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

Should you visit Albufeira or Krakow?

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

Should I visit Albufeira or Krakow? 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 Krakow?

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.

Krakow

Krakow is Poland's second largest city. It sits on both sides of the Wisla River at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. There are more than 1.4 million residents in the metropolitan area. Krakow is known as a historical and beautiful city that is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Tourism makes up a large part of the city's economy, but there is also a university and several local colleges which are major employers as well. Technology has grown in recent years and the city has some notable employees including Google, IBM and Motorola. Other important industries include steel, pharmaceuticals and tobacco.

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 Budget Tours to Poland, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow.


Which place is cheaper, Krakow 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 Krakow is €70. 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 Krakow in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Albufeira 74
    Krakow 39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Albufeira 148
    Krakow 78
Compare Hotels in Albufeira and Krakow

Looking for a hotel in Albufeira or Krakow? 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 Krakow


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 Krakow Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Albufeira 34
    Krakow 6.05

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Albufeira

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Albufeira:

  • Albufeira to Faro Airport Transfer 4pax ONE WAY: $54
  • Faro Airport Private Transfer From/To Portimão or Lagos: $72
  • From Slide & Splash Waterpark One-Way Transfer: $65
  • Private Faro Airport Transfer from Albufeira (up to 8 passangers): $84
  • Private Group Transfers from Albufeira to Faro Airport: $77
  • Private Transfer Algarve ↔ Lisbon (One-Way or Round Trip): $262
  • Private Transfer Algarve to Lisbon or Return Trip: $269
  • Private Transfer Lisbon to Algarve South Portugal and Seville : $209
  • Private Transfer from Albufeira Hotel to Faro Airport: $54
  • Private Transfer from Albufeira to Faro Airport (5 to 8 pax): $68
  • Private Transfer from Alte to Faro (FAO) Airport: $125
  • Private Transfer from Apartamentos Pescadores (Albufeira) to Faro (FAO) Airport: $96

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Krakow

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Krakow:

  • Krakow to Auschwitz Birkenau Guided Tour with Private Transfer: $179
  • 1 Day Trip Auschwitz Birkenau and Salt Mines with Hotel Transfer: $70
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Krakow Airport KRK to Krakow City: $53
  • Auschwitz Birkenau Round Transfer, Private Driver from Krakow: $155
  • Auschwitz Birkenau Tour from Private Transfer + Ticket: $213
  • Auschwitz Birkenau Transfer and Guide with Salt Mine Combo Option: $82
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Guided Tour from Krakow with Ticket & Transfer: $62
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum with Private Transfers from Krakow: $238
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour from Katowice with Private Transfers: $227
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour with Transfer: $118
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau guided tour from Krakow with Ticket & Transfer: $33
  • Balice KRK airport OneWay PRIVATE TRANSFER to/from Krakow’s hotel: $35

Is it cheaper to fly into Albufeira or Krakow?

Prices for flights to both Krakow 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
    Krakow 22

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Krakow

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

  • Small-Group Online Cooking Class Polish Pierogi : $30
  • Krakow Tipsy Polish Food Tour with History Pierogi and Shots: $39
  • Pierogi Cooking Class with Market Shopping and Local Snacks: $82
  • Eat Like a Local in Krakow - Food Tour with BeMyGuest: $99
  • Krakow Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting and Dinner: $105
  • Krakow Bites and Sights Food Tour: $114
  • Polish Pierogi Cooking Class with Farmer's Market Shopping: $114
  • Deluxe Polish Food Tour Experience in Krakow: $121
  • Private Food Tour in Krakow Poland: $198
  • Go Karting Experience with Pizza and Drinks in Krakow: $299

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Albufeira 39
    Krakow 19

Tours and Activities in Albufeira

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

  • Authentic Algarve: Loulé Town Tour and Markets: $23
  • Quarteira Town & Gypsy Market Tour with Beach Bliss: $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
  • Loule Traditional Market Tour: $36

Tours and Activities in Krakow

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

  • Krakow Unveiled: Self-Guided Heritage Tour: $3.57
  • Krakow Stories: Self Guided Audio Guide Tour: $3.57
  • A Walk With the Dead Krakow Ghost Tour: $3.57
  • Archdiocesan Museum in Krakow – Entry Ticket: $3.95
  • Archeological Museum - Skip The Line Ticket : $4.52
  • The Best of A Walking Tour Through the Heart of the City: $4.78
  • Krakow Old Town Mysteries: Exploration Game and Tour: $5.96
  • Home Army Museum in Krakow - Skip The Line Ticket: $6.67
  • Wawel Hill Audio-Guided Tour: $8.36
  • Krakow Self Guided Audio Experience: $9.00
  • Krakow Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self Guided Tour: $9.55
  • Art Documentation Centre CRICOTEKA in Krakow - Entrance Ticket: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Albufeira 26
    Krakow 6.38

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Krakow

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Krakow:


  • Vodka
    13

Sample the Local Flavors in Krakow

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

  • 1 Hour of Open Bar Pub Crawl + Karaoke + VIP Entry to Best Clubs : $28
  • Pub Crawl Krawl Through Krakow: $28
  • Krakow Pub Crawl with 1 Hr of unlimited alcohol & 4 clubs/pubs: $29
  • Pub Crawl 1hr Unlimited Beer + Vodka then Clubs in Katowice: $31
  • Tyskie Brewery Tour from Katowice: $131


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

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


Which is Bigger, Albufeira or Krakow?

Krakow has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Albufeira. When comparing the sizes of Albufeira and Krakow, 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 Krakow?

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 Krakow in the Summer?

Both Krakow and Albufeira are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Albufeira because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Albufeira is a little warmer than Krakow. Typically, the summer temperatures in Albufeira in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Krakow averages at about 19°C (67°F).

In July, Albufeira usually receives less rain than Krakow. Albufeira gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Albufeira 25°C (78°F) 
    Krakow 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Albufeira or Krakow in the Autumn?

Both Krakow and Albufeira during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Albufeira this time of year.

In October, Albufeira is generally much warmer than Krakow. Daily temperatures in Albufeira average around 19°C (67°F), and Krakow fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Albufeira usually gets more rain in October than Krakow. Albufeira gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Albufeira 19°C (67°F) 
    Krakow 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Albufeira or Krakow in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Albufeira and Krakow. Many travelers come to Albufeira for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Krakow can get quite cold in the winter. Albufeira is much warmer than Krakow in the winter. The daily temperature in Albufeira averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Krakow fluctuates around -2°C (29°F).

In January, Albufeira usually receives more rain than Krakow. Albufeira gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Albufeira 11°C (52°F) 
    Krakow -2°C (29°F)

Should I visit Albufeira or Krakow in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Albufeira as well as Krakow. Many visitors come to Albufeira in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Albufeira is much warmer than Krakow. Typically, the spring temperatures in Albufeira in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Krakow averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Albufeira usually gets less rain in April than Krakow. Albufeira gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Krakow receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Albufeira 15°C (60°F) 
    Krakow 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Krakow and Albufeira

Albufeira Krakow
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) -2°C (29°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 0°C (32°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (40°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (67°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 1°C (33°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)