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

Should you visit Lisbon or Puerto de la Cruz?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Lisbon or Puerto de la Cruz? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Lisbon or Puerto de la Cruz?

Lisbon

Portugal's capital city of Lisbon continues to grow in popularity as a travel destination. The cultural scene has come to life in recent years and the city itself is stunningly beautiful. It sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and is made up of hills that create a dramatic and scenic layout. The city has many white-bleached limestone buildings, narrow alleyways, and a laidback charm that appeals to visitors.

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week 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 Lisbon?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lisbon is €131, 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 Lisbon and Puerto de la Cruz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lisbon 58
    Puerto de la Cruz 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lisbon 116
    Puerto de la Cruz 102
Compare Hotels in Lisbon and Puerto de la Cruz

Looking for a hotel in Lisbon 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 Lisbon


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: Lisbon Hotel Prices and Puerto de la Cruz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lisbon 24
    Puerto de la Cruz 40
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Lisbon

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Lisbon:


  • Taxi Ride
    6.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lisbon

Also for Lisbon, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Shared Arrival Transfer: From Lisbon Airport to Hotels: $11
  • Private Departure Transfer: From hotels to Lisbon Airport: $14
  • Airport Shuttle Transfer to/from Lisbon Center: $14
  • Lisbon Private Departure Transfer to Airport, Train or Port: $14
  • Lisbon Private Airport Departure Transfer: $14
  • Airport Private Transfer to/from Lisbon city hotels: $15
  • Private Transfer: Lisbon Airport to or from Lisbon Center: $15
  • Exclusive Luxury Transfers to/from Lisbon Airport: $16
  • Transfers - Aeroporto de Lisboa (Chegadas/Partidas): $16
  • Private Lisbon Airport Transfers: Your Journey, Your Way: $17
  • Lisbon Airport Transfer: $20
  • Private Transfer Within City Center & Airport: $21

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

Prices for flights to both Puerto de la Cruz and Lisbon 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
    Lisbon 42
    Puerto de la Cruz 34
Typical Food Prices in Lisbon

For Lisbon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Coffee
    2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lisbon

For Lisbon, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Soirée Rivage - Sunset cruise with dinner and Party: $25
  • Hard Rock Cafe Lisbon with Set Lunch or Dinner : $28
  • Tapas Food Tour: $42
  • Fado Show and Portuguese Dinner: $48
  • Lisbon Food Tour: $53
  • Alfama Tour and Live Fado with Traditional Dinner: $53
  • 2-Hour Pastel de Nata Cooking Class: $53
  • Legendary Beer Dinner: $53
  • No Diet Club - Unique food tour in Lisbon with many Tastings: $62
  • Original Morning Food Tour: $63
  • Lisbon Tipsy Food Tour with Drinks and Food inlcuded: $70
  • Tipsy Food Crawl Walking Tour with Dinner: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lisbon 24
    Puerto de la Cruz 28

Tours and Activities in Lisbon

For Lisbon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • See Lisbon Through the Eyes of a Local - Free Walking Tour: $1.07
  • Lisbon Walking Tour - The Perfect Introduction to the City: $1.12
  • Belém Unveiled: A Free Tour Through the Age of Discoveries: $1.28
  • Alfama Walking Tour Lisbon: $3.26
  • Wonders of Lisbon Walking Tour: $3.93
  • 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour in Lisbon: $4.36
  • 2-Hour Walking Tour in the Marvels of Lisbon : $4.80
  • Tower of Saint George’s Castle Church Ticket & Drink: $5.35
  • Lisbon Highlights Self Guided Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $5.35
  • Lisbon Cathedral Entry Ticket: $5.35
  • Lisbon Walking Tour: $5.35
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour From Príncipe Real to Downtown Lisbon: $5.53

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lisbon 18
    Puerto de la Cruz 5.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Lisbon

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lisbon:

  • Pub Crawl with Unlimited Drinks and VIP Club Entry: $18
  • 1-Hour Portuguese Wine Tasting Session: $20
  • Lisbon Pub Crawl: $21
  • Pub Crawl with Open Bar and VIP Club Entry: $21
  • Pub Crawl with Open Bar, Shots, & VIP Club Entry: $21
  • Lisbon Wild Pub Crawl : $22
  • Private Bar Crawl in Lisbon: $22
  • Beer Tasting in a Classic Brewery: $27
  • Pub Crawl Lisbon: $27
  • Wine Tasting at Quinta das Murgas: $38
  • Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $42
  • Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl in Lisbon with Local Guide: $43


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lisbon and Puerto de la Cruz, we can see that Lisbon is more expensive. And not only is Puerto de la Cruz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Puerto de la Cruz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Puerto de la Cruz 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 Lisbon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lisbon than you might in Puerto de la Cruz.

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


Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Puerto de la Cruz?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Puerto de la Cruz. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon 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 Lisbon or Puerto de la Cruz?

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 Lisbon or Puerto de la Cruz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Puerto de la Cruz. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Lisbon is around the same temperature as Puerto de la Cruz in the summer. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Puerto de la Cruz fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Puerto de la Cruz. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the summer, Lisbon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Puerto de la Cruz. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 334 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets more rain in July than Puerto de la Cruz. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lisbon 23°C (73°F) 
    Puerto de la Cruz 24°C (75°F)

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

Both Puerto de la Cruz and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Lisbon is around the same temperature as Puerto de la Cruz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lisbon in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Puerto de la Cruz averages at about 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Puerto de la Cruz. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Puerto de la Cruz during autumn. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 218 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Puerto de la Cruz. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lisbon 19°C (66°F) 
    Puerto de la Cruz 21°C (70°F)

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

Both Puerto de la Cruz and Lisbon during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year.

In January, Lisbon is generally much colder than Puerto de la Cruz. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 12°C (53°F), and Puerto de la Cruz fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In the winter, Lisbon often gets less sunshine than Puerto de la Cruz. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 180 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually gets more rain in January than Puerto de la Cruz. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lisbon 12°C (53°F) 
    Puerto de la Cruz 18°C (64°F)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Puerto de la Cruz. Many travelers come to Lisbon for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Lisbon is cooler than Puerto de la Cruz in the spring. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Puerto de la Cruz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Puerto de la Cruz this time of the year. In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Puerto de la Cruz during spring. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 229 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Puerto de la Cruz. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lisbon 16°C (60°F) 
    Puerto de la Cruz 20°C (68°F)

Typical Weather for Puerto de la Cruz and Lisbon

Lisbon Puerto de la Cruz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)