A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Almeria vs. Lucca for Food, Old Town, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Almeria or Lucca?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Almeria and Lucca. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Almeria

Almeria is a pristine, cultural, and historic region. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and nightlife.

Lucca

Lucca is a quaint, popular, and historic city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Almeria and Lucca: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Almeria or Lucca?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Almeria than Lucca. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Almeria is very popular for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Lucca attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, and shopping. Almeria is famous for its stunning beaches that feel pristine despite their popularity. It is also well known for The Alcazaba. Lucca is famous for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings.

How is Almeria different from Lucca?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Almeria or Lucca?

Almeria
Lucca

Lucca is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Almeria does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Lucca. There are many interesting historic sights and buildings around this charming town. You can climb to the top of the Guinigi Tower or visit the Roman Amphitheater. Many visitors enjoy walking or biking around the city walls as well. Also make sure you visit the cathedral.

Almeria does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Almeria or Lucca? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Almeria
Lucca

Almeria is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Almeria have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The food is focused on local, fresh ingredients with many traditional recipes that have been passed down for centuries. Popular dishes change with the seasons because they rely so heavily on local produce. Particularly during the winter months you'll find hearty stews like patatas en ajopollo and gurullos con conejo, which is prepared with rabbit. Sardines are also popular year round.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Lucca. There are many great Tuscan restaurants inside the city walls. Perhaps the most popular local dish is tordelli Lucchesi. Its a meat filled pasta that has a beef ragu sauce. There are also other Tuscan recipes that include steak, boar, or rabbit.

Is Almeria or Lucca Better for Nightlife?

Almeria
Lucca

It's hard to distinguish whether Almeria or Lucca has a better nightlife scene.

Almeria has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city's nightlife vibe is about enjoying a cold beer on a terrace with friends. The city has a laid back Mediterranean atmosphere and plenty of terraced bars along the main streets, particularly in old town. With mild temperatures year around, you'll find yourself spending time outside most evenings while you enjoy tapas and drinks with friends. Flamenco and bullfighting are also popular in the evenings.

If you're looking for night time activities Lucca has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is most lively during the spring and summer months when tourists crowd into the city. For the highest concentration of bars, clubs, and lounges, head to Piazza Amfiteatro, Piazza San Michele and Via Fillungo.

Is Almeria or Lucca Better for Resorts?

Almeria
Lucca

Almeria is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Lucca is not a resort destination.

Almeria is a world class resort vacation destination. Stretched along the coastline you'll find many high end resorts with pools and nice atmospheres. There are all inclusive resorts as well as family-friendly and romantic options to choose from.

Lucca is not a resort destination.


Is Almeria or Lucca Better for Beaches?

Almeria
Lucca

Almeria is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Lucca is not a beach destination.

Almeria is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Outside of town you'll find kilometers of stunning coastline and beaches. There are pristine natural beaches that still feel undiscovered with beautiful long stretches of sand. One of the biggest resort areas is Roquetas de Mar.

Lucca is not a beach destination.

Is Almeria or Lucca Better for its Old Town?

Almeria
Lucca

Lucca is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Almeria is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

The rich history of Lucca can be explored in its historical center. The historic city is surrounded by city walls, which you can walk around. Within the walls there are cobblestone streets and a charming atmosphere.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Almeria. The old town is at the cultural heart of the city. It has the most energy during the evenings, as well as many museums and sights worth visiting.

Is Almeria or Lucca Better for Hiking?

Almeria
Lucca

Almeria is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Lucca is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Almeria. The area has stunning hikes that run along the coastline or into the beautiful interior countryside. For some of the area's best hikes head into Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park.

Lucca is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Almeria or Lucca?

Almeria
Lucca

Lucca is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Almeria is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Lucca to go shopping. The city is filled with a mix of tourist shops and more authentic local vendors. If you look hard, you can still find some interesting local items that make for a more unique and personal shopping experience.

Almeria is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Almeria or Lucca Better for Families?

Almeria
Lucca

Almeria is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Almeria is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The area has many beautiful beaches as well as waterparks, amusement parks, and fun activities like sailing and water sports. There's also a very impressive fort that the kids will enjoy exploring.

Lucca offers lots of family activities. You can pass through town in a day or two, or stay longer and use it as a base for exploring Tuscany. There are playgrounds for the kids as well as some fun activities like cycling the city walls and climbing towers.

Is Almeria or Lucca Better for Couples?

Almeria
Lucca

Almeria and Lucca both very good destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Almeria frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Nature lovers and beach enthusiasts will find this to be the perfect romantic getaway. There are many outdoor activities and places to immerse yourself in nature. A highlight of a trip is a visit to Crystal Cave.

Lucca is a great region if you're traveling as a couple. It's a beautiful city with good restaurants and access to nice countryside. Couples who want to explore Tuscany can use this town as a base to take in much of the region.


Is Almeria or Lucca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Almeria
Lucca

Almeria is well known for backpackers. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Almeria is a very popular region for backpackers and budget travelers. There's plenty of affordable accommodation to choose from as well as all kinds of activities that backpackers will enjoy. If you like nature and enjoy spending time outside, then this is your place.

Plenty of backpackers visit Lucca. While there aren't many traditional hostels around town, guesthouses are usually affordable.

Is Almeria or Lucca Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Almeria
Lucca

Almeria is a region with good options for its public transit. However, Lucca is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Almeria, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are a number of bus lines that run through Almeria city and to Cabo de Gata.

Public transit is quite limited in Lucca. There's no public transit within the city so if you can't walk somewhere, you'll want to take a taxi. In general, walking is the best option though.

Is Almeria or Lucca a more walkable city?

Almeria
Lucca

Lucca is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Almeria is a region with minimal options for its walkability.

