A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lagos vs. Playa Blanca for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lagos or Playa Blanca?

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 Playa Blanca. 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 Playa Blanca?

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.

Playa Blanca

Located on the southern tip of the Canary Island of Lanzarote, Playa Blanca is a resort area popular with families and couples seeking a quieter vacation alternative to the lively neighbor resort of Puerto del Carmen. The resort's white sandy beaches are peaceful and sheltered from the higher winds found on other parts of the island. Timanfaya National Park is also nearby, as well as a number of other spectacular volcanic features.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Playa Blanca 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 Playa Blanca is €155. 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 Playa Blanca in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lagos 61
    Playa Blanca 81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lagos 122
    Playa Blanca 162
Compare Hotels in Lagos and Playa Blanca

Looking for a hotel in Lagos or Playa Blanca? 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 Playa Blanca


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 Playa Blanca Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lagos 31
    Playa Blanca 49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lagos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lagos:

  • Transfer Praia da Luz - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $70
  • Transfer Praia da Luz - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $58
  • Transfer Burgau - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $55
  • Private Transfer: Seville to Lisbon: $615
  • Private Transfer: Seville to Lagos: $374
  • Private Transfer: Seville to Algarve (Faro district): $374
  • Private Transfer: Lagos to Seville: $374
  • Private Transfer: Lagos to Lisbon: $428
  • Private Transfer: Faro/Lagos to Porto: $802
  • Private Transfer: Faro/FAO to Seville: $353
  • Private Transfer: Faro to Lisbon: $428
  • Private Transfer: Albufeira to Seville: $321

Is it cheaper to fly into Lagos or Playa Blanca?

Prices for flights to both Playa Blanca 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
    Playa Blanca 45

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: $97
  • Full-Day West Coast Adventure with Hiking, Sunset, Dinner & Wine : $120

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lagos 26
    Playa Blanca 20

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: $39
  • Algarve Private Tour: Sagres and Benagil from Lisbon: $834
  • Algarve: Aljezur, Arrifana, and Costa Vicentina Private Tour: $144
  • Algarve: Family photoshoot experience: $214
  • Algarve: Lagos Sightseeing guided Tour with e-bikes: $63
  • Algarve: Lagos sightseeing guided tour with E-bikes: $71
  • Amado Beach Walking Tour: $55
  • Benagil Caves- Speed Boat Tour: $44
  • Boat Cruise to Algar de Benagil from Lagos: $39
  • Captivating Corners of Lagos – Walking Tour: $395

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lagos 6.79
    Playa Blanca 9.29

Sample the Local Flavors in Lagos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lagos:

  • Lagos Wine Tasting and Tapas: $44
  • Small-Group Day Tour of Silves and Monchique with Wine Tasting: $86


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


Which is Bigger, Lagos or Playa Blanca?

Lagos has a larger population, and is about 88% larger than the population of Playa Blanca. When comparing the sizes of Lagos and Playa Blanca, 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 Playa Blanca?

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 Lagos or Playa Blanca in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lagos as well as Playa Blanca. Most visitors come to Lagos for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Lagos is around the same temperature as Playa Blanca. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lagos in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Playa Blanca averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Lagos receives a lot of rain in the summer. Lagos usually gets more rain in July than Playa Blanca. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Playa Blanca receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lagos 25°C (77°F) 
    Playa Blanca 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Lagos or Playa Blanca in the Autumn?

Both Playa Blanca and Lagos are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Lagos because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Lagos is generally a little warmer than Playa Blanca. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 26°C (79°F), and Playa Blanca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. In October, Lagos usually receives more rain than Playa Blanca. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Playa Blanca receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lagos 26°C (79°F) 
    Playa Blanca 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Lagos or Playa Blanca in the Winter?

Both Playa Blanca and Lagos during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Lagos this time of year.

Lagos is much warmer than Playa Blanca in the winter. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Playa Blanca fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Lagos usually gets less rain in January than Playa Blanca. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Playa Blanca receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lagos 27°C (81°F) 
    Playa Blanca 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Lagos or Playa Blanca in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and Playa Blanca. Many travelers come to Lagos for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Lagos is a little warmer than Playa Blanca. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lagos in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Playa Blanca averages at about 19°C (66°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Lagos usually receives more rain than Playa Blanca. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Playa Blanca receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lagos 28°C (82°F) 
    Playa Blanca 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Playa Blanca and Lagos

Lagos Playa Blanca
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Feb 29°C (84°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 202 mm (8 in) 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Jun 26°C (79°F) 316 mm (12.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 243 mm (9.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Sep 26°C (79°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)