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

Should you visit Bodrum or Albufeira?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bodrum and Albufeira can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Bodrum or Albufeira?

Bodrum

Bodrum is a city on the Bodrum Peninsula, stretching from Turkey's southwest coast into the Aegean Sea. The city features twin bays with views of Bodrum Castle. This medieval fortress was built partly with stones from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, completed in the 4th century B.C. The city is also a gateway for nearby beach towns and resorts. Although more than a million tourists flock to its beaches, boutique hotels, trendy restaurants, and clubs each summer, the town of Bodrum (ancient Halicarnassus) never seems to lose its cool. More than any other Turkish seaside getaway, it has an enigmatic elegance that pervades it. The evocative castle and the ancient ruins around town also help keep Bodrum a discerning step above the rest.

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.

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


Which place is cheaper, Albufeira or Bodrum?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bodrum is $92, while the average daily cost in Albufeira is $158. 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 Bodrum and Albufeira in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bodrum $48
    Albufeira $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bodrum $96
    Albufeira $158
Compare Hotels in Bodrum and Albufeira

Looking for a hotel in Bodrum or Albufeira? 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 Bodrum


Hotels in Albufeira


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: Bodrum Hotel Prices and Albufeira Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bodrum $24
    Albufeira $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodrum

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

  • Arrival Transfer Bodrum Airport BJV to Bodrum City by Minibus: $74
  • Bodrum Adventures ATV Quad Safari Tour with Roundtrip Transfer: $76
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Akyaka Hotels: $174
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Akyarlar Hotels: $109
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Bitez Hotels: $78
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Gumbet Hotels: $78
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Gundogan Hotels: $98
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Guvercinlik Hotels: $76
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Kadikalesi Hotels: $114
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Kusadasi Hotels: $202
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Mugla City Center Hotels: $174
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Ortakent Hotels: $98

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 Bodrum or Albufeira?

Prices for flights to both Albufeira and Bodrum 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
    Bodrum $24
    Albufeira $51

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bodrum

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

  • Cooking Class in Authentic Etrim Village: $44
  • Christmas Dinner at Karnas Vineyards: $104
  • Farmers Market visit & Turkish Cooking Class: $125
  • Bodrum Market Visit and Cooking Class: $128
  • Bodrum Vineyard Tour with Dinner and Wine Pairing: $128
  • Food and Wine pairing Dinner at Karnas Vineyards Bodrum: $131
  • Bodrum Cooking Class: $174
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour in Bodrum With Dinner: $221
  • Shore Excursions - Istanbul by Night: Turkish Food Tour: $252
  • Private Vineyard Tour with Dinner Under the Stars in Karnas: $291
  • From Private Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner & Swimming: $320
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner: $368

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.
    Bodrum $31
    Albufeira $41

Tours and Activities in Bodrum

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

  • Muğla: Quick Tour, Essentials of Muğla: $6.00
  • Daily Boat Tour (Orak Island) around Bodrum and Black Island Coves : $19
  • Beaches and Islands Boat Tour with Lunch: $20
  • Orak Island Boat Tour with Swim Stops and Lunch: $24
  • Orakadasi Boat Tour From Bodrum (Maldives of Turkey) With Lunch: $25
  • Bodrum Black island Tour: $26
  • Bodrum Village Tour with Group: $26
  • Blue cruise around Bodrum bays: $28
  • Black Island Boat Tour with Lunch: $30
  • Turkish Bath Experience: $31
  • Boat Tour for Mein Schiff Cruise Passengers: $32
  • Half Day Guided Knidos Ancient City Tour: $35

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
    Bodrum $14
    Albufeira $28

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

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


Which is Bigger, Bodrum or Albufeira?

Bodrum has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Albufeira. When comparing the sizes of Bodrum 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 Bodrum 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 Bodrum or Albufeira in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bodrum as well as Albufeira. Also, many visitors come to Albufeira in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Bodrum is around the same temperature as Albufeira in the summer. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Albufeira fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

Bodrum usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Albufeira. Bodrum gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bodrum 27°C (81°F) 
    Albufeira 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Albufeira in the Autumn?

Both Albufeira and Bodrum are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Albufeira for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Bodrum is around the same temperature as Albufeira. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bodrum in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Albufeira averages at about 19°C (67°F).

In October, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Albufeira. Bodrum gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bodrum 19°C (66°F) 
    Albufeira 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Bodrum or Albufeira in the Winter?

Both Albufeira and Bodrum during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Albufeira because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bodrum. Bodrum usually gets more rain in January than Albufeira. Bodrum gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Bodrum or Albufeira in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bodrum and Albufeira. Furthermore, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Albufeira this time of year.

Bodrum is around the same temperature as Albufeira in the spring. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Albufeira fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In April, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Albufeira. Bodrum gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bodrum 15°C (59°F) 
    Albufeira 15°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Albufeira and Bodrum

Bodrum Albufeira
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 14°C (56°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 15°C (60°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (65°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 15°C (58°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)