A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubrovnik vs. Playa de las Americas for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Dubrovnik or Playa de las Americas?

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

Should I visit Dubrovnik or Playa de las Americas? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Dubrovnik or Playa de las Americas?

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic", is a beautiful walled city in southern Croatia that sits on the edge of the Adriatic Sea. It's a small city, with only about 40,000 residents, but it's become one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city was historically built on maritime trade, which is not surprising given its location near major Italian and Greek ports such as Venice, Bari, Corfu, and Trieste. It was a center of language and literature and was the home of many important poets, playwrights, painters, and scientists during the 15th and 16th centuries. Today its economy is dependent on tourism and it is one of the most popular destinations in the region. People visit the city for its impressive history, beautiful setting, great weather, and interesting architecture.

Playa de las Americas

If you are looking to escape your life - to relax on a modern day pleasure island, then you need to book a trip to the Playa de las Americas resort town. Located on the south coast of Tenerife, this party, beach, and vacation capital never goes to sleep. Packed with nightclubs, bars, live music, shops and restaurants, Playa de las Americas is the stuff Hollywood movies are made of.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.


Which place is cheaper, Playa de las Americas or Dubrovnik?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dubrovnik is $103, while the average daily cost in Playa de las Americas is $209. 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 Dubrovnik and Playa de las Americas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dubrovnik $53
    Playa de las Americas $123
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dubrovnik $106
    Playa de las Americas $246
Compare Hotels in Dubrovnik and Playa de las Americas

Looking for a hotel in Dubrovnik or Playa de las Americas? 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 Dubrovnik


Hotels in Playa de las Americas


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: Dubrovnik Hotel Prices and Playa de las Americas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dubrovnik $13
    Playa de las Americas $60
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dubrovnik

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


  • Bus Around Town
    $1.52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dubrovnik

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

  • Transfer Zagreb - Dubrovnik or Dubrovnik - Zagreb: $1,030
  • From Split or Trogir: Private Transfer to Dubrovnik City: $588
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Sarajevo: $558
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Podgorica: $542
  • Private Transfer to Split with Oyster Tasting: $535
  • Private transfer from Split to Dubrovnik - door to door: $535
  • Dubrovnik to Split 1-Way Private Transfer: $451
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Mostar: $451
  • Private Transfer to Dubrovnik from Split with stop options: $428
  • Private Transfer from Dubrovnik to Budva: $391
  • Private Transfer from Split to Dubrovnik: $385
  • One Way Private Transfer from Split to Dubrovnik: $372

Is it cheaper to fly into Dubrovnik or Playa de las Americas?

Prices for flights to both Playa de las Americas and Dubrovnik 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
    Dubrovnik $35
    Playa de las Americas $48
Typical Food Prices in Dubrovnik

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


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2)
    $31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dubrovnik

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

  • Sunset Dinner Cruise around the Old Town: $80
  • Secrets of traditional Dalmatian cuisine with a cooking class: $128
  • Old Town Food Tour: $143
  • Dubrovnik Old Town Food Tour: Small-Group Experience: $147
  • Konavle Wine& History&food Tour: $165
  • Cooking Classes Traditional Meals of Konavle region: $179
  • Traditional Dalmatian Cooking Class from Dubrovnik: $198
  • Traditional Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside: $202
  • Authentic Garden to Table Cooking Class in Dubrovnik Countryside : $208
  • Pelješac Full-Day Wine and Food Tour from Dubrovnik: $209
  • Private Dinner with Wine and Homemade Tapas: $214
  • Dubrovnik Food Tour with Friendly Local Guide: $229

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dubrovnik $20
    Playa de las Americas $32
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dubrovnik

For Dubrovnik, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Boat to Lokrum Island (for 2)
    $14
  • Dubrovnik City Wall Tour (for 2)
    $56
  • Dubrovnik Cable Car (for 2)
    $48

