A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lagos vs. Calais for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Lagos or Calais?

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 Lagos and Calais. 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.

Lagos

Lagos is a beautiful, scenic, and adventure-filled resort town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Calais

Calais is a authentic, undiscovered, and coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Lagos and Calais: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lagos or Calais?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lagos than Calais, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lagos is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Calais is more popular for its museums and big city activities. Lagos is more touristy than Calais and is known for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. Also, Lagos is famous for Ponta da Piedade. Calais is well known for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Lagos different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lagos or Calais?

Calais is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Lagos or Calais? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lagos is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Lagos is an experience not to be missed. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Lagos or Calais Better for Nightlife?

Lagos is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Lagos is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

If you're looking for night time activities Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Lagos or Calais Better for Resorts?

Lagos is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Calais is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Lagos is a great choice. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

Calais is not a resort destination.

Is Lagos or Calais Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Calais is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Lagos. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

Calais is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lagos or Calais Better for Beaches?

Lagos is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Lagos. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

Many people head to Calais to enjoy the beach. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Is Lagos or Calais Better for Hiking?

Lagos is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Calais is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Lagos. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

Calais is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lagos or Calais?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Calais and Lagos.

Lagos is a great destination for shopping. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Lagos or Calais Better for Families?

Lagos is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Lagos is a very family-friendly destination. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

Calais offers lots of family activities. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Lagos or Calais Better for Couples?

Lagos is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Lagos makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Lagos or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lagos is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lagos is a very popular resort town to visit for backpackers. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy to meet other travelers.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Lagos or Calais Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Calais is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lagos is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Calais, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Is Lagos or Calais a more walkable city?

Calais is a good destination for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

Lagos is not a very walkable resort town. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

For even more information, also check out Is Lagos Worth Visiting? and Is Calais Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calais or Lagos?

How long in Lagos or Calais?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lagos and Calais. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lagos than in Calais. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Lagos, and 1-3 days is enough time in Calais.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lagos than Calais 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 Lagos.

One day in Lagos or Calais?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lagos. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Calais, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this coastal destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Lagos or Calais?

Lagos is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Calais. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Lagos or Calais?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lagos. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Calais is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Calais. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lagos or Calais?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Lagos. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the undiscovered destination of Calais. 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 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lagos or Calais?

Calais has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Lagos and Calais, 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 Lagos or Calais?

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 Lagos or Calais in the Summer?

Both Calais and Lagos 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 Lagos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Calais for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lagos is generally a little warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 25°C (77°F), and Calais fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. In July, Lagos usually receives more rain than Calais. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lagos or Calais in the Autumn?

Both Calais and Lagos during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Lagos for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Calais in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Lagos is much warmer than Calais in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Calais fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. Lagos usually gets more rain in October than Calais. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Calais in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and Calais. Many visitors come to Lagos in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Calais for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Calais can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Lagos is much warmer than Calais. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lagos in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Calais averages at about 4°C (40°F).

In January, Lagos usually receives less rain than Calais. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lagos or Calais in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lagos as well as Calais. Most visitors come to Lagos for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Calais because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Lagos is generally much warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 28°C (82°F), and Calais fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

Lagos receives a lot of rain in the spring. Lagos usually gets more rain in April than Calais. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Calais and Lagos