A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Vigo vs. Lake Garda for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Vigo 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 Vigo 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: Vigo or Lake Garda?

Vigo

Originally a small fishing town, Vigo has grown to become the most populated municipality in the region of Galicia in northwestern Spain. Remnants of the old world still exist in its historic center architecture and plazas, while the commodities of a modern city have blended into its boundaries. The old center remains the hub of activity with plenty to see and do, shopping and dining included.

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 from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Lake Garda or Vigo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Vigo Prices
    Spain Prices
    Lake Garda Prices
    Italy Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Vigo 125
    Lake Garda 197

The average daily cost (per person) in Vigo is €125, while the average daily cost in Lake Garda is €197. 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 Vigo and Lake Garda in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vigo 43
    Lake Garda 84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vigo 86
    Lake Garda 168
Compare Hotels in Vigo and Lake Garda

Looking for a hotel in Vigo 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.

Hotels in Vigo


Hotels in Lake Garda


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: Vigo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vigo 37
    Lake Garda 66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vigo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Vigo:

  • Private Transfer from Vigo Cruise Port to Porto Hotels: $206
  • Private Transfer from Vigo Cruise Port to Porto Airport (OPO): $206

Is it cheaper to fly into Vigo or Lake Garda?

Prices for flights to both Lake Garda and Vigo 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
    Vigo 61
    Lake Garda 72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vigo

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Vigo.

  • Gourmet Hands on Cooking Class in Galicia with the Chef: $178

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:

  • Cooking Class: Fresh Pasta Course with Wines at Lake Garda: $94
  • 3.5 Hours Fresh Pasta and Tiramisù Cooking Class with Meal : $95
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Cecina with Show Cooking: $101
  • Canevin Cooking Class a Typical italian meal with dessert: $113

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vigo 10
    Lake Garda 30

Tours and Activities in Vigo

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Vigo are as follows:

  • Celta Vigo Abanca Balaídos Stadium Tour: $26
  • Discover Vigo Historical and Cultural Private Walking Tour: $56
  • Discover Historical and Cultural Walking Tour: $24
  • Excursion from Vigo to Santiago de Compostela - Cruise-ship passengers only: $82
  • Full-Day Excursion to Santiago from Vigo for Cruisers Only: $82
  • Guided Group Walking Tour for Cruise Ship Passengers: $30
  • Guided Walking Tour for Cruise Ship Passengers: $30
  • Monumental Morning Walking Tour in Pontevedra: $21
  • Night Walking Tour of Pontevedra: $25
  • Pontevedra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $5.12
  • Private Tour in Ourense: $89
  • Private Vigo experience: $71

Tours and Activities in Lake Garda

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

  • Lake Garda Mini Cruise: Sirmione Peninsula: $14
  • Scaligero Castle Sirmione Entry Ticket: $18
  • Hotel Villa Cariola Pool Entry Ticket: $21
  • Sunset Tour in Sirmione : $30
  • Tour in the Winery and tasting: $35
  • SIGHTSEEING TASTING IN THE PANORAMIC LOUNGE: $37
  • Bardolino: Vineyard Tour with Wine, Olive Oil & Food Tasting: $42
  • Vineyard Tour and Tasting on the Hills: $46
  • Lazise: Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience: $46
  • Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience in Lazise: $47
  • Guided Tour and Tasting Among the Vines of Lake Ledro: $50
  • Winery Tour and Tasting of Garda Wines in Lazise: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vigo 5.71
    Lake 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:

  • Wine Tasting with Local Food in Lazise Countryside: $38
  • Wine Tasting and Tour of Lugana Wines in Sirmione: $39
  • Vineyards Tour and Wine Tasting: $46
  • Lazise: Biodynamic Farm Tour and Natural Wine Tasting: $49
  • Wine Tasting in Historical Center of Lazise: $50
  • Garda Hills Wine Tour and Tasting: $50
  • Winery Tour and Wine Tasting in Valpolicella: $58
  • Valdadige: Winery Tour with 4 Wine Tastings: $58
  • Art Experience with Food and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $58
  • Valpolicella: Winery Tour with Picnic and Wine Tasting: $76
  • Lazise: Bike Tour and Wine Tasting: $99
  • E-Bike Tour and wine tasting in Lazise Countryside: $100


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vigo and Lake Garda, we can see that Lake Garda is more expensive. And not only is Vigo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vigo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vigo 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 Vigo.

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



When is the best time to visit Vigo 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 Vigo or Lake Garda in the Summer?

Both Lake Garda and Vigo during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lake Garda for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Vigo is cooler than Lake Garda in the summer. The daily temperature in Vigo averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, 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 Vigo. In the summer, Vigo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lake Garda. Vigo gets 299 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun.

Vigo usually gets less rain in July than Lake Garda. Vigo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Vigo 21°C (70°F) 
    Lake Garda 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Vigo or Lake Garda in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vigo and Lake Garda. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lake Garda in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Vigo is a little warmer than Lake Garda. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vigo in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Vigo usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during autumn. Vigo gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Vigo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Vigo usually receives more rain than Lake Garda. Vigo gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Vigo 17°C (62°F) 
    Lake Garda 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Vigo or Lake Garda in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Vigo as well as Lake Garda. Additionally, 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 January, Vigo is generally much warmer than Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Vigo average around 10°C (50°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Vigo often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Vigo gets 110 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 98 hours of full sun.

Vigo receives a lot of rain in the winter. Vigo usually gets more rain in January than Lake Garda. Vigo gets 232 mm (9.1 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Vigo 10°C (50°F) 
    Lake Garda 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Vigo or Lake Garda in the Spring?

Both Lake Garda and Vigo 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.

Vigo is around the same temperature as Lake Garda in the spring. The daily temperature in Vigo averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Vigo usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during spring. Vigo gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Vigo. In April, Vigo usually receives more rain than Lake Garda. Vigo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Vigo 13°C (56°F) 
    Lake Garda 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Vigo

Vigo 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)