A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kalampaka (Meteora) vs. Albufeira for Couples, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Kalampaka (Meteora) or Albufeira?

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 Kalampaka (Meteora) and Albufeira. 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.

Kalampaka (Meteora)

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a spiritual, dramatic, and historic destination. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

Albufeira

Albufeira is a party hard, vibrant, and touristy resort town. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Kalampaka (Meteora) and Albufeira: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Albufeira?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Albufeira than Kalampaka (Meteora), as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Albufeira is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Kalampaka (Meteora) is more popular for its museums. Albufeira is more touristy than Kalampaka (Meteora) and is popular for its golden beaches and limestone cliffs. Also, Albufeira is famous for Praia da Falesia. Kalampaka (Meteora) is well known for its striking beauty, spiritual setting, and other-worldly rock formations.

How is Kalampaka (Meteora) different from Albufeira?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Albufeira and Kalampaka (Meteora). Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Albufeira?

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Albufeira does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Kalampaka (Meteora) are among the most recognizable in the world. The Meteora monasteries are an impressive spiritual site that are set against a dramatic rock formation. They date back centuries, and, of the original 24 monasteries, there are 6 that are currently open to the public. Several have museums and many people prefer to visit as a guided tour.

Albufeira does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Albufeira? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Albufeira is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Albufeira has a huge number of terrific restaurants. As the largest resort town in the Algarve, the city also has the widest selection of restaurants. There are traditional options that serve up classic dishes like grilled sardines, as well as international restaurants with traveler favorites. As expected, you'll find a lot of seafood, but you'll also find inland influences from local farms in the area.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Kalampaka (Meteora) area. In town you'll find some authentic Greek restaurants. The dishes are local, and very different from the seafood based cuisine that is found along the coast. Instead, many dishes involve meatballs or stew and are slow cooked with rich flavors.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Albufeira Better for Nightlife?

Albufeira is terrific for nightlife and partying. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

Albufeira is a must-see party destination. It's probably the most infamous party destination in the Algarve and it won't disappoint. During the peak summer months you'll find the streets around the popular "Strip" filled with tourists and party-goers. There are hen and stag parties, backpackers, and drunken travelers out for a good time. The Strip has become so popular that there are now bars and clubs on the adjacent streets as well. If you're not staying in the area, you'll likely want to take a taxi, as it's a couple kilometers outside of the town center.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Kalampaka (Meteora). This is a spiritual destination where nightlife is not encouraged. There are some cafes in town that turn into bars at night and play relaxing music in a mellow setting. These can be found near the central square.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Albufeira Better for Resorts?

Albufeira is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Albufeira for its luxury resorts. As the largest resort town in the Algarve, you'll find a wide selection of hotels to choose from. Party-goers will want to stay near the Strip while families will prefer the old town or resorts in Olhos de Agua.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a resort destination.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Albufeira Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Albufeira is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Albufeira. There are countless vendors who will take you by boat to explore the underwater world, either by snorkeling or scuba diving. The marine life is impressive and the water is generally clear.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Albufeira Better for Beaches?

Albufeira is terrific for the beache. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a beach destination.

Albufeira offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. With their golden sands and blue waters, the beaches are world class. The area also has a diversity of beaches that are perfect for all types of vacationers. For water sports, head to Praia dos Alemaes but for relaxation and catching some rays check out Praia da Falesia. You'll find some interesting rock formations at Praia dos Olhos de Agua. One of the most convenient beaches to town is Praia dos Pescadores. For nightlife you'll want to head to Praia da Oura.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a beach destination.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Albufeira Better for Hiking?

Albufeira is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a hiking destination.

Albufeira offers some nice hiking trails. There are countless coastal walks that are perfect for all skill levels. Many offers stunning views along the rocky coast and pass through natural settings. Popular trails in the area include Praia Grande Interpretation Trail and Paderne Castle Trail.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Albufeira?

Albufeira is a decent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

If you're looking to go shopping, Albufeira has some nice offerings. You'll find most of the shops are geared toward souvenirs or beach items, particularly near the beach and marina. If you look hard you might find some nice ceramics or items made of cork.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Albufeira Better for Families?

Both Kalampaka (Meteora) and Albufeira are notable family-friendly destinations.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a family-friendly destination. There are six monasteries of Meteora that will fascinate older children. There are also several museums affiliated with the monasteries including a Folklore Museum as well as spectacular views over the oddly shaped rock mountains.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Albufeira. Despite it's reputation as a party-hard city, there are actually a lot of family-friendly activities in the area. Because it's the largest resort town in the Algarve, it also has the most activities to choose from, including theme parks, water parks, dolphin watching, ropes courses, go karting, and more. The best area's for families are in the old town or the most of the family-friendly resorts outside of town. Families should avoid staying near "the Strip."

