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

Should you visit Puerto de la Cruz or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii. 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 Pompeii?

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.

Pompeii

Pompeii was once a 160-acre Roman port city, called home by more than 20,000 residents. In 79 A.D., Mount Vesuvius erupted and after burying the entire city 16 feet deep in ash, the debris destroyed everything in its path, killing thousands of people and affecting more than 200 square miles around the area.

However, the phenomenon is that the ash preserved everything as it was in that time and to this day, you can visit and observe life as it was nearly two thousand years ago, as figures of people running from the explosion have been burned permanently into history.

The best time to visit Pompeii is during spring, after the rains of March and before the scorching heat of June and July. On the downside, this is the beginning of the busy season for tourists, so while you'll enjoy pleasant weather, you won't be likely to avoid crowds. Conversely, November starts the low-season for travel, so you can easily skip the crowds, though you may have to compromise on weather, as the rains return this time of year. Rain and crowds won't be an issue if you visit during winter, but be warned, temperatures drop down to the 50's during the day, accompanied by winds.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Pompeii or Puerto de la Cruz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Puerto de la Cruz is €112, while the average daily cost in Pompeii is €151. 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 Pompeii in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Puerto de la Cruz 51
    Pompeii 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Puerto de la Cruz 102
    Pompeii 140
Compare Hotels in Puerto de la Cruz and Pompeii

Looking for a hotel in Puerto de la Cruz or Pompeii? 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 Puerto de la Cruz


Hotels in Pompeii


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 and Pompeii Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Puerto de la Cruz 40
    Pompeii 54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pompeii

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

  • Transfer from Pompeii to Naples or viceversa: $66
  • Small Group Pompeii Wine Tasting with Lunch & Transfer Included : $97
  • Transfers from Naples to Sorrento Positano Amalfi Ravello Maiori: $97
  • Private transfer Ravello to Naples: $121
  • Transfer Ravello to Naples: $121
  • Private transfer from Ravello to Naples: $121
  • Organic Wine Tasting & Lunch on Vesuvius with Transfer from Pompeii: $132
  • Transfers Ravello - Naples: $207
  • Transfer Private from Ravello to Naples: $239

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

Prices for flights to both Pompeii 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Puerto de la Cruz 34
    Pompeii 35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pompeii

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

  • Traditional Neapolitan Dinner in Pompei - Villa Franca - Family Restourant: $38
  • Cooking Class with Italian Mamma in Pompeii: $65
  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Pompei: $93
  • Pompei tour with a 2000 years roman dinner: $112
  • Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Pompei: $142
  • Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in Pompei: $158
  • Private Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner in Pompei: $158
  • Private market tour and cooking class with lunch or dinner in Pompei: $206
  • guided tour of the ruins and cooking class fresh pasta : $272
  • Cooking class: Pasta Experience in Pompei, Italy: $300

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Puerto de la Cruz 28
    Pompeii 77

Tours and Activities in Pompeii

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

  • The Rise, Fall, and Rediscovery of A Self-Guided Tour: $20
  • Pompeii Express 1 hour Guided Tour: $21
  • Pompeii Ticket with Optional Guided Tour: $31
  • PompeiI VIP: Guided Tour with your Archaeologist in a Small Group : $32
  • Entrance ticket to the Valle dell'Orso Water Park: $33
  • Pompeii for kids or adults skip the line small group walking tour 2 hours: $33
  • Pompeii Skip the Line ticket + Audioguide: $35
  • Pompeii Archeological Site Fast Track Entry Ticket : $36
  • Pompeii tour with archaeologist: $38
  • Pompeii Tour with experienced guide: $38
  • guided tour of the archaeological excavations of Pompeii: $38
  • Semi-Private Tour of Pompeii Ruins: $41

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Puerto de la Cruz 5.00
    Pompeii 7.31

Sample the Local Flavors in Pompeii

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

  • Wine Tasting Tour on the Slopes of Vesuvius: $46
  • Wine Tasting on Mt. Vesuvius: $55
  • Seafood Lunch with Wine Tasting & Tour on a golf cart: $87
  • Guided Tour of Pompeii Ruins with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $98
  • Private Wine Tour and Tasting in Pompeii with a Local: $124
  • Pompeii Guided Tour & Horse Riding on Vesuvius with Wine Tasting: $191
  • Pompeii, Herculaneum and scenic drive of the Mt. Vesuvius with wine tasting: $207


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Puerto de la Cruz and Pompeii, we can see that Pompeii 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 Pompeii would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pompeii 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 Pompeii Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Puerto de la Cruz or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii in the Summer?

Both Pompeii and Puerto de la Cruz during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Pompeii in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Puerto de la Cruz is around the same temperature as Pompeii in the summer. The daily temperature in Puerto de la Cruz averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Pompeii fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Pompeii, 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 around the same amount of sunshine as Pompeii. Puerto de la Cruz gets 334 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun.

Puerto de la Cruz usually gets less rain in July than Pompeii. Puerto de la Cruz gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Puerto de la Cruz 24°C (75°F) 
    Pompeii 23°C (74°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Puerto de la Cruz and Pompeii.

In the autumn, Puerto de la Cruz is a little warmer than Pompeii. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Puerto de la Cruz in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Pompeii averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Puerto de la Cruz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Puerto de la Cruz usually receives more sunshine than Pompeii during autumn. Puerto de la Cruz gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Puerto de la Cruz usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Puerto de la Cruz gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Puerto de la Cruz 21°C (70°F) 
    Pompeii 17°C (63°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Puerto de la Cruz as well as Pompeii. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Pompeii because of the museums.

In January, Puerto de la Cruz is generally much warmer than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Puerto de la Cruz average around 18°C (64°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Puerto de la Cruz often gets more sunshine than Pompeii. Puerto de la Cruz gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pompeii. Puerto de la Cruz usually gets less rain in January than Pompeii. Puerto de la Cruz gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Puerto de la Cruz 18°C (64°F) 
    Pompeii 8°C (47°F)

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

Both Pompeii and Puerto de la Cruz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

Puerto de la Cruz is much warmer than Pompeii in the spring. The daily temperature in Puerto de la Cruz averages around 20°C (68°F) in April, and Pompeii 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 Pompeii during spring. Puerto de la Cruz gets 229 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Puerto de la Cruz usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Puerto de la Cruz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Puerto de la Cruz 20°C (68°F) 
    Pompeii 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Puerto de la Cruz

Puerto de la Cruz Pompeii
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 20°C (68°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in) 21°C (69°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)