you can enjoy a touch of the authentic local culture.

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

Toulon 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 Toulon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take 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 Toulon a more walkable city?

Toulon 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.

Toulon is a very walkable port city. You can walk around the old town and harbor area where many of the sights are concentrated.

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 Toulon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Toulon or Albufeira?

How long in Albufeira or Toulon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Albufeira or Toulon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Albufeira than Toulon because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Albufeira, and 1-2 days is enough time in Toulon.

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Albufeira. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the port city of Toulon. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Toulon has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Albufeira or Toulon?

Albufeira is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the off-the-beaten-path destination of Toulon. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Albufeira or Toulon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Albufeira. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic port city of Toulon. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Albufeira or Toulon?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the high energy destination of Albufeira. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Toulon is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Albufeira and Toulon, we can see that Albufeira is more expensive. And not only is Toulon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Toulon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Toulon 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 Toulon.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Albufeira Expensive? and Is Toulon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Albufeira or Toulon?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Albufeira. When comparing the sizes of Albufeira and Toulon, 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 Toulon?

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 Toulon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Albufeira and Toulon. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Albufeira this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Toulon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Albufeira is generally around the same temperature as Toulon. Daily temperatures in Albufeira average around 25°C (78°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In July, Albufeira usually receives less rain than Toulon. Albufeira gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Albufeira or Toulon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Albufeira as well as Toulon. 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. Also, many visitors come to Toulon in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Albufeira is a little warmer than Toulon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Albufeira averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Toulon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Albufeira usually gets less rain in October than Toulon. Albufeira gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Albufeira or Toulon in the Winter?

Both Toulon and Albufeira are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Albufeira in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Toulon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Albufeira is much warmer than Toulon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Albufeira in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Toulon averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In January, Albufeira usually receives around the same amount of rain as Toulon. Albufeira gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Albufeira or Toulon in the Spring?

Both Toulon and Albufeira during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Albufeira for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Toulon because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Albufeira is generally a little warmer than Toulon. Daily temperatures in Albufeira average around 15°C (60°F), and Toulon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Albufeira usually gets less rain in April than Toulon. Albufeira gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Toulon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Toulon and Albufeira