Comparison · Algarve vs Lisbon · Portugal
Algarve vs Lisbon
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Vitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras, PORTUGAL, CC BY-SA 2.0
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Quick answer
Choose Algarve for Sea cliffs and caves, Golden beaches and free sights; choose Lisbon for Pastel de nata, Tram 28 and a short break. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 217 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 217 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Algarve
- May–June and September
- Best time for Lisbon
- April–June and September–October
Side by side
| Algarve | Lisbon | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Portugal | Portugal |
| Known for | Sea cliffs and caves, Golden beaches and Cataplana | Pastel de nata, Tram 28 and Fado |
| Best time to visit | May–June and September | April–June and September–October |
| Ideal stay | 7 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $130–$250 | $150–$260 |
| Cost level | Affordable | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 29°C (84°F) | August, 29°C (84°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 16°C (61°F) | January, 15°C (59°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 5 |
| Day trips in our guide | 5 | 6 |
| Beaches | Praia da Marinha | Carcavelos |
| Airports | FAO, LIS | LIS |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Algarve for…
Sea cliffs and caves, Golden beaches and free sights. The Algarve is Portugal's southern coast, about 150 km from the Spanish border at the Guadiana River to Cape St Vincent, Europe's south-western tip. West of Faro, the coast breaks into honey-coloured cliffs, sea caves and coves such as Benagil and Ponta da…
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Choose Lisbon for…
Pastel de nata, Tram 28 and a short break. Lisbon climbs seven hills above the wide Tagus estuary, a short train ride from Atlantic beaches. The flat Baixa grid, rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, links the medieval lanes of Alfama and the castle with Chiado and the bar streets of Bairro Alto, while…
Top sights compared
| # | Algarve | Lisbon |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Benagil Cave | Jerónimos Monastery |
| 2 | Seven Hanging Valleys Trail | Belém Tower |
| 3 | Ponta da Piedade | São Jorge Castle |
| 4 | Cape St Vincent | Alfama, the Sé and Santa Luzia |
| 5 | Fortress of Sagres | Tram 28 |
Food compared
| Algarve | Lisbon |
|---|---|
| Cataplana | Custard tart |
| Grilled sardines | Bacalhau à Brás |
| Piri-piri chicken | Grilled sardines |
| Octopus | Bifana |
Which is cheaper?
Algarve and Lisbon cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $130–$250 in Algarve and $150–$260 in Lisbon (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Algarve on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Algarve and Lisbon are about 217 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 7 days in Algarve and 4 in Lisbon.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Algarve or Lisbon cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $130–$250 in Algarve and $150–$260 in Lisbon (estimates).
+Is Algarve or Lisbon better for a first trip?
Pick Algarve for Sea cliffs and caves, Golden beaches and free sights, or Lisbon for Pastel de nata, Tram 28 and a short break.
+How far is Algarve from Lisbon?
About 217 km in a straight line.