A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Athens vs. Playa del Ingles for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Athens or Playa del Ingles?

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 Playa del Ingles. 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.

Where Should I go: Athens or Playa del Ingles?

Athens

Athens is the capital city of Greece and is home to a population of over 3.7 million people. It's most famous as the birthplace of Classical Greece and the history in the city is incomparable to that found anywhere. It became the national capital of the modern Greek State in the 1830s, before which it was just a small village with a very impressive history. The city was redesigned by architects and city planners and incorporated large public squares, lots of green space, and wide avenues. The city has had its ups and downs both economically and politically, but it remains a beautiful and impressive place to explore.

Playa del Ingles

Translating to "Englishman's Beach," Playa del Ingles is a sea resort located on the south coast of the Gran Canaria island of Spain's Canary Islands. Since the 1960s it has been built up to accommodate tourists from around the world, especially from Europe. Some of the most popular attractions include an abundance of bars and clubs as well as beachside activities like swimming, surfing, scuba, and snorkeling.

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 Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Playa del Ingles or Athens?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €127, while the average daily cost in Playa del Ingles is €180. 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 Athens and Playa del Ingles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Athens 63
    Playa del Ingles 93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Athens 126
    Playa del Ingles 186
Compare Hotels in Athens and Playa del Ingles

Looking for a hotel in Athens or Playa del Ingles? 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 Athens


Hotels in Playa del Ingles


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: Athens Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Athens 27
    Playa del Ingles 61
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:


  • Airport Bus for Two
    6.40
  • Metro
    1.50
  • Metro
    2.00
  • Metro from Airport to City Center
    8.00
  • Taxi from Airport
    35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens

Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • VipTransfer From /To Athens Airport - Lavrio Port : $207
  • Vip Transfer From/To Athens Center - Rafina Port : $218
  • Vip Transfer From/To Athens Center - Lavrio Port: $273
  • VIP VAN Athens Airport Transfer 1 - 4 persons: $89
  • VIP High Class Limos & Chauffeurs Transfer to Athens: $65
  • VIP Ferry Ticket from Piraeus Port To Mykonos & Private Transfer included: $250
  • VIP Ferry Ticket From Piraeus Port To Santorini & Private Transfer Included: $250
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Athens HTL-APT (ATH): $63
  • Transfer services from/to Athens Airport: $105
  • Transfer from/to Piraeus Port and Athens city centre hotel: $41
  • Transfer from/to Piraeus Port and Athens International Airport: $142
  • Transfer from/to Athens International Airport to city centre: $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Playa del Ingles?

Prices for flights to both Playa del Ingles and Athens 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
    Athens 37
    Playa del Ingles 49
Typical Food Prices in Athens

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:


  • Ice cream
    3.00
  • Souvlaki
    2.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens

For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $24
  • Street Food Tour Market & City Centre: $42
  • Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $46
  • Greek Street Food Tour: $51
  • Athens Street Food Tour: Explore City's Iconic Eateries: $52
  • Middle-eastern Cuisine Cooking Class with Meal: $52
  • Street Food Tour with Local Guide and 7 Tastings: $57
  • Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $60
  • Alternative, truly authentic food tour in secret Athens: $63
  • Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Class with Meal: $63
  • Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Classes in Athina: $64
  • Light Lunch Tasting & Cooking Demo: $67

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Athens 36
    Playa del Ingles 33

Tours and Activities in Athens

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.

  • Acropolis/Athens Highlights Private Evening Tour (5 hours) from Athens, Piraeus: $87
  • Ancient Corinth Canal Epidavrous Nafplio Private Tour 8Hours: $180
  • Apostle Paul's Footsteps in Athens Christian Private Tour 5Hours: $142
  • Delphi full day V.R audio guided tour with entry ticket: $48
  • EPIDAURUS & NAFPLIO : Private Full Day Tour From Athens 6 Hours : $173
  • Full Day Tour in Athens with Lunch: $147
  • Half Day Private Tour on Highlights of Classical Athens: $158
  • Layover Private Tour in Athens: $245
  • Mycenae Lions Gate Epidaurus & Nafplio Full Day Private Tour 8H : $191
  • Self-Guided Tour at the Romantic Island of Hydra from Athens: $284
  • Traditional Villages Full day Tour in Santorini: $59
  • "Acropolis Half-day Tour and City Visit": $168

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Athens 23
    Playa del Ingles 7.86

Sample the Local Flavors in Athens

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

  • Liquer tasting in Polykala's Distillery Show Room in Athens: $17
  • Greek Wine Tasting: $23
  • Premium Wine Tastings: $35
  • Greek Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $43
  • Athens Wine Tasting: $44
  • Old Town Athens Wine Tasting: $52
  • Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $52
  • 2 Hours Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $53
  • Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $53
  • Greek food and wine tasting: $53
  • Rare Greek Wine Tasting w/Sommelier by the Acropolis: $59
  • Wine Tasting and Storytelling in a Historical Square in Athina: $60


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Playa del Ingles, we can see that Playa del Ingles 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 Playa del Ingles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Playa del Ingles 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 Playa del Ingles Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Athens or Playa del Ingles?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Playa del Ingles. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Playa del Ingles, 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 Playa del Ingles?

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 Athens or Playa del Ingles in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Playa del Ingles. Many visitors come to Athens in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Athens is a little warmer than Playa del Ingles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Playa del Ingles averages at about 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa del Ingles this time of the year. In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Playa del Ingles during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Ingles receives 293 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Athens usually receives more rain than Playa del Ingles. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Playa del Ingles receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Athens 27°C (81°F) 
    Playa del Ingles 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Athens or Playa del Ingles in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Athens as well as Playa del Ingles. Most visitors come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Athens is generally cooler than Playa del Ingles. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Playa del Ingles fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa del Ingles. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the autumn, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Playa del Ingles. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Ingles receives 213 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets more rain in October than Playa del Ingles. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Playa del Ingles receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Athens 19°C (67°F) 
    Playa del Ingles 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Athens or Playa del Ingles in the Winter?

Both Playa del Ingles and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Athens because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Athens is much colder than Playa del Ingles in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Playa del Ingles fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Athens usually receives less sunshine than Playa del Ingles during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Playa del Ingles receives 187 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Athens usually receives more rain than Playa del Ingles. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Playa del Ingles receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Athens 10°C (51°F) 
    Playa del Ingles 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Athens or Playa del Ingles in the Spring?

Both Playa del Ingles and Athens during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Athens this time of year.

In the spring, Athens is cooler than Playa del Ingles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Playa del Ingles averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In Playa del Ingles, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Athens. In the spring, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Playa del Ingles. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa del Ingles receives 225 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets more rain in April than Playa del Ingles. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Playa del Ingles receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Athens 16°C (60°F) 
    Playa del Ingles 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Playa del Ingles and Athens

Athens Playa del Ingles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 21°C (70°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)