A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Figueira da Foz vs. Lake Garda for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Figueira da Foz 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 Figueira da Foz 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.

Where Should I go: Figueira da Foz or Lake Garda?

Figueira da Foz

Located along the glistening waters of the Atlantic Ocean, a bustling city thrives near its shores with towering skyscrapers guarding the city like metallic giants. Figueira da Foz, or simply Figueira, is nestled within the Columbia District and is both a city and municipality. Sheltered by the hills of Serra da Boa Viagem, Figueira is near the mouth of the Mondego River and right beside the Atlantic. Only about 40 kilometers from Coimbra, Figueira has a population of 46,600 and is the second largest city found throughout the region. Because it is a seaside city, Figueira subsists off of Portuguese as well as international tourism, maintaining its pristine beaches, supplying seaport facilities, and a plethora of restaurants, gift shops, cafes, and more. Some of the beaches include Quiaios, Cabedelo, Claridade, Costa de Lavos, Murtinheira, Leirosa, Molhe Norte, Cabo Mondego, and many more. Tourists are also attracted to Figueira because it is a well-known gambling spot in Portugal with the Casino da Figueira da Foz and the Casino da Figueira present and popular. There are also popular landmarks that are recommended by tourists to visit, such as Forte de Santa Catarina and Torre de Relogio. There is also a museum that features the history of the Figueira within the city. Whether you are looking to surf or sight-see, there is much to do in Figueira da Foz, Portugal.

Lake Garda

As a gentle Mediterranean wind touches your skin, the aromatic fragrances of olive and lemon trees fill the air. Surrounded by lush gardens and Italian architecture in its ancient tans and beiges, you look to the horizon and find a paradise before your eyes: a shimmering lake, misty mountaintops, and a clear blue sky. Lake Garda is a popular holiday destination for locals of the Lombardy region and tourists alike. It has been shown that about 7% of Italy's tourists head straight for these gleaming blue shores. The largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda is located about halfway in between Brescia and Verona and between Venezia and Milano. Because it is surrounded by several different districts - Lombardy, Trentino, Alto, and the Veneto - Lake Garda is a culmination of culture that attracts cosmopolitan crowds. The lake is an ancient natural treasure Italy holds dear, with documents referring to Lake Garda dating as far back as the eighteenth century. The name "Garda" comes from the Germanic word "warda," which means "place of guard." Whether you are staying at one of the many luxurious resorts in Riva del Garda or are simply getting a pedicure in spa town Sirmione, Lake Garda continues to preserve its elegance and sophistication throughout the years.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Portugal, The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Figueira da Foz Expensive? and Is Lake Garda Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Figueira da Foz 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 Figueira da Foz or Lake Garda in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Figueira da Foz as well as Lake Garda. Additionally, many visitors come to Lake Garda in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Figueira da Foz is generally around the same temperature as Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Figueira da Foz average around 23°C (73°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lake Garda. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Figueira da Foz this time of the year. In the summer, Figueira da Foz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lake Garda. Figueira da Foz gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun.

Figueira da Foz usually gets less rain in July than Lake Garda. Figueira da Foz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Figueira da Foz or Lake Garda in the Autumn?

Both Lake Garda and Figueira da Foz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Lake Garda for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Figueira da Foz is a little warmer than Lake Garda in the autumn. The daily temperature in Figueira da Foz averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Figueira da Foz usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during autumn. Figueira da Foz gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Figueira da Foz. In October, Figueira da Foz usually receives more rain than Lake Garda. Figueira da Foz gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Figueira da Foz or Lake Garda in the Winter?

Both Lake Garda and Figueira da Foz during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, 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. In the winter, Figueira da Foz is much warmer than Lake Garda. Typically, the winter temperatures in Figueira da Foz in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Figueira da Foz often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Figueira da Foz gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 98 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Figueira da Foz. Figueira da Foz usually gets more rain in January than Lake Garda. Figueira da Foz gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Figueira da Foz or Lake Garda in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Figueira da Foz and Lake Garda. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year.

In April, Figueira da Foz is generally a little warmer than Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Figueira da Foz average around 15°C (59°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Figueira da Foz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Figueira da Foz usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during spring. Figueira da Foz gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Figueira da Foz usually receives more rain than Lake Garda. Figueira da Foz gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Figueira da Foz