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

Should you visit Faro or Alicante?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Alicante, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Faro

Faro is a busy, active, and popular resort town. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Alicante

Alicante is a authentic, vibrant, and cultural city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Faro and Alicante: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Faro or Alicante?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Alicante. Although Faro and Alicante are popular destinations, Alicante has more sights and attractions for tourists. Alicante is very popular for its museums and food, while Faro attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling. Faro is more touristy than Alicante and is popular for its historical sights and rich culture. Alicante is famous for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants. It is also well known for the Castillo de Santa Bárbara.

How is Faro different from Alicante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Alicante 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 Alicante can be an interesting and educational experience. This port city has a number of cultural and historical sights that are worth checking out. Castillo de Santa Bárbara, Museo Arqueológico Provincial de Alicante, and Basilica de Santa María are among the most well known.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Alicante is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Faro is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Alicante. It's by the sea, so you'll find plenty of seafood. Rice is the main staple for many dishes in town. This is also a vegetable growing region, so many recipes incorporate fresh vegetables. Popular dishes include arroz a banda, arroz con costra, and olleta alicantina.

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 Faro or Alicante Better for Nightlife?

Faro is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Faro is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city's bustling party scene thrives along Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior.

If you're looking for night time activities Alicante has a few options to choose from. For the city's best nightlife, head to El Barrio Antiguo, which is the old district. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars and clubs, many of them having live music.

Is Faro or Alicante Better for Resorts?

Faro is terrific for its resorts. However, Alicante is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Faro is a perfect choice. Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro.

Alicante is not a resort destination.

Is Faro or Alicante Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Faro is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Alicante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Faro. 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.

Alicante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Faro or Alicante Better for Beaches?

Both Faro and Alicante have nice beaches worth visiting.

Faro has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Alicante. If you step away from the touristy areas, you'll find some nice sandy beaches with blue water. Playa la Fustera is northeast of the city and popular with families and couples. If you have a car you can drive to the town of Moraira, which is near several nice beaches as well.

Is Faro or Alicante Better for its Old Town?

Faro and Alicante both have nice historical old towns that attract visitors.

Faro is a good destination for visiting its old town. 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.

Many people head to Alicante to see the old town. The old district is filled with charming streets and some interesting museums. There are also a number of good restaurants in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Faro or Alicante?

If you're looking to go shopping, Faro and Alicante both offer plenty of nice spots.

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.

Alicante offers some nice shopping areas. The city is known for its leather goods, but you'll also find international brands and shopping streets with fashion and different European names.

Is Faro or Alicante Better for Families?

Alicante is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Faro is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Alicante is a very family-friendly destination. This seaside city has many kid-friendly resorts, long sandy beaches, and adrenaline-filled theme parks. There's the Terra Mitica Park as well as a waterpark - Aqua Natura. Tabarca Island is also well worth a visit.

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 Faro or Alicante Better for Couples?

Alicante is great for romance. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its romantic activities.

Alicante is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Nice resorts, long sandy beaches, and nearby vineyard tours make this a wonderful place for a couple's getaway. There are good restaurants and nice places where couples can take a stroll, hand in hand.

Faro makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With the beautiful natural areas and historic old town, this seaport makes a nice couples vacation.

Is Faro or Alicante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Faro and Alicante are nice places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Faro. The are some good hostels in the area, but it's a bit tricky to get around without a car.

Alicante is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. There are hostels around town, as well as many budget-friendly hotels, so this is an affordable oceanfront destination for the budget-minded.

Is Faro or Alicante Better for Students?

Alicante is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Faro is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Alicante. It's by the water and it's an affordable city, making it a good option for students. The beaches and active nightlife will keep you entertained when you take a break from your studies.

Faro is not popular with students.

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

Faro and Alicante both offer nice public transit to get you around.

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.

Alicante has a few public transit options. There's a comprehensive bus system through the city and region.

Is Faro or Alicante a more walkable city?

Faro and Alicante are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

Alicante is a somewhat walkable place. There are many parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Alicante or Faro?

How long in Faro or Alicante?

It's fun to spend time in either Faro or Alicante. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Faro due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Faro, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alicante.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alicante than Faro if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Alicante.

One day in Faro or Alicante?

The resort town of Faro offers nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Alicante. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Faro or Alicante?

Faro is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this resort town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Faro, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Alicante 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.

Five days in Faro or Alicante?

Faro is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Faro, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

A week in Faro or Alicante?

Faro is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This resort town offers something for everyone.

The vibrant city of Alicante 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between Faro and Alicante, we can see that Faro 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 Faro Expensive? and Is Alicante Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Faro or Alicante?

Alicante has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Faro and Alicante, 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 Faro or Alicante?

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 Faro or Alicante in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Faro as well as Alicante. Most visitors come to Faro for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Alicante because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Faro is around the same temperature as Alicante. Typically, the summer temperatures in Faro in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Alicante averages at about 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Faro this time of the year. In the summer, Faro often gets more sunshine than Alicante. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 341 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets less rain in July than Alicante. Faro gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Faro or Alicante in the Autumn?

Both Alicante and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Faro because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Alicante this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Alicante. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. Faro usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante during autumn. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 225 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Faro usually receives around the same amount of rain as Alicante. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Faro or Alicante in the Winter?

Both Alicante and Faro during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Faro this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Alicante for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Faro is around the same temperature as Alicante in the winter. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Alicante fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the winter, Faro often gets less sunshine than Alicante. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 178 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets more rain in January than Alicante. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Faro or Alicante in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Alicante. Many travelers come to Faro for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Alicante in the spring for the beaches.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alicante this time of the year. In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. Faro usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante during spring. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Faro usually receives more rain than Alicante. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Alicante and Faro