Lucca is a very walkable destination. Much of the city can be explored on foot.

Almeria is generally not a very walkable region. While there are many beautiful walks in the area, if you want to truly explore, you'll likely want to have access to a car.


For even more information, also check out Is Almeria Worth Visiting? and Is Lucca Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lucca or Almeria?

How long in Almeria or Lucca?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Almeria than Lucca. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Almeria that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Almeria than Lucca 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 Almeria.


  • How many days in Almeria or Lucca? Ideal Length of Stay
    Almeria 1-3 
    Lucca 1-2

One day in Almeria or Lucca?

In Almeria, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this cultural destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Lucca, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Almeria or Lucca?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Almeria. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Lucca, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lucca has to offer.

Five days in Almeria or Lucca?

Almeria is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Almeria. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Lucca is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Almeria or Lucca?

You'll find food and nightlife around the cultural destination of Almeria. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lucca. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lucca. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Lucca or Almeria?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Almeria is €99, while the average daily cost in Lucca is €106. 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 Almeria and Lucca in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Almeria 44
    Lucca 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Almeria 88
    Lucca 122
Compare Hotels in Almeria and Lucca

Looking for a hotel in Almeria or Lucca? 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 Almeria


Hotels in Lucca


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: Lucca Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Almeria 20
    Lucca 4.29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Almeria

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Almeria:

  • Almería Private Transfer from Almería Airport to City centre or Cabo de Gata: $66
  • Almería Private Transfer from the city centre or Cabo de Gata to Almería Airport: $66
  • Private Transfer from Almeria Airport to / from Almeria Spain: $42
  • Tabernas: transfer + ticket Fort Bravo or Minihollywood: $62
  • Transfers desde Aeropuerto de Almería (LEI) a Vera Playa - 4 pasajeros: $125

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lucca

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lucca:

  • Private Transfer from Lido di Camaiore to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $125
  • Tasting in a Tuscan Vineyard with transfer from Lucca: $86

Is it cheaper to fly into Almeria or Lucca?

Prices for flights to both Lucca and Almeria 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
    Almeria 40
    Lucca 41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Almeria

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

  • Spanish Paella Private Online Cooking Class: $40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lucca

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

  • Flavors of Lucca Food Tour with Local Guide: $75
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Capannori with Show Cooking: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Gaiole in Chianti with Show Cooking: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in San Miniato with Show Cooking: $93
  • Lucca Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $99
  • Traditional-Traditional Cooking Class cuisine course: $123
  • Pasta Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $149
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Gaiole in Chianti: $158
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Pistoia: $158
  • Lucca Home Cooking Class: $191
  • Market Tour & Lunch/Dinner at a Cesarina's Home: $202
  • 5 Hours Private Activity - Truffle Hunting with Dinner in San Miniato: $207

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Almeria 16
    Lucca 5.68

Tours and Activities in Almeria

Here are a few actual costs in Almeria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Convent of the Puras Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket: $5.35
  • Almería: Cathedral Entry Ticket: $7.49
  • Almería: Cathedral and Convent of the Puras Entry Ticket: $9.62
  • Spanish Civil War Shelters Ticket and Official Tour: $11
  • Almería: Legends and Mysteries Evening Walking Tour: $11
  • Shelters of Spanish Civil War | Spanish Tour: $14
  • History and Hidden Corners Essential Walking Tour: $14
  • Andalusia: Almeria Cathedral Entry with Guided Tour: $16
  • Almería: Guided City Discovery Tour: $16
  • Alcazaba Guided Tour: $16
  • Fort Bravo Entrance Ticket: $21
  • From Tabernas Desert 4WD Tour: $37

Tours and Activities in Lucca

Here are a few actual costs in Lucca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Walking tour of Lucca and its walls: $11
  • join a walking tour small group!: $15
  • 2-Hour City Center Walking Tour: $16
  • Renaissance City Walls Walking Tour: $16
  • Guided City by Night Walking Tour: $16
  • Discover Lucca’s Secrets on a Guided Walking Tour: $16
  • Self-Guided Tour by Bike: $16
  • Your Lucca Walking Tour: $20
  • Self-Guided Tour by Bike with MAP: $20
  • walking tour on the stories & legends of the city!: $24
  • Musical Walking Tour with Puccini Museum Visit: $27
  • From Lucca to Pisa: Self-Guided Bike Tour: $31

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Almeria 4.29
    Lucca 13

Sample the Local Flavors in Almeria

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Almeria:

  • Almería Visit to Eco Winery Cortijo El Cura and wine tasting: $24
  • Almería Wine tour and tasting in English in Bio Winery: $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Lucca

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lucca:

  • Wine tasting in the historical Cantalici winery: $12
  • Wine Tasting Experience - Tenuta Adamo Winery: $16
  • Guided Winery Tour with Wine Tasting: $21
  • Aperitivo Evening Food and Wine Tour: $80
  • Private wine tasting in Versilia - 5 wines and a taste of local products: $82
  • Chianti Half-Day Wine Tour in the Tuscan Hills Small Group from Lucca: $97
  • Guided E-Bike and Wine Tour: $117
  • Guided E-Bike Tour with Wine Tasting from Lucca: $119
  • Bike Ride & WIne Tasting: $131
  • Tuscan Wine Tour by shuttle from Pisa: $149
  • Tuscan Wine Tour by shuttle from Lucca: $149
  • Tuscan Wine Tour in Lucca by shuttle: $152


When comparing the travel costs between Almeria and Lucca, we can see that Lucca 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 Almeria Expensive? and Is Lucca Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Almeria or Lucca?

Almeria has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Lucca. When comparing the sizes of Almeria and Lucca, 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.