A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Thessaloniki vs. Lagos for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Lagos?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Lagos? 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.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a bustling, historic, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lagos

Lagos is a beautiful, scenic, and adventure-filled resort town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Thessaloniki and Lagos: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Lagos?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Thessaloniki. Although Thessaloniki and Lagos are popular destinations, Thessaloniki has more sights and attractions for tourists. Thessaloniki is very popular for its museums, shopping, and big city activities, while Lagos attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Lagos is more touristy than Thessaloniki and is popular for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. Thessaloniki is famous for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. It is also well known for The Monument of Rotonda.

How is Thessaloniki different from Lagos?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lagos and Thessaloniki. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Thessaloniki or Lagos?

Thessaloniki is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Thessaloniki. There are a huge number of historic and archeological sights in the city. These include the Rotunda of Galerius, the White Tower, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Arch of Galerius.

Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Thessaloniki or Lagos? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Thessaloniki and Lagos both to be superb destinations.

Thessaloniki has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a huge culinary scene in the city, and you'll find everything from fun street food options to traditional tavernas and even some great international restaurants.

Dining out in Lagos is an experience not to be missed. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

Is Thessaloniki or Lagos Better for Nightlife?

Both Thessaloniki and Lagos have superb vibes after the sun sets.

Thessaloniki has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It's the second largest city in Greece, and it has large student and tourist populations, so the nightlife scene is among the best in Greece. There are clubs, bars, and lounges that stay busy late into the night.

The people in Lagos know how to have a good time. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

Is Thessaloniki or Lagos Better for Resorts?

Lagos is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Thessaloniki is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Lagos is a great choice. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

Thessaloniki is not a resort destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Lagos Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos is an excellent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Thessaloniki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Lagos. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

Thessaloniki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Lagos Better for Beaches?

Lagos is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Thessaloniki is lacking in options for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Lagos. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

The beach in Thessaloniki is worth checking out. Although the city's not known for its beaches, there are some places where you can relax by the water, particularly if you're willing to get a bit out of town.

Is Thessaloniki or Lagos Better for Hiking?

Lagos is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Thessaloniki is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Lagos. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

Thessaloniki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Lagos?

Thessaloniki is well known for shopping. Also, Lagos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Thessaloniki is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are shopping streets as well as large malls and shopping centers. You'll find everything from fashion, jewelry, and handicrafts to most European and international brands.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lagos. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

Is Thessaloniki or Lagos Better for Families?

Lagos is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Lagos is a very family-friendly destination. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Thessaloniki. The port city has a number of museums and attractions for kids including Dinosaur Park, the Noesis Science and Technology Museum, and the water park known as Waterland. There's also the fascinating Kapani Market that is fun to explore.

Is Thessaloniki or Lagos Better for Couples?

Lagos is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Lagos makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

Thessaloniki is a good city for couples to visit. It's a bustling city that is filled with history and excellent restaurants. Couples who enjoy history and fun cities will appreciate a visit here.

Is Thessaloniki or Lagos Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lagos is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Lagos is extremely popular for backpackers. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy to meet other travelers.

Thessaloniki is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Is Thessaloniki or Lagos Better for Students?

Thessaloniki is well known for students. However, Lagos is not popular with students.

Many students visit Thessaloniki. There's a large student population in the city and you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene, easy transportation options, and a reasonable cost of living.

Lagos is not popular with students.

Is Thessaloniki or Lagos Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Thessaloniki is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lagos is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Thessaloniki, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Is Thessaloniki or Lagos a more walkable city?

Thessaloniki is a good destination for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

Thessaloniki is somewhat walkable. You can explore much of the city center on foot.

Lagos is not a very walkable city. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

For even more information, also check out Is Thessaloniki Worth Visiting? and Is Lagos Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lagos or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Lagos?

In either Thessaloniki or Lagos, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lagos than Thessaloniki because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Thessaloniki, and 3-5 days is enough time in Lagos.

Families should spend more time in Lagos than Thessaloniki. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Lagos, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Lagos than Thessaloniki. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Lagos that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lagos than Thessaloniki if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Lagos.

One day in Thessaloniki or Lagos?

In Thessaloniki, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Lagos, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this scenic resort town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Lagos?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Thessaloniki. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Lagos is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Thessaloniki or Lagos?

Thessaloniki is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Thessaloniki. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

In Lagos, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this dramatic destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the beaches. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Thessaloniki or Lagos?

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Thessaloniki. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Lagos is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.

When comparing the travel costs between Thessaloniki and Lagos, we can see that Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki Expensive? and Is Lagos Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Lagos?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki and Lagos, 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 Lagos?

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 Thessaloniki or Lagos in the Summer?

Both Lagos and Thessaloniki during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Lagos because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Thessaloniki is generally around the same temperature as Lagos. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 25°C (77°F), and Lagos fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in July than Lagos. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Lagos in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Lagos. The autumn months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lagos this time of year.

Thessaloniki is much colder than Lagos in the autumn. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Lagos fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Lagos receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Lagos. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Lagos in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Lagos. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Lagos for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Thessaloniki is much colder than Lagos. Typically, the winter temperatures in Thessaloniki in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Lagos averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Thessaloniki usually gets more rain in January than Lagos. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Lagos in the Spring?

Both Lagos and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Lagos in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Thessaloniki is generally much colder than Lagos. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 13°C (56°F), and Lagos fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. In April, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Lagos. Thessaloniki gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lagos and Thessaloniki