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

Should you visit Albufeira or Hondarribia?

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

Should I visit Albufeira or Hondarribia? 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 Hondarribia?

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.

Hondarribia

The characteristic Spanish buildings painted in the brightest, most vibrant of colors only match the true spirit of the town, Hondarribia, Spain. Hondarribia is located on the west shore of Bidasoa river's mouth in Gipuzkoa of Basque Country. The town is rich in its Spanish history, holding both an ancient old quarter with walls and a castle within. Hondarribia is also known for its gorgeous beach of bright blue water across the Bidasoa alongside the fertile, roaming mountain of Jaizkibel. What's more, Hondarribia faces the border of Hendaye, France, so if you are yearning to expand your cultural learning, take a service boat over to Spain's friendly neighbor! No matter if you want to explore the ancient architecture or enjoy the cooling waters of the bay, Hondarribia is definitely a location known for its beauty and activity!

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 10-Day Tours in Spain, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Hondarribia or Albufeira?

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

  • Albufeira Prices
    Portugal Prices
    Hondarribia Prices
    Spain Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Albufeira 183
    Hondarribia 162

The average daily cost (per person) in Albufeira is €183, while the average daily cost in Hondarribia is €162. 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 Hondarribia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Albufeira 74
    Hondarribia 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Albufeira 148
    Hondarribia 140
Compare Hotels in Albufeira and Hondarribia

Looking for a hotel in Albufeira or Hondarribia? 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 Hondarribia


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 and Hondarribia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Albufeira 34
    Hondarribia 32

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
  • Private Transfer from Villa Guerreiro (Albufeira) to Faro (FAO) Airport: $100
  • Private Transfer from Vilas Guerreiro (Olhos de Água) to Faro (FAO) Airport: $95
  • Private Transfer from Vila Real de Santo António to Faro (FAO) Airport: $148
  • Private Transfer from Tunes to Faro (FAO) Airport: $124
  • Private Transfer from Sao Bartolomeu de Messines to Faro (FAO) Airport: $134
  • Private Transfer from Pera to Faro (FAO) Airport: $125
  • Private Transfer from Olhos de Água to Faro (FAO) Airport: $87
  • Private Transfer from Apartamentos Pescadores (Albufeira) to Faro (FAO) Airport: $95
  • Private Transfer from Alte to Faro (FAO) Airport: $125
  • Private Transfer from Albufeira to Faro Airport (5 to 8 pax): $68
  • Private Transfer from Albufeira Hotel to Faro Airport: $54

Is it cheaper to fly into Albufeira or Hondarribia?

Prices for flights to both Hondarribia 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
    Hondarribia 71

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Albufeira

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

  • Dinner at the Vineyards in Lagoa: $71
  • 6-Hour Sunset Dinner Catamaran Cruise with Open Bar: $73

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Albufeira 39
    Hondarribia 22

Tours and Activities in Albufeira

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

  • Full Day Private Tour in Silves and Coast Gems: $208
  • Paderne Adventure Quad Ride: $45
  • Albufeira 1.5 hour Off-Road Tour Buggy Adventure Tour: $52
  • Albufeira 1.5 hour Off-Road Tour Quad Adventure Tour: $36
  • Albufeira 3 hour Off-Road Tour Buggy Adventure Tour: $71
  • Albufeira Beach BBQ with Caves and Coastline Cruise with Open Bar: $73
  • Albufeira Coast Tour, Winery & Delicious Chicken lunch: $76
  • Albufeira Food Experience: Land & Sea Tapas w/ Wines: $58
  • Albufeira Kayak Cave Tour – Hidden Beaches & Cliffs: $42
  • Albufeira Kayak Tour – Relaxing Trip with 2 Guides: $37
  • Albufeira Night Tour with Cocktails: $54
  • Albufeira Safari Tour with Waterfall*, Castle and Villages: $46

Tours and Activities in Hondarribia

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

  • Get to know Hondarribia by sea. Audio-guided boat tour: $53
  • From San Sebastian: Hondarribia, San Pedro & San Juan Tour: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Albufeira 26
    Hondarribia 18

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): $77
  • 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 comparing the travel costs between Albufeira and Hondarribia, we can see that Albufeira 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 Albufeira Expensive? and Is Hondarribia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Albufeira or Hondarribia?

Hondarribia has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Albufeira. When comparing the sizes of Albufeira and Hondarribia, 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 Hondarribia?

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 Albufeira or Hondarribia in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Albufeira as well as Hondarribia. Most visitors come to Albufeira for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Albufeira is generally a little warmer than Hondarribia. Daily temperatures in Albufeira average around 25°C (78°F), and Hondarribia fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Albufeira usually gets less rain in July than Hondarribia. Albufeira gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Albufeira 25°C (78°F) 
    Hondarribia 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Albufeira or Hondarribia in the Autumn?

Both Hondarribia and Albufeira are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Albufeira because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Albufeira is a little warmer than Hondarribia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Albufeira averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Hondarribia fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hondarribia. In October, Albufeira usually receives less rain than Hondarribia. Albufeira gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Albufeira or Hondarribia in the Winter?

Both Hondarribia and Albufeira during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Albufeira this time of year.

In the winter, Albufeira is a little warmer than Hondarribia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Albufeira in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Hondarribia averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Hondarribia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Albufeira usually gets less rain in January than Hondarribia. Albufeira gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Albufeira 11°C (52°F) 
    Hondarribia 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Albufeira or Hondarribia in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Albufeira and Hondarribia. Many travelers come to Albufeira for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Albufeira is generally a little warmer than Hondarribia. Daily temperatures in Albufeira average around 15°C (60°F), and Hondarribia fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Hondarribia receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Albufeira usually receives less rain than Hondarribia. Albufeira gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Albufeira 15°C (60°F) 
    Hondarribia 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Hondarribia and Albufeira

Albufeira Hondarribia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)