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

Should you visit Playa Blanca or Lake Garda?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Playa Blanca and Lake Garda can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Playa Blanca or Lake Garda?

Playa Blanca

Located on the southern tip of the Canary Island of Lanzarote, Playa Blanca is a resort area popular with families and couples seeking a quieter vacation alternative to the lively neighbor resort of Puerto del Carmen. The resort's white sandy beaches are peaceful and sheltered from the higher winds found on other parts of the island. Timanfaya National Park is also nearby, as well as a number of other spectacular volcanic features.

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 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Lake Garda or Playa Blanca?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Playa Blanca is €155, 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 Playa Blanca and Lake Garda in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Playa Blanca 81
    Lake Garda 84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Playa Blanca 162
    Lake Garda 168
Compare Hotels in Playa Blanca and Lake Garda

Looking for a hotel in Playa Blanca 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 Playa Blanca


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: Playa Blanca Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Playa Blanca 49
    Lake Garda 66

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 Playa Blanca or Lake Garda?

Prices for flights to both Lake Garda and Playa Blanca 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
    Playa Blanca 45
    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.
    Playa Blanca 20
    Lake Garda 30

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
    Playa Blanca 9.29
    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 comparing the travel costs between Playa Blanca and Lake Garda, we can see that Lake Garda 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 Playa Blanca Expensive? and Is Lake Garda Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Playa Blanca 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 Playa Blanca or Lake Garda in the Summer?

Both Lake Garda and Playa Blanca are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Lake Garda in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Lake Garda. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa Blanca. Playa Blanca usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lake Garda during summer. Playa Blanca gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Playa Blanca usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Playa Blanca gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Playa Blanca or Lake Garda in the Autumn?

Both Lake Garda and Playa Blanca during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Lake Garda for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Playa Blanca is much warmer than Lake Garda. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Playa Blanca in October average around 22°C (72°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Playa Blanca. In the autumn, Playa Blanca often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Playa Blanca gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 137 hours of full sun.

Playa Blanca usually gets less rain in October than Lake Garda. Playa Blanca gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Playa Blanca 22°C (72°F) 
    Lake Garda 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Playa Blanca or Lake Garda in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa Blanca and Lake Garda. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Lake Garda because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Lake Garda can be very cold. In January, Playa Blanca is generally much warmer than Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Playa Blanca average around 17°C (63°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In Playa Blanca, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa Blanca usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during winter. Playa Blanca gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Playa Blanca usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Playa Blanca gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Playa Blanca 17°C (63°F) 
    Lake Garda 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Playa Blanca or Lake Garda in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Playa Blanca as well as Lake Garda. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year.

Playa Blanca is much warmer than Lake Garda in the spring. The daily temperature in Playa Blanca averages around 19°C (66°F) in April, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa Blanca this time of the year. In the spring, Playa Blanca often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Playa Blanca gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun.

Playa Blanca usually gets less rain in April than Lake Garda. Playa Blanca gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Playa Blanca 19°C (66°F) 
    Lake Garda 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Playa Blanca

Playa Blanca Lake Garda
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 17°C (63°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 2°C (36°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 17°C (63°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 5°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 18°C (64°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 9°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in) 21°C (70°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (75°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 22°C (72°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 51 mm (2 in)


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