A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Athens vs. Albufeira for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Athens or Albufeira?

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 Athens and Albufeira. 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.

Athens

Athens is a vibrant, energetic, and historic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Albufeira

Albufeira is a activity-filled, high energy, and party hard resort town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Athens and Albufeira: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Albufeira?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Athens. Although Athens and Albufeira are both popular with visitors, Athens has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Athens is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Albufeira is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Albufeira is more touristy than Athens and is popular for its golden beaches and limestone cliffs. Athens is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also home to The Acropolis.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Albufeira?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Athens is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Albufeira does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Athens are among the most recognizable in the world. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

Albufeira does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Athens is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Albufeira is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Athens is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

Albufeira has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Is Athens or Albufeira Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is amazing in both Athens and Albufeira.

The nightlife in Athens is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Albufeira is a world class party destination. 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.

Is Athens or Albufeira Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers flock to Albufeira for its luxury resorts. 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.

Athens is not a resort destination.

Is Athens or Albufeira Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Albufeira is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

Athens is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Athens or Albufeira Better for Beaches?

Albufeira is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Athens is not a beach destination.

Albufeira offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Athens is not a beach destination.

Is Athens or Albufeira Better for its Old Town?

Athens is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Albufeira does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Athens is revered around the world. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

Albufeira does not have a historic old town.

Is Athens or Albufeira Better for Hiking?

Albufeira is a good destination for hiking. However, Athens is not a hiking destination.

Albufeira offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Athens is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Albufeira?

Athens is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Albufeira is a resort town with minimal options for its shopping areas.

Athens offers some nice shopping areas. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

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 Athens or Albufeira Better for Families?

Athens is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Albufeira is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Athens is a very kid-friendly city. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Albufeira offers lots of family activities. 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."

Is Athens or Albufeira Better for Couples?

Albufeira is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Albufeira is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Is Athens or Albufeira Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Athens and Albufeira are amazing places to visit.

A large number of backpackers visit Athens, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

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.

Is Athens or Albufeira Better for Students?

Athens is a great destination for students. However, Albufeira is not popular with students.

Athens is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Albufeira is not popular with students.

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

Athens is a great destination for its public transit. However, Albufeira is a resort town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Athens can get you around easily. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

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 Athens or Albufeira a more walkable city?

Athens 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.

Athens is a very walkable city. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

Albufeira is generally not a very walkable city. 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 Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Albufeira Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Albufeira or Athens?

How long in Athens or Albufeira?

Both Athens and Albufeira have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Athens has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Athens than Albufeira. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Albufeira 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 Athens.

One day in Athens or Albufeira?

People visit Athens because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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.

A weekend in Athens or Albufeira?

People visit Athens because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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.

Five days in Athens or Albufeira?

People visit Athens because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

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.

A week in Athens or Albufeira?

Athens is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Athens, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the vibrant 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Albufeira?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Albufeira. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Albufeira, 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 Athens or Albufeira?

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 Athens or Albufeira in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Athens as well as Albufeira. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Albufeira for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Athens is generally around the same temperature as Albufeira. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Albufeira fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

Athens usually gets more rain in July than Albufeira. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Albufeira in the Autumn?

Both Albufeira and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, 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.

Athens is around the same temperature as Albufeira in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Albufeira fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Albufeira. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Albufeira in the Winter?

Both Albufeira and Athens during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Athens in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Albufeira for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Athens is around the same temperature as Albufeira. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Albufeira averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Athens usually gets less rain in January than Albufeira. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Albufeira in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Albufeira. Most visitors come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Albufeira because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Athens is generally around the same temperature as Albufeira. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Albufeira fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Albufeira. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Albufeira and Athens