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

Should you visit Albufeira or Vitoria-Gasteiz?

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

Should I visit Albufeira or Vitoria-Gasteiz? 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz?

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.

Vitoria-Gasteiz

In the midst of a vast, starry night, medieval cathedrals and ancient buildings are scattered with light across the humming city. This is none other than Vitoria-Gasteiz, a town located in the province of Araba/Alava in northern Spain. Within its border, this city contains Basque Country's House of Parliament, the headquarters of the Government, and the Lehendakari's (Prime Minister's) official residence. In 2012, Vitoria-Gasteiz was awarded the title of European Green Capital and now is one of the top five places to live in Spain. This multicultural city is chock full of amazing national history as well as unique cultural traditions. Vitoria-Gasteiz is also well known for its festivals, including Azkena rock festival, FesTVal, Vitoria-Gasteiz jazz festival, and the Virgen Blanca Festivities. Whether you seek to explore its world-renowned wineries or dine in a chic restaurant, Vitoria-Gasteiz holds an endless amount of possibilities.

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 Adventure Tours to Spain, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Vitoria-Gasteiz 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz is €146. 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Albufeira 74
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Albufeira 148
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 138
Compare Hotels in Albufeira and Vitoria-Gasteiz

Looking for a hotel in Albufeira or Vitoria-Gasteiz? 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz


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 Vitoria-Gasteiz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Albufeira 34
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Albufeira

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Albufeira:

  • Private Transfer From Algarve to Sevilha By 8 Seats Minibus: $513
  • Private transfer from Albufeira to Lisbon with 2 hours sightseeing: $283
  • Transfer Vila Real de Santo Antonio - Alto Golf Pestana (Alvor): $164
  • Transfer Vila Nova de Cacela - Alto Golf Pestana (Alvor): $151
  • Transfer Vila Nova de Cacela - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $140
  • Private Transfer from Vila Real de Santo António to Faro (FAO) Airport: $132
  • Private Airport Transfer To Albufeira Area: $109
  • Transfer Alcantarilha - Benamor Golf (Conceição): $99
  • Private Airport Transfer To Albufeira Area: $98
  • Transfer Galé - Benamor Golf (Conceição): $89
  • Transfer Albufeira - Benamor Golf (Conceição): $89
  • Private Transfer from Pera to Faro (FAO) Airport: $82

Is it cheaper to fly into Albufeira or Vitoria-Gasteiz?

Prices for flights to both Vitoria-Gasteiz 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
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 51

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Albufeira 39
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 36

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Albufeira 26
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 23

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 comparing the travel costs between Albufeira and Vitoria-Gasteiz, we can see that Albufeira is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Albufeira or Vitoria-Gasteiz?

Vitoria-Gasteiz has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Albufeira. When comparing the sizes of Albufeira and Vitoria-Gasteiz, 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz?

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 Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Summer?

Both Vitoria-Gasteiz and Albufeira during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Albufeira for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Albufeira is generally a little warmer than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Daily temperatures in Albufeira average around 25°C (78°F), and Vitoria-Gasteiz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Albufeira usually gets less rain in July than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Albufeira gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Albufeira 25°C (78°F) 
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Albufeira or Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Albufeira and Vitoria-Gasteiz. 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.

Albufeira is a little warmer than Vitoria-Gasteiz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Albufeira averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Vitoria-Gasteiz fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

Vitoria-Gasteiz receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Albufeira usually receives less rain than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Albufeira gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Albufeira 19°C (67°F) 
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Albufeira or Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Albufeira as well as Vitoria-Gasteiz. Most visitors come to Albufeira for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Albufeira is a little warmer than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Albufeira in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Vitoria-Gasteiz averages at about 9°C (48°F).

It's quite rainy in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Albufeira usually gets less rain in January than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Albufeira gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Albufeira 11°C (52°F) 
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Albufeira or Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Spring?

Both Vitoria-Gasteiz and Albufeira are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Albufeira because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Albufeira is generally a little warmer than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Daily temperatures in Albufeira average around 15°C (60°F), and Vitoria-Gasteiz fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vitoria-Gasteiz. In April, Albufeira usually receives less rain than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Albufeira gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Albufeira 15°C (60°F) 
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Vitoria-Gasteiz and Albufeira

Albufeira Vitoria-Gasteiz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)