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Albufeira Better for Couples?

Albufeira is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Albufeira is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. For an active honeymoon or couple's retreat, this resort town has it all. Beautiful beaches, adventure-filled activities, a wild nightlife scene, and excellent resorts and restaurants all make for a memorable couple's getaway.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a good destination for couples to visit. The setting is beautiful and unique, and its an interesting and fascinating place to visit as a couple.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Albufeira Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Albufeira is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is lacking in good options for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Albufeira is extremely popular for backpackers. If you're looking for a party, then you found it. The area is a top pick for European holidays, so you'll find plenty of energy and activities around town. There are also golden beaches and a decent selection of hostels to choose from.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Unless you're willing to rent a car or scooter, or take an organized tour, this is a very difficult area to explore independently. Some visitors hire a taxi after they arrive to take them to the monasteries.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Albufeira Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find respectable public transit in both Kalampaka (Meteora) and Albufeira.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kalampaka (Meteora). While there is a bus service, many people prefer to explore the six monasteries with their own car or scooter. You could also hire a taxi to take you to and from. Alternatively, there are organized tours that will provide transportation as part of the package.

Public transit is generally limited in Albufeira. There are regional buses and even trains, but do take note that many of the train and bus stations are a good distance outside of town.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Albufeira a more walkable city?

Kalampaka (Meteora) and Albufeira are respectable when it comes to walkability.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is generally not a very walkable destination. There are walking trails in the area but most people need access to a vehicle, whether its a rental car, scooter, taxi, or bus.

Albufeira is generally not very walkable. Most people prefer to hire a car, but if your hotel is near the beach and you're ok with walking to restaurants, then you may be able to get away without one. If you hope to travel into the countryside at all then a car is necessary.

For even more information, also check out Is Kalampaka (Meteora) Worth Visiting? and Is Albufeira Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Albufeira or Kalampaka (Meteora)?

How long in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Albufeira?

Both Kalampaka (Meteora) and Albufeira have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Albufeira than in Kalampaka (Meteora). Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kalampaka (Meteora), and 3-7 days is enough time in Albufeira.

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

Couples should spend more time in Albufeira than Kalampaka (Meteora). You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Albufeira that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Albufeira than Kalampaka (Meteora) 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 Albufeira.

One day in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Albufeira?

You'll find food and museums around the destination of Kalampaka (Meteora). Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Albufeira, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Albufeira?

You'll find museums and food around the spiritual destination of Kalampaka (Meteora). This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this destination has to offer. This destination offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many people visit Albufeira for a weekend. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Albufeira?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the dramatic destination of Kalampaka (Meteora). The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

In Albufeira, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this beautiful destination offers. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Many people spend five days here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Albufeira, five days is sufficent for most.

A week in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Albufeira?

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Albufeira, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife that this touristy destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for one week. This resort town offers something for everyone. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Albufeira has to offer.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Greece, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal.

When comparing the travel costs between Kalampaka (Meteora) and Albufeira, we can see that Albufeira 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) Expensive? and Is Albufeira Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kalampaka (Meteora) or Albufeira?

Albufeira has a larger population, and is about 95% larger than the population of Kalampaka (Meteora). When comparing the sizes of Kalampaka (Meteora) 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) or Albufeira in the Summer?

Both Albufeira and Kalampaka (Meteora) during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kalampaka (Meteora) this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Albufeira for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is around the same temperature as Albufeira in the summer. The daily temperature in Kalampaka (Meteora) averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Albufeira fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

Kalampaka (Meteora) usually gets more rain in July than Albufeira. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kalampaka (Meteora) or Albufeira in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kalampaka (Meteora) and Albufeira. Many travelers come to Kalampaka (Meteora) for the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Albufeira in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Kalampaka (Meteora) is cooler than Albufeira. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kalampaka (Meteora) in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Albufeira averages at about 19°C (67°F).

In October, Kalampaka (Meteora) usually receives less rain than Albufeira. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kalampaka (Meteora) or Albufeira in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kalampaka (Meteora) as well as Albufeira. Many visitors come to Kalampaka (Meteora) in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Albufeira for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Kalampaka (Meteora) is generally much colder than Albufeira. Daily temperatures in Kalampaka (Meteora) average around 6°C (42°F), and Albufeira fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Kalampaka (Meteora) usually gets less rain in January than Albufeira. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kalampaka (Meteora) or Albufeira in the Spring?

Both Albufeira and Kalampaka (Meteora) are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Kalampaka (Meteora) for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Albufeira because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is cooler than Albufeira in the spring. The daily temperature in Kalampaka (Meteora) averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Albufeira fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In April, Kalampaka (Meteora) usually receives less rain than Albufeira. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Albufeira and Kalampaka (Meteora)