Tours and Activities in Dubrovnik

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

  • MONTENEGRO TOUR from Dubrovnik: $104
  • 'Game of Thrones' Walking Tour in Dubrovnik: $58
  • 1 Hour Shared Dubrovnik Guided Walking Tour : $26
  • 1.5-Hour Walking Tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town: $20
  • 2 Hours Dubrovnik City Walls Group Walking Tour: $49
  • 2-Hour Dubrovnik Fun and Exciting Jet Ski Safari Adventure Tour: $137
  • 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour in Mlini: $22
  • 3-Hour Dubrovnik Countryside ATV/Quad Safari Adventure Tour: $108
  • 3-Hour Private Fort Lovrijenac and City Walls Tour with a Local Guide: $44
  • 4 Hours Caves, Snorkeling and Swimming Tour in Dubrovnik: $85
  • 4 Hours Speed Boat Group Tour of Blue Cave, Lopud, and Kolocep : $85
  • A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Dubrovnik's Old Town: $8.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dubrovnik $15
    Playa de las Americas $9.18

Sample the Local Flavors in Dubrovnik

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

  • Columbo Pub Crawl Dubrovnik: $49
  • Brewery Tour with Food included: $60
  • From Korcula Island Tour with Wine Tasting: $66
  • Day Tour of Korcula Island from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $70
  • Ston and Korcula Island Day Trip from Dubrovnik with Wine Tasting: $75
  • Half-Day Wine Tasting with Snacks and Ston Place Visit: $75
  • Interactive Wine Tour: $80
  • Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting: $84
  • Konavle Valley Wine Tour from Dubrovnik with Train Ride and Wine Tasting: $84
  • Interactive Wine Tour in Dubrovnik: $89
  • Day trip to Korčula and Pelješac with Wine Tasting from Koločep: $93
  • Dubrovnik Kayak Tour + Gourmet Snack + Wine Tasting (Small-Group): $97


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubrovnik and Playa de las Americas, we can see that Playa de las Americas is more expensive. And not only is Dubrovnik much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dubrovnik would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dubrovnik 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 de las Americas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Playa de las Americas than you might in Dubrovnik.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubrovnik Expensive? and Is Playa de las Americas Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dubrovnik or Playa de las Americas?

Dubrovnik has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Playa de las Americas. When comparing the sizes of Dubrovnik and Playa de las Americas, 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 Dubrovnik or Playa de las Americas?

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 Dubrovnik or Playa de las Americas in the Summer?

Both Playa de las Americas and Dubrovnik are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.

In July, Dubrovnik is generally around the same temperature as Playa de las Americas. Daily temperatures in Dubrovnik average around 25°C (77°F), and Playa de las Americas fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In July, Dubrovnik usually receives more rain than Playa de las Americas. Dubrovnik gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dubrovnik 25°C (77°F) 
    Playa de las Americas 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Dubrovnik or Playa de las Americas in the Autumn?

Both Playa de las Americas and Dubrovnik during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Dubrovnik is cooler than Playa de las Americas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubrovnik averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Playa de las Americas fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik usually gets more rain in October than Playa de las Americas. Dubrovnik gets 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dubrovnik 18°C (64°F) 
    Playa de las Americas 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Dubrovnik or Playa de las Americas in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubrovnik and Playa de las Americas. Many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Dubrovnik is much colder than Playa de las Americas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubrovnik in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Playa de las Americas averages at about 19°C (66°F).

Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Dubrovnik usually receives more rain than Playa de las Americas. Dubrovnik gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dubrovnik 9°C (48°F) 
    Playa de las Americas 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Dubrovnik or Playa de las Americas in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dubrovnik as well as Playa de las Americas. Most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Dubrovnik is generally cooler than Playa de las Americas. Daily temperatures in Dubrovnik average around 14°C (57°F), and Playa de las Americas fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the spring. Dubrovnik usually gets more rain in April than Playa de las Americas. Dubrovnik gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dubrovnik 14°C (57°F) 
    Playa de las Americas 20°C (68°F)

Typical Weather for Playa de las Americas and Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik Playa de las Americas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 75 mm (3 in) 21°C (70°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in) 24°C (75°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 101 mm (4 in) 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 18°C (64°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 198 mm (7.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 178 mm (7 in) 20°C (68°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)