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

Should you visit Lagos or Valencia?

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 Valencia. 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Valencia

Valencia is a cultural, historic, and architectural coastal city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Lagos and Valencia: Pros and Cons

How is Lagos different from Valencia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Valencia and Lagos. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Lagos or Valencia Better for Food?

Both Lagos and Valencia offer a number of unique restaurants to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Lagos makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

For foodies, Valencia is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city is famous as the birthplace of paella, which is one of Spain's most famous dishes. Beyond the paella, there are a number of other amazing traditional dishes. Fideuà is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clóchinas are tiny local mussels. For dessert make sure you try the flan de calabaza, which is pumpkin flavored.

Is Lagos or Valencia Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Valencia is a must-see party destination. Dinner starts late, so you can expect the nightlife to pick up even later. During the summer there are all night terrace parties and year round you'll find nightclubs filled from evening to dawn. If all night raves aren't really your thing, you'll also find plenty of local bars where you can hang out with friends in a more relaxed setting. The nightlife scene really is varied enough that there's something for everyone.

Is Lagos or Valencia Better for Resorts?

There are resorts to choose from in both Lagos and Valencia.

Vacationers flock to Lagos for its luxury resorts. 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.

Valencia is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You can choose between staying near the old town (Ciutat Vella) or out by the beach. One of the best beach areas is El Cabanyal. It's still close enough in to be well connected by public transit but offers a great coastal vibe as well.

Is Lagos or Valencia Better for Beaches?

Lagos and Valencia both offer beautiful beaches.

Lagos offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Valencia. The city is surrounded by some of the best beaches in Spain. They're accessible but still largely undeveloped. They also have long stretches of sand and although they can get crowded during the summer months, they still have plenty of space. La Malvarrosa Beach is one of the most popular because of its proximity to the city. El Saler Beach is further out and popular with the locals and Port Saplaya is a colorful area with shopping and beaches.

Is Lagos or Valencia Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Lagos and Valencia.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Lagos. 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.

Many visitors go to Valencia for the hiking trails. Most people miss out on the beautiful hikes through the nearby countryside, but if you venture out of town you can enjoy some beautiful walking trails. Many run along the coastline or pass through rolling hills. There is varied landscape in the area with pine forests, orange groves, and vineyards all common.

Is Lagos or Valencia Better for Shopping?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Valencia and Lagos.

Lagos is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Valencia is well-known for its shopping. As the third largest city in Spain, you'll find most designer brands around town. The main shopping street is Calle Colon where you'll find the well-known European brands mixed in with the lesser-known Spanish brands. For a more local experience head to Mercado Central where you'll find local goods and produce for sell in market stalls.

Is Lagos or Valencia Better for Families?

Families may find more to do in Lagos than Valencia.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Lagos is very family-friendly. 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.

Valencia offers lots of family activities. The city has some kid-friendly museums, an impressive zoo, and the largest aquarium in Europe (with its own dolphin show). There are also countless playgrounds of all sizes and a number of parks and outdoor spaces where kids can run around.

Is Lagos or Valencia Better for Couples?

Lagos and Valencia both fun destinations for a couple.

Lagos is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Valencia is a great resort town if you're traveling as a couple. The city is filled with interesting culture, beautiful weather, and delightful cuisine. There are sandy beaches and luxury hotels that will make for an amazing romantic getaway. There are also many beautiful gardens and charming neighborhoods that you can explore.

Is Lagos or Valencia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lagos and Valencia are comparable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lagos is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Many backpackers visit Valencia. It's often overlooked for more popular destinations, but this city has plenty to offer in the form of affordable accommodation and food as well as interesting sights.

Is Lagos or Valencia Better for Public Transit?

Valencia provides more public transit options than Lagos.

Valencia has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. If you're not up for walking, there's an excellent public transit system that includes a metro, tram, and bus system.

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 Valencia a more walkable city?

Valencia is generally more walkable than Lagos.

Getting around Valencia on foot is easy. Walking is the best way to explore the city and you can walk from one side of the Ciutat Vella to the other in about 20 minutes. This area is where you'll find most of the city's main attractions.

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.

Should I spend more time in Valencia or Lagos?

How long in Lagos or Valencia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lagos and Valencia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lagos than Valencia.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Lagos is 3-5 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Valencia is 2-3 days.

One day in Lagos or Valencia?

The beautiful resort town of Lagos offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Each neighborhood in Valencia has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This coastal 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 Valencia?

Lagos is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Valencia. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Valencia?

Lagos is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lagos, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Valencia is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Valencia. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lagos or Valencia?

Lagos is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This resort town offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic big city of Valencia. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

When is the best time to visit Lagos or Valencia?

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 Valencia in the Summer?

Both Valencia and Lagos are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lagos in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Valencia for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Lagos is around the same temperature as Valencia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lagos in July are around 25°C (77°F), and Valencia is about 25°C (76°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. In July, Lagos usually receives more rain than Valencia. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lagos or Valencia in the Autumn?

Both Valencia and Lagos during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Valencia because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Lagos is generally a little warmer than Valencia. Temperatures in Lagos average around 26°C (79°F), and Valencia stays around 19°C (66°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. Lagos usually gets more rain in October than Valencia. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Valencia in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and Valencia. 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 Valencia this time of year.

Lagos is much warmer than Valencia in the winter. The temperature in Lagos is usually 27°C (81°F) in January, and Valencia stays around 12°C (53°F).

In January, Lagos usually receives less rain than Valencia. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lagos or Valencia in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lagos as well as Valencia. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lagos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Valencia for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Lagos is much warmer than Valencia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lagos in April are around 28°C (82°F), and Valencia is about 15°C (60°F).

Lagos receives a lot of rain in the spring. Lagos usually gets more rain in April than Valencia. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Valencia and Lagos