A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Peniche vs. Lake Garda for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Peniche or Lake Garda?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Peniche and Lake Garda can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Peniche or Lake Garda?

Peniche

Peniche is a beach destination with many attractions for travelers. First, the raging sea and the lay of the land make this a popular surfing destination. The best of many supreme beaches is Praia dos Supertubos, which has a tubular wave fit for big time international events. Peniche has also been a port since the Early Modern Age, when a fort was constructed to defend it. This monument has an absorbing history, first as a maritime defense and then a prison during the Estado Novo regime in the 20th century. The walled historic center makes for pleasant strolling, and the seaside fort where Salazar's regime detained political prisoners is a must-see for anyone interested in Portuguese history. Artisan lovers will enjoy Peniche's specialty, handmade lace, and it is even possible to see the lace-work in action. And on top of everything, Peniche also has the Berlingas Islands, a natural reserve off the coast, which are well worth a visit.

Lake Garda

As a gentle Mediterranean wind touches your skin, the aromatic fragrances of olive and lemon trees fill the air. Surrounded by lush gardens and Italian architecture in its ancient tans and beiges, you look to the horizon and find a paradise before your eyes: a shimmering lake, misty mountaintops, and a clear blue sky. Lake Garda is a popular holiday destination for locals of the Lombardy region and tourists alike. It has been shown that about 7% of Italy's tourists head straight for these gleaming blue shores. The largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda is located about halfway in between Brescia and Verona and between Venezia and Milano. Because it is surrounded by several different districts - Lombardy, Trentino, Alto, and the Veneto - Lake Garda is a culmination of culture that attracts cosmopolitan crowds. The lake is an ancient natural treasure Italy holds dear, with documents referring to Lake Garda dating as far back as the eighteenth century. The name "Garda" comes from the Germanic word "warda," which means "place of guard." Whether you are staying at one of the many luxurious resorts in Riva del Garda or are simply getting a pedicure in spa town Sirmione, Lake Garda continues to preserve its elegance and sophistication throughout the years.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Portugal, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Lake Garda or Peniche?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Peniche is €122, while the average daily cost in Lake Garda is €166. 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 Peniche and Lake Garda in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Peniche 50
    Lake Garda 84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Peniche 100
    Lake Garda 168
Compare Hotels in Peniche and Lake Garda

Looking for a hotel in Peniche or Lake Garda? 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 Peniche


Hotels in Lake Garda


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: Peniche Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Peniche 53
    Lake Garda 66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Peniche

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

  • Lisbon: Transfer from/to Peniche (Wave Capital): $128

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lake Garda

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

  • Verona Opera Arena: Transfer from Lake Garda & Opera Ticket: $128
  • Private Transfer from Verona VRN Airport to Lake Garda: $109

Is it cheaper to fly into Peniche or Lake Garda?

Prices for flights to both Lake Garda and Peniche 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
    Peniche 41
    Lake Garda 42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lake Garda

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

  • 3 Hour Fresh Pasta and Tiramisù Private Cooking Class with Meal : $65
  • Valpolicella Wine and Food Tour: $75
  • Cusina - Cooking Class: Fresh Pasta with wine tasting: $86
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Cecina with Show Cooking: $93

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Peniche 19
    Lake Garda 30

Tours and Activities in Peniche

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Peniche.

  • From Lisbon: Berlenga Grande Sightseeing Tour: $134
  • From 1-Hour Cabo Carvoeiro Boat Tour: $16
  • From Round-Trip Boat Tour of Berlengas Archipelago: $24
  • Lisbon: Private Full Day Tour to Berlengas Island: $235
  • Peniche : Walking Tour: $37
  • Berlenga Island and Cave Tour: $33
  • Berlengas Island Caves Tour and Snorkeling: $44
  • Berlengas Island Trip, Hiking and Cave Tour: $36
  • Berlengas Roundtrip and Glass-Bottom Boat Cave Tour: $33
  • Mountain Bike Tour: $53
  • Private Jeep Tour + Tasting Offer: $53
  • Private Walking Tour - Footsteps of Our People: $21

Tours and Activities in Lake Garda

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

  • Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience in Lazise: $43
  • 2 Hours Walking and Boat Tour in Sirmione Highlights: $53
  • Bardolino: Vineyard Tour with Wine, Olive Oil & Food Tasting: $37
  • Best of Sirmione with Boat Tour and Grotte di Catullo : $97
  • Boat Tour of the Islands of Lake Garda with Aperitif: $76
  • Canyoning "Vione" - advanced tour, for sportive beginner: $106
  • Dolomites Full-Day Tour from Lake Garda: $75
  • Dolomites Full-day Tour from Lake Garda: $76
  • Experience in Sirmione Lake Garda: $98
  • Fabulous Heritage of Sirmione - Walking Tour: $185
  • From Garda/Bardolino: 4-hour Guided Boat Cruise to Sirmione: $49
  • From Dolomites Bus Tour: $73

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Peniche 12
    Lake Garda 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Lake Garda

Also in Lake Garda, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Bardolino: Wine tasting at Cantina Valetti: $26
  • Wine Tasting and Tour of Lugana Wines in Sirmione: $32
  • Wine Tasting with Local Food in Lazise Countryside: $32
  • Vineyards Tour and Wine Tasting: $42
  • Garda Hills Wine Tour and Tasting: $42
  • Wine Tasting in Historical Center of Lazise: $44
  • Art Experience with Food and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $55
  • E-Bike Tour and wine tasting in Lazise Countryside: $87
  • E-Bike Tour and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $87
  • Lazise: Bike Tour and Wine Tasting: $90
  • Castles boat tour with Bardolino wine tasting and nibbles: $98


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

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



When is the best time to visit Peniche or Lake Garda?

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 Peniche or Lake Garda in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Peniche and Lake Garda. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Lake Garda because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Peniche is around the same temperature as Lake Garda in the summer. The daily temperature in Peniche averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lake Garda this time of the year. In Peniche, it's very sunny this time of the year. Peniche usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during summer. Peniche gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Peniche usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Peniche gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Peniche 23°C (73°F) 
    Lake Garda 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Peniche or Lake Garda in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Peniche as well as Lake Garda. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year.

In the autumn, Peniche is a little warmer than Lake Garda. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Peniche in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 14°C (57°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Peniche this time of the year. In the autumn, Peniche often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Peniche gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 137 hours of full sun.

Peniche usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Lake Garda. Peniche gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Peniche 19°C (66°F) 
    Lake Garda 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Peniche or Lake Garda in the Winter?

Both Lake Garda and Peniche are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Lake Garda for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lake Garda. In January, Peniche is generally much warmer than Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Peniche average around 12°C (53°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Peniche usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during winter. Peniche gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Peniche. In January, Peniche usually receives more rain than Lake Garda. Peniche gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Peniche 12°C (53°F) 
    Lake Garda 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Peniche or Lake Garda in the Spring?

Both Lake Garda and Peniche during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lake Garda in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Peniche is a little warmer than Lake Garda in the spring. The daily temperature in Peniche averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Peniche. In the spring, Peniche often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Peniche gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun.

Peniche usually gets less rain in April than Lake Garda. Peniche gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Peniche 16°C (60°F) 
    Lake Garda 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Peniche

Peniche Lake Garda
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 9°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 51 mm (2 in)