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

Should you visit Lagos or La Spezia?

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 La Spezia. 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 vibrant, beautiful, and scenic resort town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

La Spezia

La Spezia is a convenient, cultural, and lively town. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Lagos and La Spezia: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Lagos or La Spezia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lagos. Although Lagos and La Spezia are popular destinations, Lagos has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lagos is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while La Spezia attracts visitors for its museums and historical sights. Lagos is more touristy than La Spezia and is popular for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. It is also well known for Ponta da Piedade. La Spezia is famous for being the gateway to Cinque Terre.

How is Lagos different from La Spezia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between La Spezia 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 La Spezia?

Lagos
La Spezia

La Spezia is a town with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

La Spezia offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The highlight of the area is the surrounding natural beauty, but in town you can visit the Maritime Museum, The castle of San Giorgio, and The Amedeo Lia Art Museum.

Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Lagos
La Spezia

Both Lagos and La Spezia offer a number of excellent restaurants to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Lagos makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

La Spezia has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town has many local flavors that incorporate seafood and other local ingredients. Focaccia is popular, as is Farinata, which is a chickpea flour pancake. Anchovies and mussels are also common ingredients.

Is Lagos or La Spezia Better for Nightlife?

Lagos
La Spezia

Lagos is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Lagos has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

La Spezia has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find more bars and clubs around town than you do in the smaller nearby towns. Some people head into La Spezia for the evening to grab a drink and socialize.

Is Lagos or La Spezia Better for Resorts?

Lagos
La Spezia

Lagos is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, La Spezia is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Lagos for its luxury resorts. 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.

La Spezia is not a resort destination.


Is Lagos or La Spezia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos
La Spezia

Lagos is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, La Spezia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

La Spezia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lagos or La Spezia Better for Beaches?

Lagos
La Spezia

Lagos is very popular for the beache. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

Lagos offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

La Spezia is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches in the area tend to be rocky and pebbly. For the best beaches, head out of town to nearby areas.

Is Lagos or La Spezia Better for its Old Town?

Lagos
La Spezia

La Spezia is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Lagos does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to La Spezia to see the historical old town. The old town runs between the streets of Corso Cavour and Via Prione and is best explored on foot.

Lagos does not have a historic old town.


Is Lagos or La Spezia Better for Hiking?

Lagos
La Spezia

Lagos is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, La Spezia is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

La Spezia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lagos or La Spezia?

Lagos
La Spezia

Shopping is a popular activity in both La Spezia 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 La Spezia. There's a morning market at Piazza del Mercato as well as many clothing and souvenir shops around town.

Is Lagos or La Spezia Better for Families?

Lagos
La Spezia

Lagos is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Lagos is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in La Spezia. Visitors often use La Spezia as a base for visiting nearby Cinque Terre. The surrounding region has many kid-friendly activities like hiking, swimming, and beaches.


Is Lagos or La Spezia Better for Couples?

Lagos
La Spezia

Lagos is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Lagos is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Couples visit La Spezia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It makes a nice base for visiting nearby sights if the more popular Cinque Terre area is too overwhelming.

Is Lagos or La Spezia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lagos
La Spezia

Lagos is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Lagos is extremely popular 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.

La Spezia is a very popular resort town for backpackers and budget travelers. It's more affordable than the nearby towns in Cinque Terre, but they're still easily accessible from town.

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

Lagos
La Spezia

La Spezia 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 La Spezia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses, trains, and ferry boats offer the main forms of transportation in the area.

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 La Spezia a more walkable city?

Lagos
La Spezia

La Spezia is well known for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

La Spezia is very walkable. The town is easy to walk around and you'll find a pedestrian-only area downhill from the train station.

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 La Spezia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Spezia or Lagos?

How long in Lagos or La Spezia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lagos and La Spezia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lagos than in La Spezia. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Lagos, and 2-3 days is enough time in La Spezia.

Families should spend more time in Lagos than La Spezia. 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 La Spezia. 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 La Spezia 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.


  • How many days in Lagos or La Spezia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Lagos 3-5 
    La Spezia 2-3

One day in Lagos or La Spezia?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the resort town of Lagos. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 La Spezia, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this convenient destination offers. This town 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 Lagos or La Spezia?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the adventure-filled destination of Lagos. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Spezia. 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 La Spezia?

You'll find nightlife and food around the adventure-filled resort town of Lagos. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this resort town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this resort town has to offer.

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

A week in Lagos or La Spezia?

