A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Albufeira vs. Vigo for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Albufeira or Vigo?

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

Should I visit Albufeira or Vigo? 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 Vigo?

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.

Vigo

Originally a small fishing town, Vigo has grown to become the most populated municipality in the region of Galicia in northwestern Spain. Remnants of the old world still exist in its historic center architecture and plazas, while the commodities of a modern city have blended into its boundaries. The old center remains the hub of activity with plenty to see and do, shopping and dining included.

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 G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.


Which place is cheaper, Vigo or Albufeira?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Albufeira is €148, while the average daily cost in Vigo is €99. 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 Vigo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Albufeira 74
    Vigo 43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Albufeira 148
    Vigo 86
Compare Hotels in Albufeira and Vigo

Looking for a hotel in Albufeira or Vigo? 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.

Hotels in Albufeira


Hotels in Vigo


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 Vigo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Albufeira 34
    Vigo 37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Albufeira

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Albufeira:

  • Faro Airport Private Transfer - Albufeira (Departure): $27
  • Transfer Alcantarilha - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $34
  • Transfer Galé - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $34
  • Private Transfer from Résidence Pierre Vilamoura to Faro (FAO) Airport: $38
  • Transfer Silves - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $41
  • Stork Transfers - Private Transfer From Albufeira to Faro Airport (up to 4 pax): $45
  • Transfer Tavira - Benamor Golf (Conceição): $47
  • Private Transfer from Villa Guerreiro (Albufeira) to Faro (FAO) Airport: $48
  • Private Transfer from Apartamentos Pescadores (Albufeira) to Faro (FAO) Airport: $48
  • Albufeira - Faro Airport Transfers 4pax: $49
  • Transfer Silves - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $55
  • Private Transfer from Ferreiras to Faro (FAO) Airport: $59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vigo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vigo:

  • One-Way Private Transfer From/To Vigo Airport: $54
  • Private Transfer from Vigo Cruise Port to Porto Airport (OPO): $43
  • Private Transfer from Vigo Cruise Port to Porto Hotels: $43

Is it cheaper to fly into Albufeira or Vigo?

Prices for flights to both Vigo 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Albufeira 48
    Vigo 35

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vigo

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vigo.

  • Gourmet Hands on Cooking Class in Galicia with the Chef: $162

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Albufeira 39
    Vigo 10

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 Vigo

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vigo are as follows:

  • GROUP walking tour in Vigo: $1.09
  • Walking Tour in Pontevedra: $1.09
  • Vigo Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
  • Vigo Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.94
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Secrets of Pontevedra: $10
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour - Squares of Pontevedra: $10
  • Tui Cathedral Guided Tour: $13
  • Abanca Balaídos Tour, RC Celta’s Stadium: $16
  • Ticket/Photo-Theme Park and Retro Gamer Activity in Vigo: $17
  • Monumental Morning Walking Tour in Pontevedra: $17
  • Afternoon Walking Tour in Pontevedra: $18
  • Night Walking Tour of Pontevedra: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Albufeira 26
    Vigo 5.71

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 Vigo, we can see that Albufeira is more expensive. And not only is Vigo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vigo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vigo 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 Vigo.

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


Which is Bigger, Albufeira or Vigo?

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

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 Vigo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Albufeira and Vigo. Most visitors come to Albufeira for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Albufeira is a little warmer than Vigo in the summer. The daily temperature in Albufeira averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Vigo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In July, Albufeira usually receives less rain than Vigo. Albufeira gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Vigo receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Albufeira 25°C (78°F) 
    Vigo 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Albufeira or Vigo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Albufeira as well as Vigo. The autumn months attract visitors to Albufeira because of 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 Vigo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Albufeira in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Vigo averages at about 17°C (62°F).

It's quite rainy in Vigo. Albufeira usually gets less rain in October than Vigo. Albufeira gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Vigo receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Albufeira 19°C (67°F) 
    Vigo 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Albufeira or Vigo in the Winter?

Both Vigo and Albufeira are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Albufeira this time of year.

In January, Albufeira is generally a little warmer than Vigo. Daily temperatures in Albufeira average around 11°C (52°F), and Vigo fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vigo. In January, Albufeira usually receives less rain than Vigo. Albufeira gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Vigo receives 232 mm (9.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Albufeira 11°C (52°F) 
    Vigo 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Albufeira or Vigo in the Spring?

Both Vigo and Albufeira during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Albufeira for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Albufeira is a little warmer than Vigo in the spring. The daily temperature in Albufeira averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Vigo fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Vigo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Albufeira usually gets less rain in April than Vigo. Albufeira gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Vigo receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Albufeira 15°C (60°F) 
    Vigo 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Vigo and Albufeira

Albufeira Vigo
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)