A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lagos vs. Puerto de la Cruz for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lagos or Puerto de la Cruz?

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 Puerto de la Cruz. 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 Puerto de la Cruz?

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.

Puerto de la Cruz

The coast of the island of Tenerife is a dream destination for those seeking a luxurious getaway full of beaches and parties. However, for those of you traveling with families or looking to simply avoid the hustle and bustle of the nightclub crowd, there's Puerto de la Cruz. Known as a sophisticated destination, Puerto de la Cruz is one of the top places to visit yet still retains its authentic, Canarian charm.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, and The Best Luxury Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Puerto de la Cruz 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 Puerto de la Cruz is €112. 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 Puerto de la Cruz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lagos 61
    Puerto de la Cruz 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lagos 122
    Puerto de la Cruz 102
Compare Hotels in Lagos and Puerto de la Cruz

Looking for a hotel in Lagos or Puerto de la Cruz? 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 Puerto de la Cruz


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 Puerto de la Cruz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lagos 31
    Puerto de la Cruz 40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lagos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lagos:

  • Transfer Burgau - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $55
  • Transfer Praia da Luz - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $58
  • Transfer Praia da Luz - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $70
  • Car or Van Departure Transfer Meia Praia or Lagos to Faro Airport: $78
  • Private Transfer from Praia da Luz to Faro (FAO) Airport: $102
  • Private Transfer from Gil Eannes Square to Faro (FAO) Airport: $102
  • Private Transfer from Santa Maria (Lagos) to Faro (FAO) Airport: $102
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to/from Monchique or Lagos: $103
  • Private Transfer to Faro Airport (60 min): $107
  • Faro Airport to/from Lagos/Private Transfer max 4 passengers: $118
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer With Options To or From Lagos: $128
  • Private Transfer from Budens to Faro (FAO) Airport: $130

Is it cheaper to fly into Lagos or Puerto de la Cruz?

Prices for flights to both Puerto de la Cruz 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
    Puerto de la Cruz 34

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
    Puerto de la Cruz 28

Tours and Activities in Lagos

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

  • Lagos Scavenger Hunt and Sights Private Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
  • Guided Walking Tour with Brodie from Australia: $16
  • Ponta da Piedade Rock Formations Guided Boat Tour: $19
  • Tour to go inside the Ponta da Piedade Caves/Grottos and see the beaches - Lagos: $20
  • Lagos Street Art: In-App Adventure Hunt: $21
  • In-App Adventure Hunt: $21
  • Ponta da Piedade Grotto Tour: $22
  • Boat Tours: $27
  • Ponta da Piedade Grotto Tour in Lagos, Algarve: $27
  • Coast Cruise Trip to Ponta da Piedade from Lagos: $29
  • NATURA TOUR - Countryside of Lagos - ECO TUK and LOCAL guide: $29
  • TUK TUK Tour Lagos Old& New Town& Beaches- Best way to know: $31

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lagos 6.79
    Puerto de la Cruz 5.00

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 comparing the travel costs between Lagos and Puerto de la Cruz, we can see that Lagos is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Lagos or Puerto de la Cruz?

Puerto de la Cruz has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Lagos and Puerto de la Cruz, 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 Puerto de la Cruz?

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 Puerto de la Cruz in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and Puerto de la Cruz. The summer months attract visitors to Lagos because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lagos is generally around the same temperature as Puerto de la Cruz. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 25°C (77°F), and Puerto de la Cruz fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Lagos usually receives more rain than Puerto de la Cruz. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lagos 25°C (77°F) 
    Puerto de la Cruz 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Lagos or Puerto de la Cruz in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lagos as well as Puerto de la Cruz. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lagos this time of year.

Lagos is a little warmer than Puerto de la Cruz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Puerto de la Cruz fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

Lagos receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Lagos usually gets more rain in October than Puerto de la Cruz. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lagos 26°C (79°F) 
    Puerto de la Cruz 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Lagos or Puerto de la Cruz in the Winter?

Both Puerto de la Cruz and Lagos are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lagos for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Lagos is a little warmer than Puerto de la Cruz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lagos in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Puerto de la Cruz averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In January, Lagos usually receives less rain than Puerto de la Cruz. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lagos 27°C (81°F) 
    Puerto de la Cruz 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Lagos or Puerto de la Cruz in the Spring?

Both Puerto de la Cruz and Lagos during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lagos in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Lagos is generally a little warmer than Puerto de la Cruz. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 28°C (82°F), and Puerto de la Cruz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. Lagos usually gets more rain in April than Puerto de la Cruz. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lagos 28°C (82°F) 
    Puerto de la Cruz 20°C (68°F)

Typical Weather for Puerto de la Cruz and Lagos

Lagos Puerto de la Cruz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Feb 29°C (84°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 202 mm (8 in) 21°C (70°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Jun 26°C (79°F) 316 mm (12.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 243 mm (9.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Sep 26°C (79°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)