A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aegina vs. Faro for Nightlife, Food, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Aegina or Faro?

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

Should I visit Aegina or Faro? 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.

Aegina

Aegina is a active, relaxing, and vibrant island. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Faro

Faro is a active, popular, and busy resort town. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Aegina and Faro: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Aegina or Faro?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Faro than Aegina, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Faro is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and historical sights, while Aegina is more popular for its museums, food, and small town charm. Aegina is well known for its local pistachio nuts, its nice seaside setting, and its easy access from Athens. Faro is well known for its historical sights and rich culture. Also, Faro is famous for The Arco da Vila.

How is Aegina different from Faro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Faro and Aegina. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aegina or Faro?

Aegina
Faro

Aegina is great for its historical sights. However, Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Aegina can be an interesting and educational experience. There are several temples on the island such as the Temple of Athena Aphaia and the Temple of Apollo. There's also and Archeological Museum that is nice to visit.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Aegina or Faro? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aegina
Faro

Aegina is a nice place to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Faro is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Aegina. There's a vibrant restaurant scene that includes traditional eateries serving seafood and refreshing ice cream shops where you can cool off with a scoop of your favorite flavor.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Faro. It has become a major tourist town, so you have to get a bit creative to find a more traditional restaurant. Look for fresh seafood like cod, monkfish, or shellfish if you want some local flavors.

Is Aegina or Faro Better for Nightlife?

Aegina
Faro

It's hard to distinguish whether Aegina or Faro has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Aegina know how to have a good time. There's a great nightlife scene on the island. Most of the dance clubs are found in Agia Marina and you'll find more relaxing lounges around Aegina Town and other villages on the island.

The nightlife in Faro has something for everybody. The city's bustling party scene thrives along Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior.

Is Aegina or Faro Better for Resorts?

Aegina
Faro

Faro is an amazing resort town to visit for its resorts. However, Aegina is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Faro is a great choice. Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro.

Aegina is not a resort destination.


Is Aegina or Faro Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Aegina
Faro

Faro is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Aegina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Faro has a few good snorkeling spots. There are both snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities in the area. It's possible to snorkel off of several beaches or arrange a scuba diving excursion with a local dive shop.

Aegina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Aegina or Faro Better for Beaches?

Aegina
Faro

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Aegina and Faro are notable choices.

Aegina is a good option for a beach vacation. While most of the beaches are small and crowded, they do offer a number of tourist facilities such as nearby bars and restaurants, as well as hotels. The most popular beaches on the island are Souvala and Agia Marina.

Many people head to Faro to enjoy the beach. The most popular beach in the area is Faro Beach. It can get crowded during the summer months but if you walk a bit you can often get away from the crowds. To reach the beach you'll need a car or you can take the bus as the beach is about 10 km away.

Is Aegina or Faro Better for its Old Town?

Aegina
Faro

Faro is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Faro offers a nice historic old town area. You'll find historic buildings and cobblestone streets in the old town. It's a nice place to explore, grab a bite to eat, and do a little shopping.

Aegina does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Aegina or Faro?

Aegina
Faro

Shopping is a popular activity in both Faro and Aegina.

Many visitors go to Aegina to go shopping. You'll find the standard souvenir shops around town where you can buy trinkets or other items you may have forgotten.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Faro. The town isn't as big as some others, so it's shopping scene isn't as comprehensive, but you will find the major brands as well as souvenir shops to peruse when you need a break from the beach.

Is Aegina or Faro Better for Families?

Aegina
Faro

Aegina is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Faro is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Aegina offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the ferry ride from Athens as well as the pirate stories they'll hear throughout their trip. There are places that the whole family can swim and great restaurants with kid-friendly food.

Faro is not the most family-friendly destination. There are some nice nature reserves in the area so kids who love wildlife will enjoy a visit.

Is Aegina or Faro Better for Couples?

Aegina
Faro

With fun activities for couples, both Aegina and Faro make for a notable place to visit.

Aegina is a good island for couples to visit. Couples will appreciate the beauty and great restaurants that this beautiful island offers. It's a charming day trip from Athens that is filled with impressive historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Faro is a nice destination for couples. With the beautiful natural areas and historic old town, this seaport makes a nice couples vacation.


Is Aegina or Faro Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aegina
Faro

Aegina and Faro are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Aegina. Like most visitors, backpackers can hop on a ferry in Athens and visit the island as a day trip. It makes a nice excursion with many affordable restaurants and fun activities.

Faro is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The are some good hostels in the area, but it's a bit tricky to get around without a car.

Is Aegina or Faro Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aegina
Faro

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Aegina and Faro.

You'll find some public transit in Aegina, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You'll find the central bus station in Aegina Town and there you can catch buses that travel around the island.

While Faro offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that connect the city to the beach, the airport, and other outlying areas.

Is Aegina or Faro a more walkable city?

Aegina
Faro

Aegina and Faro both are notable when exploring on foot.

Aegina is a somewhat walkable island. The town is walkable, but to explore elsewhere on the island, it's easiest to have your own vehicle.

