Which place is cheaper, Lake Garda or Pontevedra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Pontevedra or Lake Garda?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Pontevedra or Lake Garda, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Where Should I go: Pontevedra or Lake Garda?
Pontevedra
An important port city with a medieval past, Pontevedra sits on the northwestern coast of Spain where the Lerez River opens out into the ocean. It is a part of the Galicia region and is known for its seafood, charming plazas, and old world architecture that include a number of chapels, churches, and cathedrals.
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 10-Day Tours in Spain, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPontevedra €120Lake Garda €166
The average daily cost (per person) in Pontevedra is €120, 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 Pontevedra and Lake Garda in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPontevedra €61Lake Garda €84
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPontevedra €122Lake Garda €168
Compare Hotels in Pontevedra and Lake Garda
Looking for a hotel in Pontevedra 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.
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: Pontevedra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pontevedra €23Lake 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 Pontevedra or Lake Garda?
Prices for flights to both Lake Garda and Pontevedra 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
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Food Meals for one dayPontevedra €42Lake Garda €42
Typical Food Prices in Pontevedra
For Pontevedra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for 2€11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pontevedra
For Pontevedra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Galician Cooking Class with Chef Instructor: $159
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pontevedra €19Lake Garda €30
Tours and Activities in Pontevedra
For Pontevedra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- NEW!! Private Walking Tour with local guide: $64
- Pontevedra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
- O Grove Aquarium Experience: $16
- Private Guided Walking Tour: $43
- Walking Tour and Galician Food Tasting: $64
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPontevedra €20Lake Garda €19
Sample the Local Flavors in Pontevedra
Also in Pontevedra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Albariño Wine Tasting with Winery Tour: $32
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 Pontevedra and Lake Garda, we can see that Lake Garda is more expensive. And not only is Pontevedra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pontevedra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pontevedra 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 Pontevedra.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pontevedra Expensive? and Is Lake Garda Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Pontevedra 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 Pontevedra or Lake Garda in the Summer?
Both Lake Garda and Pontevedra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Lake Garda for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Pontevedra is cooler than Lake Garda in the summer. The daily temperature in Pontevedra averages around 21°C (70°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 Pontevedra. Pontevedra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lake Garda during summer. Pontevedra gets 299 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Pontevedra usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Pontevedra gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPontevedra 21°C (70°F)Lake Garda 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Pontevedra or Lake Garda in the Autumn?
Both Lake Garda and Pontevedra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Lake Garda because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Pontevedra is a little warmer than Lake Garda. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pontevedra in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 14°C (57°F).
In the autumn, Pontevedra often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Pontevedra gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 137 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Pontevedra. Pontevedra usually gets more rain in October than Lake Garda. Pontevedra gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPontevedra 17°C (62°F)Lake Garda 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Pontevedra or Lake Garda in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pontevedra and Lake Garda. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year.
It's quite cold in Lake Garda in the winter. In January, Pontevedra is generally much warmer than Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Pontevedra average around 10°C (50°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).
Pontevedra usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during winter. Pontevedra gets 110 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.
Pontevedra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Pontevedra usually receives more rain than Lake Garda. Pontevedra gets 232 mm (9.1 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPontevedra 10°C (50°F)Lake Garda 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Pontevedra or Lake Garda in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Pontevedra as well as Lake Garda. Additionally, many travelers come to Lake Garda for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Pontevedra is around the same temperature as Lake Garda in the spring. The daily temperature in Pontevedra averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In the spring, Pontevedra often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Pontevedra gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun.
Pontevedra receives a lot of rain in the spring. Pontevedra usually gets more rain in April than Lake Garda. Pontevedra gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPontevedra 13°C (56°F)Lake Garda 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Pontevedra
| Pontevedra | Lake Garda | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (52°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (56°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 16°C (60°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (68°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 17°C (62°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (51°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.