A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cadiz vs. Lake Garda for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Cadiz or Lake Garda?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cadiz and Lake Garda 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.

Cadiz

Cadiz is a undiscovered, historic, and authentic port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a scenic, playful, and fun lake. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Cadiz and Lake Garda: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less attractive beach
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Cadiz or Lake Garda?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lake Garda. Although Cadiz and Lake Garda are popular destinations, Lake Garda has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lake Garda is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Cadiz attracts visitors for its historical sights and shopping. Lake Garda is more touristy than Cadiz and is popular for its beautiful setting, charming towns, and fun amusement parks. It is also well known for Sirmione. Cadiz is famous for its long-running maritime history and its charming old town.

How is Cadiz different from Lake Garda?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cadiz or Lake Garda?

Cadiz
Lake Garda

Both Cadiz and Lake Garda have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Cadiz is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. As the oldest city in Europe, there are countless historic sights and monuments to see. Some of the most interesting historic sights include Catedral Nueva, the Arcos de los Blancos, Torre Tavira, and Museo de Cádiz.

Lake Garda offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people come for the natural beauty, there are also great castles that you can explore. Castello Scaligeri, Grotte di Catullo, and Castello Scaligero.


Is the Food Better in Cadiz or Lake Garda? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cadiz
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Lake Garda makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find many great local restaurants in the area. Most make use of local ingredients such as olive oil, lemons, wine, and fish. Pasta and risotto are both popular throughout the area as well.

Cadiz has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The restaurants are good, but if you don't have reservations you're out of luck. Many restaurants fill up during the peak summer months. If you do have reservations then you can expect fresh seafood including everything from oysters to prawns and even fresh caught fish like Bluefin tuna. Make sure you try the shrimp fritters and papas con choco (cuttlefish and potato stew). Tapas are a great way to sample a number of small local dishes. Also finish your meal off with some churros.

Is Cadiz or Lake Garda Better for Nightlife?

Cadiz
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Lake Garda offers plenty to do in the evening. You'll find clubs and bars in various towns that make for a great nightlife scene. You'll even find beach parties and fireworks shows during the most popular times of the year.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Cadiz. The nightlife scene is diverse, with both cultural activities and dance clubs to choose from. Whether you're looking for a late night party or a more mellow evening on the town, there are a number of options available.

Is Cadiz or Lake Garda Better for Beaches?

Cadiz
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Cadiz is not a good port city for the beache.

The beaches at Lake Garda attract visitors from all over. Despite there being no ocean, there are many great swimming beaches in the area. Many have sand and great places to relax. There's also plenty of watersports to choose from.

You can check out the beach in Cadiz. The beaches remain relatively undiscovered on the international level, so you won't have to deal with the crowds that you find at many Spanish beaches. They are urban beaches that make a good place to cool off, but aren't particularly scenic. The beaches are popular with nearby locals, and the atmosphere remains chill and relaxed. While there are many beaches to choose from outside of town, the closest in town beach is La Caleta. It's even been featured in a few Hollywood films such as Die Another Day.


Is Cadiz or Lake Garda Better for its Old Town?

Cadiz
Lake Garda

Cadiz is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Lake Garda does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Cadiz. The old town offers a patchwork network of cobblestone streets that intertwine plazas, churches, and historic buildings.

Lake Garda does not have a historic old town.

Is Cadiz or Lake Garda Better for Hiking?

Cadiz
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Cadiz is not a hiking destination.

Lake Garda is a popular spot for hiking. There are many great walking and hiking trails in the area that take you through the natural beauty, connect the charming towns, and offer spectacular viewpoints.

Cadiz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cadiz or Lake Garda?

Cadiz
Lake Garda

Cadiz is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Cadiz is well-known for its shopping. There's a diverse mix of local boutiques, food markets, shopping centers, and street markets where you can pick up everything from local items to European fashion. If you happen to be in town on a weekend, keep in mind that many shops are only open in the morning on Saturdays and closed all day Sundays.

Many visitors go to Lake Garda to go shopping. Many villages around the lake are great for shopping. You'll find clothing stores, jewelry shops, and souvenir vendors with something for everyone.


Is Cadiz or Lake Garda Better for Families?

Cadiz
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Lake Garda is an extremely popular lake to visit for families. The nearby amusement parks, including Gardaland, make this a popular destination for families. The area also has many places to swim, trails to explore, and castles to experience. Kids and adults alike will love this amazing kid-friendly area.

