Choose Algarve if…
- you want special-occasion restaurants for a splurge night
- you love the setting: golden cliffs, sea caves and fishing villages along Portugal's south coast
Choose Lisbon if…
- you want plenty of casual, inexpensive places to eat
- your date is outside peak summer: fewer activities here depend on the season
- you love the setting: hills, yellow trams, tiled facades and fado
Side by side
| Algarve | Lisbon | |
|---|---|---|
| Best season | April to October | April to June, September to October |
| Getting there | Faro (FAO) is 30 minutes from Albufeira and about 1 hour from Lagos. | Lisbon airport (LIS) is 20 minutes from the center by metro, taxi or Uber. |
| Car needed? | Not usually | Not usually |
| Activity prices | Budget-friendly | Budget-friendly |
| Group-friendly activities | 12 of 12 | 12 of 12 |
| Relaxed activities | 5 | 5 |
| Foodie activities | 3 | 4 |
| Adventure activities | 5 | 4 |
| Full-day trips | 2 | 2 |
| Seasonal activities | 3 | 0 |
| Budget eats on our list | 1 | 5 |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) | Euro (EUR) |
| Tipping | Not obligatory. Around 5 to 10% for good table service is appreciated. | Not obligatory. Around 5 to 10% for good table service is appreciated. |
| Dinner time | Dinner usually runs from 8 to 10 pm. | Dinner usually runs from 8 to 10 pm. |
Top group activities in Algarve
- Benagil sea cave boat tour. A short boat ride from Portimão or Carvoeiro into the famous domed cave.
- Kayak tour to Benagil cave. Paddle along the cliffs into sea caves and hidden beaches.
- Ponta da Piedade grotto boat trip. Small boats weave through arches and grottos near Lagos.
- Dolphin watching cruise. Fast boats head offshore where dolphins are seen on most trips.
Top group activities in Lisbon
- Sintra and Cascais day trip. Fairy-tale Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira and the coast road home.
- Alfama and old Lisbon walking tour. Winding lanes, viewpoints and the city's oldest quarter.
- Lisbon food and wine tour. Bifanas, cod cakes, cheese, ginjinha and pastel de nata.
- Fado dinner show. Traditional Portuguese dinner with live fado singers.
Questions couples ask
Is Algarve or Lisbon better for a destination wedding?
Choose Algarve if you want special-occasion restaurants for a splurge night. Choose Lisbon if you want plenty of casual, inexpensive places to eat.
When is the best time for a wedding in Algarve and Lisbon?
Algarve: April to October. Lisbon: April to June, September to October.
Which is easier for guests to reach, Algarve or Lisbon?
Algarve: Faro (FAO) is 30 minutes from Albufeira and about 1 hour from Lagos. Lisbon: Lisbon airport (LIS) is 20 minutes from the center by metro, taxi or Uber.
Made your choice?
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