Which place is cheaper, Lake Garda or Puerto de la Cruz?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Puerto de la Cruz or Lake Garda?
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 Puerto de la Cruz and Lake Garda. 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.
Where Should I go: Puerto de la Cruz or Lake Garda?
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.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to 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 dayPuerto de la Cruz €112Lake Garda €166
The average daily cost (per person) in Puerto de la Cruz is €112, 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 Puerto de la Cruz and Lake Garda in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPuerto de la Cruz €51Lake Garda €84
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPuerto de la Cruz €102Lake Garda €168
Compare Hotels in Puerto de la Cruz and Lake Garda
Looking for a hotel in Puerto de la Cruz 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: Puerto de la Cruz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Puerto de la Cruz €40Lake Garda €66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lake Garda
Also for Lake Garda, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Verona VRN Airport to Lake Garda: $109
- Verona Opera Arena: Transfer from Lake Garda & Opera Ticket: $128
Is it cheaper to fly into Puerto de la Cruz or Lake Garda?
Prices for flights to both Lake Garda and Puerto de la Cruz 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 dayPuerto de la Cruz €34Lake 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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Puerto de la Cruz €28Lake 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:
- Gardaland SEA LIFE Aquarium: Open Date Entry Ticket: $9.62
- Lake Garda Mini Cruise: Sirmione Peninsula: $13
- Hotel Villa Cariola Pool Entry Ticket: $20
- From San Felice del Benaco: Islands Boat Tour: $27
- Sunset Tour in Sirmione : $27
- Tour in the Winery and tasting: $32
- Bardolino: Vineyard Tour with Wine, Olive Oil & Food Tasting: $37
- Lazise: Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience: $42
- Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience in Lazise: $43
- Winery Tour and Tasting of Garda Wines in Lazise: $44
- Guided Boat Cruise to Sirmione from Garda/Bardolino: $48
- From Garda/Bardolino: 4-hour Guided Boat Cruise to Sirmione: $49
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPuerto de la Cruz €5.00Lake 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 Puerto de la Cruz and Lake Garda, we can see that Lake Garda 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 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 Puerto de la Cruz.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Puerto de la Cruz Expensive? and Is Lake Garda Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Puerto de la Cruz or Lake Garda?
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 Puerto de la Cruz or Lake Garda in the Summer?
Both Lake Garda and Puerto de la Cruz during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Lake Garda for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Puerto de la Cruz is generally around the same temperature as Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Puerto de la Cruz average around 24°C (75°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
In Lake Garda, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Puerto de la Cruz. In the summer, Puerto de la Cruz often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Puerto de la Cruz gets 334 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun.
Puerto de la Cruz usually gets less rain in July than Lake Garda. Puerto de la Cruz gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPuerto de la Cruz 24°C (75°F)Lake Garda 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Puerto de la Cruz or Lake Garda in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Puerto de la Cruz and Lake Garda. Also, many visitors come to Lake Garda in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Puerto de la Cruz is much warmer than Lake Garda in the autumn. The daily temperature in Puerto de la Cruz averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
In Puerto de la Cruz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Puerto de la Cruz usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during autumn. Puerto de la Cruz gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Puerto de la Cruz usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Puerto de la Cruz gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPuerto de la Cruz 21°C (70°F)Lake Garda 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Puerto de la Cruz or Lake Garda in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Puerto de la Cruz as well as Lake Garda. Also, most visitors come to Lake Garda for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Lake Garda can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Puerto de la Cruz is much warmer than Lake Garda. Typically, the winter temperatures in Puerto de la Cruz in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 2°C (36°F).
In the winter, Puerto de la Cruz often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Puerto de la Cruz gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 98 hours of full sun.
Puerto de la Cruz usually gets less rain in January than Lake Garda. Puerto de la Cruz gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPuerto de la Cruz 18°C (64°F)Lake Garda 2°C (36°F)
Should I visit Puerto de la Cruz or Lake Garda in the Spring?
Both Lake Garda and Puerto de la Cruz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Lake Garda because of the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Puerto de la Cruz is generally much warmer than Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Puerto de la Cruz average around 20°C (68°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Puerto de la Cruz. Puerto de la Cruz usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during spring. Puerto de la Cruz gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Puerto de la Cruz usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Puerto de la Cruz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPuerto de la Cruz 20°C (68°F)Lake Garda 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Puerto de la Cruz
| Puerto de la Cruz | Lake Garda | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 55 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 18°C (64°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (68°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jul | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 43 mm (1.7 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.