Cadiz is a family-friendly port city. The city has beaches where everyone can splash around, as well as some parks and playgrounds where kids can get their energy out. Outside of town you'll find waterparks and other fun activities as well.

Is Cadiz or Lake Garda Better for Couples?

Cadiz
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a well-known place for romance. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

Lake Garda is a very popular place to visit for couples. You'll find a lot of families in the area because of the amusement parks, but that doesn't mean that this isn't a romantic and beautiful spot for couples. There are many charming towns to explore and scenic viewpoints to check out. There are also excellent romantic restaurants that you should try.

Cadiz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its history and beaches, there are many romantic activities that couples can enjoy. Wander around old town and enjoy local cuisine. Visit the historic ruins and take a hike outside of the city.

Is Cadiz or Lake Garda Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cadiz
Lake Garda

Both Cadiz and Lake Garda are nice destinations for backpackers.

Cadiz is a good port city to visit for backpackers. One of the biggest draws to the city is there huge Carnival festival every February. This is a popular time to visit and backpackers will appreciate the lively atmosphere.

Plenty of backpackers visit Lake Garda. There are a few good hostels around the lake that are affordable and fun. The area also see enough backpackers to keep the atmosphere fun and social.


Is Cadiz or Lake Garda Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cadiz
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Lake Garda is fairly effecient and thorough. There are ferries, buses, and trains in the area.

Cadiz has some public transit options. There are five bus lines around town. The buses are comfortable and air conditioned.

Is Cadiz or Lake Garda a more walkable city?

Cadiz
Lake Garda

Cadiz and Lake Garda both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Cadiz is very walkable. It is a walkable city that is historic and compact enough to explore on foot. It can be a bit of a walk to get from the old town to the beach though.

Lake Garda is a very walkable port city. There are walking trails that connect the villages around the lake and this how many people choose to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Cadiz Worth Visiting? and Is Lake Garda Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lake Garda or Cadiz?

How long in Cadiz or Lake Garda?

It's fun to spend time in either Cadiz or Lake Garda. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Lake Garda due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cadiz, and 2-4 days is enough time in Lake Garda.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lake Garda than Cadiz 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 Lake Garda.


  • How many days in Cadiz or Lake Garda? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cadiz 1-2 
    Lake Garda 2-4

One day in Cadiz or Lake Garda?

With museums and nightlife around the undiscovered port city of Cadiz, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cadiz, one day is sufficent for most.

In Lake Garda, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this fun destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This lake offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.


A weekend in Cadiz or Lake Garda?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Cadiz, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this port city.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lake Garda. 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.

Five days in Cadiz or Lake Garda?

Cadiz, a popular port city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Lake Garda is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Lake Garda. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Cadiz or Lake Garda?

Cadiz is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the scenic destination of Lake Garda. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Lake Garda or Cadiz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cadiz is €152, while the average daily cost in Lake Garda is €166. 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 Cadiz and Lake Garda in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cadiz 77
    Lake Garda 84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cadiz 154
    Lake Garda 168
Compare Hotels in Cadiz and Lake Garda

Looking for a hotel in Cadiz or Lake Garda? 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 Cadiz


Hotels in Lake Garda


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: Cadiz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cadiz 30
    Lake Garda 66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cadiz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cadiz:

  • Private Transfer from/to Cadiz Airport to/from Hotel: $87
  • Private Transfer from Cadiz city hotels to Cadiz Cruise Port: $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lake Garda

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

  • Private Transfer from Verona VRN Airport to Lake Garda: $109
  • Verona Opera Arena: Transfer from Lake Garda & Opera Ticket: $128

Is it cheaper to fly into Cadiz or Lake Garda?

Prices for flights to both Lake Garda and Cadiz 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
    Cadiz 45
    Lake Garda 42
Typical Food Prices in Cadiz

Some typical examples of dining costs in Cadiz are as follows:


  • Dinner and Tapas
    15
  • Lunch for 1
    10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cadiz

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

  • Tapas Food Tour in Jerez de la Frontera: $39
  • Food Tour Cadiz: $75
  • Tabancos Food Tour Jerez: $92

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lake Garda

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

  • 3 Hour Fresh Pasta and Tiramisù Private Cooking Class with Meal : $65
  • Valpolicella Wine and Food Tour: $75
  • Cusina - Cooking Class: Fresh Pasta with wine tasting: $86
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Cecina with Show Cooking: $93

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cadiz 27
    Lake Garda 30
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cadiz

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Cadiz are as follows:


  • Cadiz Sightseeing Tour
    15

Tours and Activities in Cadiz

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cadiz are as follows:

  • 2 Hours Private Historical Tour in Cadiz : $87
  • 3 Hour Tapa and Cultural Experience Walking Tour: $120
  • 3-Hour Private Tour of Cádiz: $17
  • Audioguided Tour of Cádiz Monumental, at your pace: $4.27
  • Cádiz 2:45h Bike Tour: $38
  • Cádiz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.96
  • Cádiz: Cadiz Milenaria Guided Tour: $13
  • Cádiz: Guided Bike Tour: $37
  • Cádiz: Local Tapas Experience: $160
  • Cádiz: Mysteries and Legends Walking Tour with Souvenir: $25
  • Cádiz: Private Guided Tour with Flexible Route: $106
  • Cádiz: Private Sun Cruise for 2 with Aperitivo and Wine: $481

Tours and Activities in Lake Garda

For Lake Garda, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Gardaland SEA LIFE Aquarium: Open Date Entry Ticket: $9.62
  • Lake Garda Mini Cruise: Sirmione Peninsula: $13
  • Hotel Villa Cariola Pool Entry Ticket: $20
  • From San Felice del Benaco: Islands Boat Tour: $27
  • Sunset Tour in Sirmione : $27
  • Tour in the Winery and tasting: $32
  • Bardolino: Vineyard Tour with Wine, Olive Oil & Food Tasting: $37
  • Lazise: Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience: $42
  • Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience in Lazise: $43
  • Winery Tour and Tasting of Garda Wines in Lazise: $44
  • Guided Boat Cruise to Sirmione from Garda/Bardolino: $48
  • From Garda/Bardolino: 4-hour Guided Boat Cruise to Sirmione: $49

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cadiz 28
    Lake Garda 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Cadiz

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cadiz:

  • Private Tour with Tapas, Wine Tasting and Bike Rental: $107
  • Countryside Olive Oil & Wine Tasting: $128

Sample the Local Flavors in Lake Garda

Also in Lake Garda, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Bardolino: Wine tasting at Cantina Valetti: $26
  • Wine Tasting and Tour of Lugana Wines in Sirmione: $32
  • Wine Tasting with Local Food in Lazise Countryside: $32
  • Vineyards Tour and Wine Tasting: $42
  • Garda Hills Wine Tour and Tasting: $42
  • Wine Tasting in Historical Center of Lazise: $44
  • Art Experience with Food and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $55
  • E-Bike Tour and wine tasting in Lazise Countryside: $87
  • E-Bike Tour and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $87
  • Lazise: Bike Tour and Wine Tasting: $90
  • Castles boat tour with Bardolino wine tasting and nibbles: $98


When comparing the travel costs between Cadiz and Lake Garda, we can see that Lake Garda 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 Cadiz Expensive? and Is Lake Garda Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Cadiz or Lake Garda?

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 Cadiz or Lake Garda in the Summer?

Both Lake Garda and Cadiz during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cadiz for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lake Garda in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cadiz is around the same temperature as Lake Garda. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cadiz in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Lake Garda, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cadiz. In the summer, Cadiz often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Cadiz gets 356 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun.

Cadiz usually gets less rain in July than Lake Garda. Cadiz gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cadiz 25°C (77°F) 
    Lake Garda 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Cadiz or Lake Garda in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cadiz and Lake Garda. Many visitors come to Cadiz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lake Garda for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Cadiz is generally a little warmer than Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Cadiz average around 20°C (68°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In Cadiz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cadiz usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during autumn. Cadiz gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cadiz usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Cadiz gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cadiz 20°C (68°F) 
    Lake Garda 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Cadiz or Lake Garda in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cadiz as well as Lake Garda. Most visitors come to Cadiz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Lake Garda because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Lake Garda can be very cold. Cadiz is much warmer than Lake Garda in the winter. The daily temperature in Cadiz averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Cadiz often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Cadiz gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 98 hours of full sun.

Cadiz usually gets more rain in January than Lake Garda. Cadiz gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cadiz 13°C (55°F) 
    Lake Garda 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Cadiz or Lake Garda in the Spring?

Both Lake Garda and Cadiz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Cadiz because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year.

In the spring, Cadiz is a little warmer than Lake Garda. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cadiz in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cadiz. Cadiz usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during spring. Cadiz gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cadiz usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Cadiz gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cadiz 17°C (63°F) 
    Lake Garda 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Cadiz

Cadiz Lake Garda
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 2°C (36°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (75°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 3°C (37°F) 51 mm (2 in)