Lagos is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the lively destination of La Spezia. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, La Spezia or Lagos?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Lagos is €118, while the average daily cost in La Spezia is €198. 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 Lagos and La Spezia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lagos 61
    La Spezia 113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lagos 122
    La Spezia 226
Compare Hotels in Lagos and La Spezia

Looking for a hotel in Lagos or La Spezia? 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 Lagos


Hotels in La Spezia


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: Lagos Hotel Prices and La Spezia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lagos 31
    La Spezia 41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lagos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lagos:

  • Transfer Lagos - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $76
  • Transfer Lagos - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $55
  • Transfer Burgau - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $71
  • Transfer Burgau - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $55
  • Private Transfer: Lagos to Seville: $380
  • Private Transfer: Lagos to Lisbon: $434
  • Private Transfer: Faro/FAO to Seville: $326
  • Private Transfer: Faro to Lisbon: $434
  • Private Transfer from Vila do Bispo to Faro (FAO) Airport: $149
  • Private Transfer from Santa Maria (Lagos) to Faro (FAO) Airport: $104
  • Private Transfer from Praia da Luz to Faro (FAO) Airport: $104
  • Private Transfer from Lagos to Faro (FAO) Airport: $104

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Spezia

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

  • Arrival Private Transfer La Spezia to Genoa by Business or Luxury Vehicle: $252
  • Arrival Private Transfer from La Spezia to Porto Venere or Lerici: $91
  • La Spezia Cruise Port to Florence - Arrival Private Transfer: $131
  • La Spezia Cruise Port to Florence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $262
  • La Spezia Cruise Port to La Spezia hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $44
  • La Spezia Cruise Port to Pisa Intl Airport (PSA) - Departure Private Transfer: $93
  • Private Transfer La Spezia Cruise Port or Train Station to city: $51
  • Private Transfer Porto Venere or Lerici to La Spezia by car / van: $91
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia Cruise Port to Florence Hotels: $131
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia Cruise Port to La Spezia hotels: $22
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia Hotels to La Spezia Cruise Port: $22
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia Port to La Spezia Hotels: $22

Is it cheaper to fly into Lagos or La Spezia?

Prices for flights to both La Spezia and Lagos 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
    Lagos 34
    La Spezia 56

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lagos

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

  • Classic Food Tour - Lagos: $98

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Spezia

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

  • La Spezia Cinque Terre Food Tour: $92
  • Tour of Apericena at Sunset and Dinner on Boat: $97
  • Small-Group Street Food Tour: $97
  • La Spezia Cinque Terre Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $98
  • Portovenere: Sunset Cruise with Aperitif and Dinner: $98
  • Small-group Street food tour in La Spezia: $98
  • Cesarine: Dining & Cooking Demo at Local's Home in La Spezia: $104
  • La Spezia Cinque Terre Food Tour: $124
  • Porto Venere & Islands Sunset Boat Tour w/ Dinner: $140
  • Market Tour & Lunch/Dinner at a Cesarina's Home: $151
  • Private Cooking Class in an Italian Home: $157
  • Market Visit and Seafood Cooking Class with Lunch: $159

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lagos 26
    La Spezia 37

Tours and Activities in Lagos

Here are a few actual costs in Lagos for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2-hour Kayak Tour of Ponta da Piedade Caves and Beaches: $44
  • 4x4 Off-road Algarve Natural Park West Coast Tour : $58
  • Adventure to the Benagil Caves on a Family Friendly Catamaran - Start at Lagos: $44
  • Algarve Private Tour: Sagres and Benagil from Lisbon: $847
  • Algarve: Aljezur, Arrifana, and Costa Vicentina Private Tour: $147
  • Algarve: Family photoshoot experience: $217
  • Algarve: Lagos Sightseeing guided Tour with e-bikes: $64
  • Algarve: Lagos sightseeing guided tour with E-bikes: $64
  • Boat Cruise to Algar de Benagil from Lagos: $39
  • Catamaran Cruise in Lagos: $43
  • Coast Cruise Trip to Ponta da Piedade from Lagos: $33
  • Coastal Tour 2H30M / Lagos / Grottos / Aqua Trampoline: $38

Tours and Activities in La Spezia

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

  • Hop-On Hop-Off Open-Top Bus City Tour Ticket: $18
  • La Spezia Walking Tour: $35
  • From Round-Trip to Pisa Cruise Shore Excursion: $42
  • A sightseeing tour with Italian-inspired music: $43
  • From La Spezia to Pisa with optional Leaning Tower Ticket: $50
  • Private trip La Spezia to La Spezia Cruise Port or Train Station: $50
  • 4-Hour E-Bike Private Guided Tour of the Tellaro and Montemarcello Villages: $55
  • From Florence & Pisa Cruise Shore Excursion: $59
  • From Cinque Terre Tour with Limoncino: $65
  • Boat Tour of the 3 Islands & Portovenere: $66
  • Cinque Terre Tour by Boat: $69
  • Cinque Terre hiking tour from La Spezia port: $72

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lagos 6.79
    La Spezia 35

Sample the Local Flavors in Lagos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lagos:

  • Lagos Wine Tasting and Tapas: $39
  • Small group Wine Tasting Tour from Lagos: $66
  • Small-Group Day Tour of Silves and Monchique with Wine Tasting: $87
  • Benagil Secrets: Jeep and Boat Tour with Wine Tasting: $105

Sample the Local Flavors in La Spezia

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

  • Food and wine tour in the Gulf of Poets with local products: $143
  • boat tour with seafood and wine tasting: $217
  • Lucca city tour and Pisa tower + wine tasting from La Spezia Port: $219


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lagos and La Spezia, we can see that La Spezia 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 La Spezia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Spezia 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 La Spezia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Lagos or La Spezia?

La Spezia has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Lagos and La Spezia, 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.