A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Albufeira vs. Gijon for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Albufeira or Gijon?

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

Should I visit Albufeira or Gijon? 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: Albufeira or Gijon?

Albufeira

Located in the Algarve region in the south of Portugal, Albufeira was once a small fishing village which has since evolved into a popular destination for tourists attracted by the area's beaches, pleasant climate, and fresh seafood.

Gijon

Gijon is a coastal city of the Asturias Principality of Spain. Known for its Roman past, museums, sculptures, and architecture, visitors have many opportunities to learn about Gijon's cultural and historic past. Given its location by the sea, the city is also skirted by a few nice beaches for a more leisurely getaway.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, and The Best Adventure Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Gijon or Albufeira?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Albufeira is €183, while the average daily cost in Gijon is €142. 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 Albufeira and Gijon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Albufeira 74
    Gijon 80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Albufeira 148
    Gijon 160
Compare Hotels in Albufeira and Gijon

Looking for a hotel in Albufeira or Gijon? 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 Albufeira


Hotels in Gijon


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: Albufeira Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Albufeira 34
    Gijon 9.69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Albufeira

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Albufeira:

  • Stork Transfers - Private Transfer From Albufeira to Faro Airport (up to 4 pax): $52
  • Albufeira to Faro Airport Transfer 4pax ONE WAY: $54
  • Private Transfer to Faro Albufeira Alvor Seville Lisbon and Lagos: $54
  • Private Transfer from Albufeira Hotel to Faro Airport: $54
  • From Slide & Splash Waterpark One-Way Transfer: $65
  • Private Transfer from Albufeira to Faro Airport (5 to 8 pax): $68
  • Faro Airport Private Transfer From/To Portimão or Lagos: $72
  • Private Group Transfers from Albufeira to Faro Airport: $77
  • Private Faro Airport Transfer from Albufeira (up to 8 passangers): $84
  • Private Transfer from Olhos de Água to Faro (FAO) Airport: $87
  • Private Transfer from Vilas Guerreiro (Olhos de Água) to Faro (FAO) Airport: $95
  • Private Transfer from Apartamentos Pescadores (Albufeira) to Faro (FAO) Airport: $96

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gijon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Gijon:

  • Private Transfer from Gijon Cruise Port to Asturias Airport (OVD): $109

Is it cheaper to fly into Albufeira or Gijon?

Prices for flights to both Gijon and Albufeira 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
    Albufeira 82
    Gijon 54

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Albufeira

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

  • A Portuguese Dinner and Cocktail Experience with pick up: $54
  • Portuguese Traditional Dinner and Cocktail Experience: $59
  • Dinner at the Vineyards in Lagoa: $71
  • 6-Hour Sunset Dinner Catamaran Cruise with Open Bar: $73
  • Sunset Beach Safari w/ Champagne & Chicken Piri Piri Dinner: $82

Typical Food Prices in Gijon

Some typical examples of dining costs in Gijon are as follows:


  • Lunch for 2
    22

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Albufeira 39
    Gijon 12

Tours and Activities in Albufeira

Here are a few actual costs in Albufeira for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Quarteira Town & Gypsy Market Tour with Beach Bliss: $23
  • Authentic Algarve: Loulé Town Tour and Markets: $23
  • 70 Minutes Guided Secrets of Albufeira Walking Tour: $24
  • 70 Minutes Guided Old Ruins Walking Tour in Albufeira: $24
  • Kayak tour Albufeira.: $30
  • Algarve Sunset Experience - Half Day Jeep Safari Trip: $30
  • Benagil caves's kayak tour: $30
  • Caves and Coastline Cruise from Albufeira to Benagil: $30
  • Jeep Tour of the City and Coast of Albufeira: $33
  • Algarve 3-Hour Benagil Sunset and Coastline Tour: $34
  • Dolphin Watching and Cave Boat Cruise from Albufeira: $35
  • Dolphin Watching and Caves Cruise: $36

Tours and Activities in Gijon

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

  • Gijón Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Experience: $10
  • Tour to Lakes of Covadonga, Onís Cangas and Ballasts from Gijón: $50
  • Private Tour of Gijón: $87
  • Hiking Experience in Asturias, from Gijón or Oviedo: $102
  • Classic romantic walking tour in Gijon: $210
  • Fascinating Memories of the Gijon Walking Tour: $227

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Albufeira 26
    Gijon 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Albufeira

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

  • City Highlights & WINE TASTING: $68
  • Small-Group Wine Tour & Silves Exploration (from Albufeira): $78
  • Wine Tasting Tour in Algarve Winery : $78
  • Albufeira/Vilamoura: Winery Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas: $81
  • Wine Lovers: Winery, Wine Tasting, Chicken Piri Piri & Sights : $82
  • Full day Tour in Silves with Wine Tasting: $167
  • Private Yoga and Wine Tasting Experience from Albufeira: $179


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

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


Which is Bigger, Albufeira or Gijon?

Gijon has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Albufeira. When comparing the sizes of Albufeira and Gijon, 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 Albufeira or Gijon?

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 Albufeira or Gijon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Albufeira and Gijon. Many travelers come to Albufeira for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Albufeira is a little warmer than Gijon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Albufeira in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Gijon averages at about 19°C (65°F).

In July, Albufeira usually receives less rain than Gijon. Albufeira gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Gijon receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Albufeira 25°C (78°F) 
    Gijon 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Albufeira or Gijon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Albufeira as well as Gijon. Many visitors come to Albufeira in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Albufeira is generally a little warmer than Gijon. Daily temperatures in Albufeira average around 19°C (67°F), and Gijon fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Albufeira usually gets less rain in October than Gijon. Albufeira gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Gijon receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Albufeira 19°C (67°F) 
    Gijon 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Albufeira or Gijon in the Winter?

Both Gijon and Albufeira are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Albufeira for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Albufeira is a little warmer than Gijon in the winter. The daily temperature in Albufeira averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Gijon fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gijon. In January, Albufeira usually receives less rain than Gijon. Albufeira gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Gijon receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Albufeira 11°C (52°F) 
    Gijon 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Albufeira or Gijon in the Spring?

Both Gijon and Albufeira during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Albufeira because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Albufeira is a little warmer than Gijon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Albufeira in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Gijon averages at about 11°C (53°F).

Albufeira usually gets less rain in April than Gijon. Albufeira gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Gijon receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Albufeira 15°C (60°F) 
    Gijon 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Gijon and Albufeira

Albufeira Gijon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (53°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 14°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (65°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 10°C (51°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)