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

Should you visit Lagos or Playa del Ingles?

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 del Ingles. 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 del Ingles?

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 del Ingles

Translating to "Englishman's Beach," Playa del Ingles is a sea resort located on the south coast of the Gran Canaria island of Spain's Canary Islands. Since the 1960s it has been built up to accommodate tourists from around the world, especially from Europe. Some of the most popular attractions include an abundance of bars and clubs as well as beachside activities like swimming, surfing, scuba, and snorkeling.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Playa del Ingles 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 del Ingles is €180. 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 del Ingles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lagos 61
    Playa del Ingles 93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lagos 122
    Playa del Ingles 186
Compare Hotels in Lagos and Playa del Ingles

Looking for a hotel in Lagos or Playa del Ingles? 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 del Ingles


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lagos 31
    Playa del Ingles 61

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 del Ingles?

Prices for flights to both Playa del Ingles 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 del Ingles 49

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 del Ingles 33

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 del Ingles 7.86

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 del Ingles, we can see that Playa del Ingles 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 del Ingles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Playa del Ingles 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 del Ingles Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Lagos or Playa del Ingles?

Lagos has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Playa del Ingles. When comparing the sizes of Lagos and Playa del Ingles, 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 del Ingles?

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 del Ingles in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lagos as well as Playa del Ingles. Many visitors come to Lagos in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Lagos is a little warmer than Playa del Ingles in the summer. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Playa del Ingles fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lagos 25°C (77°F) 
    Playa del Ingles 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Lagos or Playa del Ingles in the Autumn?

Both Playa del Ingles and Lagos are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lagos for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Lagos is a little warmer than Playa del Ingles. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lagos in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Playa del Ingles averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. In October, Lagos usually receives more rain than Playa del Ingles. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Playa del Ingles receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lagos 26°C (79°F) 
    Playa del Ingles 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Lagos or Playa del Ingles in the Winter?

Both Playa del Ingles and Lagos during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Lagos because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Lagos is generally much warmer than Playa del Ingles. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 27°C (81°F), and Playa del Ingles fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Lagos usually gets less rain in January than Playa del Ingles. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Playa del Ingles receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Lagos or Playa del Ingles in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and Playa del Ingles. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lagos this time of year.

Lagos is a little warmer than Playa del Ingles in the spring. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Playa del Ingles fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Lagos usually receives more rain than Playa del Ingles. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Playa del Ingles receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Playa del Ingles and Lagos

Lagos Playa del Ingles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Feb 29°C (84°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 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) 21°C (70°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 243 mm (9.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in)
Sep 26°C (79°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)