Faro is somewhat walkable. The city's old town is particularly walkable.


For even more information, also check out Is Aegina Worth Visiting? and Is Faro Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Faro or Aegina?

How long in Aegina or Faro?

In either Aegina or Faro, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Faro than Aegina because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Aegina, and 2-5 days is enough time in Faro.

Families should spend more time in Aegina than Faro. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Aegina, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Faro than Aegina. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Faro that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.


  • How many days in Aegina or Faro? Ideal Length of Stay
    Aegina 1-2 
    Faro 2-5

One day in Aegina or Faro?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Aegina. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Faro. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Aegina or Faro?

Aegina is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Faro is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Aegina or Faro?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the active destination of Aegina. This island offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Faro. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Aegina or Faro?

The fun island of Aegina offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the popular destination of Faro. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Honeymoon Tours in Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Faro or Aegina?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Aegina is €92, while the average daily cost in Faro is €133. 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 Aegina and Faro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aegina 43
    Faro 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aegina 86
    Faro 150
Compare Hotels in Aegina and Faro

Looking for a hotel in Aegina or Faro? 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 Aegina


Hotels in Faro


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: Aegina Hotel Prices and Faro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aegina 24
    Faro 9.52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro

Also for Faro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • ) Transfers airport Faro X Sevilla: $91
  • Aiport Transfer from FARO to TAVIRA or CABANAS: $72
  • Airport Transfer to Albufeira: $62
  • Airport Transfer to Armação da Pera: $81
  • Airport Transfer to Burgau: $143
  • Airport Transfer to Cadiz: $669
  • Airport Transfer to Carvoeiro: $87
  • Airport Transfer to Evora: $414
  • Airport Transfer to Gale: $67
  • Airport Transfer to Huelva: $155
  • Airport Transfer to Isla Antilla: $129
  • Airport Transfer to Lagos: $118

Is it cheaper to fly into Aegina or Faro?

Prices for flights to both Faro and Aegina 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
    Aegina 34
    Faro 36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Faro

For Faro, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The Most Delicious Private Food Tour of 6 or 10 Tastings: $83
  • 3 Hours Classic Food Tour in Faro: $97
  • Authentic Portuguese Cooking Experience in Algarve: $162

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aegina 13
    Faro 9.41

Tours and Activities in Faro

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Faro.

  • Camera Obscura - Tavira Eye - Admission Ticket: $5.45
  • Faro Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
  • Lagos Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
  • Tavira Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $7.84
  • Faro Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
  • Algarve Life Sciences Center Museum Family Ticket: $13
  • Cork Factory Tour & Cork Shop: $18
  • Ria Formosa Sunset Boat Tour: $21
  • Eco Boat Tour in the Ria Formosa Lagoon from Faro: $22
  • 1 or 2 Hour Speed Boat Tour - Ria Formosa: $26
  • 2 Hours Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $27
  • Tavira Route Boat Tour: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aegina 8.57
    Faro 3.13

Sample the Local Flavors in Faro

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:

  • Wine tastings, with Tour option - Authentic Algarve Flavours by Quinta da Tôr: $19
  • Visit to a Family Brewery in Loulé with Tasting: $27
  • Algarve Traditional Food and Wine Tasting: $48


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

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


Which is Bigger, Aegina or Faro?

Faro has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Aegina. When comparing the sizes of Aegina and Faro, 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 Aegina or Faro?

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 Aegina or Faro in the Summer?

Both Faro and Aegina during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Aegina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Faro in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Aegina is around the same temperature as Faro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aegina in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Faro averages at about 25°C (78°F).

In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Aegina. In the summer, Aegina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Faro. Aegina gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Faro receives 374 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets more rain in July than Faro. Aegina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Faro receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aegina 27°C (81°F) 
    Faro 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Faro in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aegina and Faro. Many visitors come to Aegina in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, most visitors come to Faro for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Aegina is generally around the same temperature as Faro. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 19°C (67°F), and Faro fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Faro this time of the year. In Aegina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aegina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Faro during autumn. Aegina gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Faro receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Aegina usually receives less rain than Faro. Aegina gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Faro receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aegina 19°C (67°F) 
    Faro 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Faro in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Aegina as well as Faro. Most visitors come to Aegina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Faro because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Aegina is cooler than Faro in the winter. The daily temperature in Aegina averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Faro fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the winter, Aegina often gets less sunshine than Faro. Aegina gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Faro receives 161 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets less rain in January than Faro. Aegina gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Faro receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aegina 10°C (51°F) 
    Faro 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Faro in the Spring?

Both Faro and Aegina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Aegina because of the beaches and the small town charm. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Faro this time of year.

In the spring, Aegina is around the same temperature as Faro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aegina in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Faro averages at about 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Faro. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aegina. Aegina usually receives less sunshine than Faro during spring. Aegina gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Faro receives 248 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Aegina usually receives less rain than Faro. Aegina gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Faro receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aegina 16°C (60°F) 
    Faro 17°C (62°F)

Typical Weather for Faro and Aegina

Aegina Faro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (58°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 17°C (62°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)