A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lagos vs. San Sebastian for Food, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Lagos or San Sebastian?

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 San Sebastian. 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 adventure-filled, dramatic, and vibrant resort town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a splendid, outdoorsy, and fun-filled city. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Lagos and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lagos or San Sebastian?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lagos. Although Lagos and San Sebastian are popular destinations, Lagos has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lagos is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while San Sebastian attracts visitors for its museums, food, and shopping. Lagos is more touristy than San Sebastian and is known for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. It is also well known for Ponta da Piedade. San Sebastian is famous for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings.

How is Lagos different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian?

San Sebastian is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

San Sebastian is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Head to Castillo de la Mota for nice views and walks. Museo San Telmo offers an overview of Basque culture and Palacio de Miramar is another interesting place to visit.

Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Lagos or San Sebastian? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Sebastian is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Lagos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through San Sebastian, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It is a famed culinary capital of not just Spain, but the entire world. The city has many Michelin-starred restaurants where you can experience modern or traditional recipes prepared by world class chefs. There are also pintxo bars, food markets, and gourmet food shops, that sell local ingredients and dishes. Much of the cuisine includes seafood, but you'll also find a local twist on traditional tapas. Dining is a true experience in this town.

Lagos has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Is Lagos or San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Lagos and San Sebastian.

Lagos is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Many people head to San Sebastian for the nightlife scene. You can expect a lively nightlife scene around town with many bars and places to hang out. Some of the best nightlife is found in and around Parte Vieja, Centro, Reyes Católicos and Gros.

Is Lagos or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

Lagos is very popular for its resorts. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its luxury resorts.

Lagos offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

San Sebastian has a few great resort options. It's both a city and a resort vacation destination with many beachside resorts that are popular during the summer months.

Is Lagos or San Sebastian Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos is notable for its diving and snorkeling. However, San Sebastian is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Lagos to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

San Sebastian is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lagos or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

Lagos is very popular for the beache. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for the beach.

The beaches in Lagos are among the best in 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.

The beaches at San Sebastian attract visitors from all over. The city has three urban beaches that are a huge attraction during the summer months. For surfing and a lively atmosphere, head to the Playa de la Zurriola. The playa de la Concha is the most photographed and famous beach in town and Ondarreta is another beautiful option.

Is Lagos or San Sebastian Better for Hiking?

Lagos is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, San Sebastian is not a hiking destination.

Lagos is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

San Sebastian is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lagos or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian is well known for shopping. Also, Lagos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

San Sebastian is an extremely popular place for shoppers. A mix of familiar brands and locally made items make shopping a fun activity. You'll also find many artisan food shops around town where you can take home some local wine or other culinary treats.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lagos. 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.

Is Lagos or San Sebastian Better for Families?

Lagos is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Lagos is an amazing family-friendly resort town to visit. 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 family-friendly things to do in San Sebastian. This city is surprisingly family-friendly. Not only is there the beach, but there are playgrounds everywhere. There's also the fun Monte Igueldo San Sebastian Amusement Park and the San Sebastian Aquarium. You could also take a boat ride or explore the many parks and gardens around town. And, of course, there are the many ice cream shops to check out.

Is Lagos or San Sebastian Better for Couples?

Lagos is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Lagos has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

San Sebastian makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its nice beaches, stunning view points, and world class restaurants, this city makes an excellent couple's destination. There are Michelin star restaurants to dine in and many parks and gardens where you can take a stroll as well.

Is Lagos or San Sebastian Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lagos is very popular for backpackers. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Lagos. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit San Sebastian. There are a number of hostels around town, and you'll find enough other backpackers looking to meet up so you'll never be lonely.

Is Lagos or San Sebastian Better for Students?

San Sebastian is well known for students. However, Lagos is not popular with students.

Many students visit San Sebastian. There are good educational programs in town, as well as nice beaches and a good student population. The locals are also welcoming and friendly.

Lagos is not popular with students.

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

San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a comprehensive bus system around town that's operated by Dbus.

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 San Sebastian a more walkable city?

San Sebastian is well known for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

San Sebastian is very walkable. It's a great city for walking, with many pedestrian areas and places where you can take a stroll along the river or seaside.

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 San Sebastian Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Lagos?

How long in Lagos or San Sebastian?

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

Families should spend more time in Lagos than San Sebastian. 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 San Sebastian. 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 San Sebastian 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.

One day in Lagos or San Sebastian?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Lagos. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In San Sebastian, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this fun-filled destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the food. This city 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 San Sebastian?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lagos. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Sebastian. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 San Sebastian?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the dramatic destination of Lagos. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

San Sebastian is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of San Sebastian. Lots of people come for the food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lagos or San Sebastian?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the beautiful resort town of Lagos. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find food and shopping around the fun-filled destination of San Sebastian. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lagos and San Sebastian, we can see that Lagos is more expensive. And not only is San Sebastian much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Sebastian would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian.

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

Which is Bigger, Lagos or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Lagos and San Sebastian, 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 San Sebastian?

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 San Sebastian in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and San Sebastian. Many visitors come to Lagos in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Lagos is a little warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lagos in July average around 25°C (77°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 20°C (68°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Lagos usually receives more rain than San Sebastian. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lagos or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lagos as well as San Sebastian. Most visitors come to Lagos for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the shopping scene.

In October, Lagos is generally much warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 26°C (79°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Lagos receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Lagos usually gets less rain in October than San Sebastian. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or San Sebastian in the Winter?

Both San Sebastian and Lagos are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Lagos because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.

Lagos is much warmer than San Sebastian in the winter. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. In January, Lagos usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lagos or San Sebastian in the Spring?

Both San Sebastian and Lagos during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lagos this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the beaches.

In the spring, Lagos is much warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lagos in April average around 28°C (82°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 12°C (54°F).

San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. Lagos usually gets less rain in April than San Sebastian. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Lagos