A Travel Price Comparison for Portugal Lagos vs. Madeira Islands for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lagos or Madeira Islands?

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 Madeira Islands. 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.

Where Should I go: Lagos or Madeira Islands?

Lagos

A coastal town in the south of Portugal, Lagos is known for its old world charm, plummeting cliffs, and Atlantic beaches. Many come to enjoy a full range of activities from beach-going and watersports to exploring cobbled streets lined with options for shopping and dining. Historic churches and castles add to the charm, as well as a clifftop lighthouse showing the way to Lagos for ships at sea.

Madeira Islands

Madeira, Portugal is an archipelago consisting of four islands, each covered with lush vegetation and mountainous landscapes. Madeira is famous for its fresh fish and namesake Madeira wine, which can be found throughout the main island. This area is the perfect blend of relaxing beaches and thrill-inducing activities such as paragliding and mountain biking. Portuguese is the main language here, although English is spoken widely by those in the tourism industry.

Which place is cheaper, Madeira Islands 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 Madeira Islands is €0.00. 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 Madeira Islands in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lagos 61
    Madeira Islands -
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lagos 122
    Madeira Islands 0.00
Compare Hotels in Lagos and Madeira Islands

Looking for a hotel in Lagos or Madeira Islands? 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 Madeira Islands


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 Madeira Islands Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lagos 31
    Madeira Islands -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lagos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lagos:

  • Transfer Praia da Luz - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $71
  • Transfer Praia da Luz - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $59
  • Transfer Lagos - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $77
  • Transfer Lagos - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $56
  • Transfer From Lagos Algarve To Lisboa: $277
  • Transfer Burgau - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $38
  • Transfer Burgau - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $71
  • Transfer Burgau - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $56
  • Private Transfer: Seville to Lagos: $381
  • Private Transfer: Seville to Algarve (Faro district): $348
  • Private Transfer: Lagos to Seville: $381
  • Private Transfer: Lagos to Lisbon: $436

Is it cheaper to fly into Lagos or Madeira Islands?

Prices for flights to both Madeira Islands 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
    Madeira Islands -

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: $99
  • Wild West Coast Hiking Adventure with Sunset Dinner & Wine: $128

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lagos 26
    Madeira Islands -

Tours and Activities in Lagos

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

  • Ponta da Piedade Costal cruise and Caves-2h: $33
  • 2-hour Kayak Tour of Ponta da Piedade Caves and Beaches: $44
  • 4x4 Off-road Algarve Natural Park West Coast Tour : $59
  • Adventure to the Benagil Caves on a Family Friendly Catamaran - Start at Lagos: $44
  • Algarve Private Tour: Sagres and Benagil from Lisbon: $849
  • Algarve: Aljezur, Arrifana, and Costa Vicentina Private Tour: $147
  • Algarve: Family photoshoot experience: $218
  • Algarve: Lagos Sightseeing guided Tour with e-bikes: $64
  • Algarve: Lagos sightseeing guided tour with E-bikes: $65
  • Amado Beach Walking Tour: $55
  • Benagil Caves- Speed Boat Tour: $40
  • Boat Cruise to Algar de Benagil from Lagos: $39

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lagos 6.79
    Madeira Islands -

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: $67
  • Small-Group Day Tour of Silves and Monchique with Wine Tasting: $88
  • Benagil Secrets: Jeep and Boat Tour with Wine Tasting: $105


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

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


Which has a larger population, Lagos or Madeira Islands?

Madeira Islands has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Lagos and Madeira Islands, 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.