A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Thessaloniki vs. Ericeira for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Ericeira?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Ericeira? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Thessaloniki or Ericeira?

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and serves as the capital city of the Central Macedonia region. It also has a rich history dating back more than 3,000 years. As a visitor, you'll find that the city has been touched by the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires, all of which left their mark. In particular, the many Byzantine churches are quite impressive, with some of them listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Ericeira

Beneath an indigo sky, a city perches at the edge of sandstone cliffs that overlook the vast expanse of the Atlantic. A seaside resort and fishing community, Ericeira is located in western Portugal within the municipality of Mafra. A picturesque village, Ericeira is quaint, quiet, and absolutely breathtaking with a population of no more than 10,260. Because of its blue waters and pristine coastlines, it has been named the Surfing Mecca of Europe. The town was a famous summer retreat for the families of Lisbon during the 1940s and 1950s and still remains so today for families beyond Lisbon's borders. Ericeira also has a World Surfing Reserve, the first in Europe and second in the world. Besides the many beaches on Ericeira, including Ribeira d'Ilhas, Pescadores, and Mataduoro, the town also has a park called Parque de Santa Maria as well as an old town center that has a collection of cafes, shops, restaurants, and bars. There are also some important landmarks that can be explored as no more than a brief visit, such as Forte Mil Regos and Casa De Cultura Jaime Lobo E. Silvs. Whether you are a surfer, fisher, or simply a lover of the beach, Ericeira is the perfect place for those who wish to experience the Atlantic like never before.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lisbon.


Which place is cheaper, Ericeira or Thessaloniki?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Thessaloniki is €134, while the average daily cost in Ericeira is €100. 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 Thessaloniki and Ericeira in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Thessaloniki 79
    Ericeira 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Thessaloniki 158
    Ericeira 102
Compare Hotels in Thessaloniki and Ericeira

Looking for a hotel in Thessaloniki or Ericeira? 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 Thessaloniki


Hotels in Ericeira


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: Thessaloniki Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Thessaloniki 13
    Ericeira 25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Thessaloniki

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

  • From Private Day Trip to Meteora with Transfer: $428
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki to Sofia (SOF) Airport: $254
  • Private Transfer from Kavala to Sofia (SOF) Airport: $237
  • Transfer from Thessaloniki to Ikos Oceania: $153
  • Thessaloniki Airport (SKG): Transfer to Thessaloniki city: $142
  • Thessaloniki Airport (SKG): Transfer to Thessaloniki Port: $142
  • Thessaloniki Cruise Port: Transfer to Thessaloniki city: $142
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Alia Palace Hotel Private Transfer: $131
  • Private Transfer to Thessaloniki Airport from Thessaloniki City: $120
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Afitis Boutique Hotel Private Transfer: $109
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Ammon Zeus Hotel : $109
  • Private Transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Sani Resort: $109

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ericeira

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

  • Transfer from Lisbon Airport to Ericeira: $91
  • Transfer Privado de/para Aeroporto de Lisboa para Ericeira: $47
  • Private Transfer To or From Ericeira: $91
  • Lisbon: Private Transfer between the Airport & Ericeira Area: $75
  • Lisbon Airport Private Transfer: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Thessaloniki or Ericeira?

Prices for flights to both Ericeira and Thessaloniki 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
    Thessaloniki 42
    Ericeira 25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Thessaloniki

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

  • Open Market Food Tour with Tasting: $48
  • Walking Open Market Food Tour and Tasting: $49
  • Cooking & Dining Experience with Greek Family: $63
  • Guided Food Tour: $70
  • Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $71
  • Private Walking Tour Gastronomic Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $87
  • Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $95
  • Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $95
  • Greek Cooking Class, Market Visit and Lunch: $95
  • Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $97
  • Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $97
  • Greek Cooking Class, Market visit and Lunch: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Thessaloniki 26
    Ericeira 26

Tours and Activities in Thessaloniki

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

  • 4-Hour Thessaloniki Jewish Heritage Private Guided Tour: $207
  • Archery Odyssey Traditional Archery Experience: $65
  • Best of Private Guided Tour: $218
  • Best of Private Guided Tour: $192
  • Charming pearls of Thessaloniki – Romantic Tour: $153
  • City Sightseeing Thessaloniki Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $17
  • Daily Cruise:Discover Thessaloniki in a different way: $1,069
  • Daily Sailing Cruise Olympus Riviera Highlights: $122
  • Day Tour at Royal Tombs of Aigai and Museum of Pella with pickup: $93
  • Dion and Palaios Panteleimon Myth and History Tour: $153
  • Dion-Olympus Private Tour from Thessaloniki: $96
  • Discover Olympus from Paralia in Jeep Safari Shared Tour: $76

Tours and Activities in Ericeira

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

  • Custom-Tailored Immersive Photo Experiences: $48
  • Ericeira Private Tour: Hidden Gastronomic Gems with lunch: $106
  • Highlights & Culinary Kickstart of Ericeira | PRIVATE Tour: $71
  • Lisbon: Wellington's Defensive Lines Tour: $385

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Thessaloniki 15
    Ericeira 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Thessaloniki

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

  • Friday Night Bar Crawl in Thessaloniki: $25
  • From Pella-Edessa wine tasting: $64
  • Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $81
  • Thessaloniki Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $83
  • Winery Visit with Wine Tasting Experience: $91
  • Wine Tasting Experience from Thessaloniki: $93
  • Thessaloniki to Naoussa, Wine Tasting Tour – Private Day Trip: $207

Sample the Local Flavors in Ericeira

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

  • Portuguese Wine Tasting - 4 Wines: $43
  • Private Portuguese Wine Tasting - 4 Wines & Snacks: $61


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

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


Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Ericeira?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Ericeira. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Ericeira, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Thessaloniki or Ericeira?

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 Thessaloniki or Ericeira in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Ericeira. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year.

In the summer, Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Ericeira. Typically, the summer temperatures in Thessaloniki in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Ericeira averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ericeira this time of the year. In Thessaloniki, it's very sunny this time of the year. Thessaloniki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ericeira during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while Ericeira receives 352 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thessaloniki usually receives more rain than Ericeira. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Ericeira receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Thessaloniki 25°C (77°F) 
    Ericeira 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Ericeira in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Ericeira. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Thessaloniki is generally cooler than Ericeira. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 16°C (61°F), and Ericeira fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ericeira. In the autumn, Thessaloniki often gets less sunshine than Ericeira. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ericeira receives 213 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in October than Ericeira. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ericeira receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Thessaloniki 16°C (61°F) 
    Ericeira 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Ericeira in the Winter?

Both Ericeira and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Thessaloniki is much colder than Ericeira in the winter. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Ericeira fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives less sunshine than Ericeira during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Ericeira receives 144 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ericeira. In January, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Ericeira. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Ericeira receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Thessaloniki 5°C (41°F) 
    Ericeira 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Ericeira in the Spring?

Both Ericeira and Thessaloniki during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Thessaloniki is cooler than Ericeira. Typically, the spring temperatures in Thessaloniki in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Ericeira averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In Ericeira, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Thessaloniki often gets less sunshine than Ericeira. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ericeira receives 235 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in April than Ericeira. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Ericeira receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Thessaloniki 13°C (56°F) 
    Ericeira 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Ericeira and Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki Ericeira
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 7°C (44°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 25°C (76°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 26 mm (1 in) 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)