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

Should you visit Faro or Almeria?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Almeria, 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 active, popular, and busy resort town. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Almeria

Almeria is a breathtaking, pristine, and cultural region. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking, nightlife, and food.

Faro and Almeria: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less attractive beach
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Faro or Almeria?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Almeria than Faro, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Almeria is better known for its food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Faro is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping. Faro is well known for its historical sights and rich culture. Almeria is well known for its stunning beaches that feel pristine despite their popularity. Also, Almeria is famous for The Alcazaba.

How is Faro different from Almeria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Faro
Almeria

Almeria is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Faro is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Almeria is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The food is focused on local, fresh ingredients with many traditional recipes that have been passed down for centuries. Popular dishes change with the seasons because they rely so heavily on local produce. Particularly during the winter months you'll find hearty stews like patatas en ajopollo and gurullos con conejo, which is prepared with rabbit. Sardines are also popular year round.

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 Almeria Better for Nightlife?

Faro
Almeria

Faro is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Almeria is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Faro know how to have a good time. 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 Almeria has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife vibe is about enjoying a cold beer on a terrace with friends. The city has a laid back Mediterranean atmosphere and plenty of terraced bars along the main streets, particularly in old town. With mild temperatures year around, you'll find yourself spending time outside most evenings while you enjoy tapas and drinks with friends. Flamenco and bullfighting are also popular in the evenings.

Is Faro or Almeria Better for Resorts?

Faro
Almeria

With a similar set of options, world-class resorts can be found in both Faro and Almeria.

Faro offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro.

Almeria is a world class resort vacation destination. Stretched along the coastline you'll find many high end resorts with pools and nice atmospheres. There are all inclusive resorts as well as family-friendly and romantic options to choose from.

Is Faro or Almeria Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Faro
Almeria

Faro is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Almeria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Almeria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Faro or Almeria Better for Beaches?

Faro
Almeria

Almeria is a must-visit destination for its beaches. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for the beache.

The beaches in Almeria are among the best in the world. Outside of town you'll find kilometers of stunning coastline and beaches. There are pristine natural beaches that still feel undiscovered with beautiful long stretches of sand. One of the biggest resort areas is Roquetas de Mar.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Faro. 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 Faro or Almeria Better for its Old Town?

Faro
Almeria

Almeria is great for its historic old town. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its old town.

Many visitors go to Almeria to see the historical old town. The old town is at the cultural heart of the city. It has the most energy during the evenings, as well as many museums and sights worth visiting.

Many people head to Faro to see the 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.

Is Faro or Almeria Better for Hiking?

Faro
Almeria

Almeria is great for hiking. However, Faro is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Almeria for the hiking trails. The area has stunning hikes that run along the coastline or into the beautiful interior countryside. For some of the area's best hikes head into Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park.

Faro is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Faro or Almeria?

Faro
Almeria

Faro is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Almeria is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Faro to go shopping. 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.

Almeria is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Faro or Almeria Better for Families?

Faro
Almeria

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

Almeria is a very family-friendly destination. The area has many beautiful beaches as well as waterparks, amusement parks, and fun activities like sailing and water sports. There's also a very impressive fort that the kids will enjoy exploring.

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 Almeria Better for Couples?

Faro
Almeria

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

Almeria is a great region if you're traveling as a couple. Nature lovers and beach enthusiasts will find this to be the perfect romantic getaway. There are many outdoor activities and places to immerse yourself in nature. A highlight of a trip is a visit to Crystal Cave.

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 Almeria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Faro
Almeria

Almeria is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for backpackers.

Almeria is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There's plenty of affordable accommodation to choose from as well as all kinds of activities that backpackers will enjoy. If you like nature and enjoy spending time outside, then this is your place.

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

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

Faro
Almeria

Faro and Almeria both offer notable 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.

Almeria has a few public transit options. There are a number of bus lines that run through Almeria city and to Cabo de Gata.

Is Faro or Almeria a more walkable city?

Faro
Almeria

Faro is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Almeria is a region with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Almeria is generally not a very walkable resort town. While there are many beautiful walks in the area, if you want to truly explore, you'll likely want to have access to a car.


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

Should I spend more time in Almeria or Faro?

How long in Faro or Almeria?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Faro and Almeria. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Faro than in Almeria. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Faro, and 1-3 days is enough time in Almeria.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Almeria 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 Almeria.


  • How many days in Faro or Almeria? Ideal Length of Stay
    Faro 2-5 
    Almeria 1-3

One day in Faro or Almeria?

In Faro, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This resort town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and nightlife when visiting the destination of Almeria. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Faro or Almeria?

In Faro, you'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Faro has to offer.

Almeria is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Almeria?

Faro is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Faro has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find food and nightlife around the pristine destination of Almeria. This region offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Faro or Almeria?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Faro. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Faro. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The breathtaking region of Almeria offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 10-Day Tours from Madrid, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona.


Which place is cheaper, Almeria or Faro?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Faro is €133, while the average daily cost in Almeria is €99. 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 Faro and Almeria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Faro 75
    Almeria 44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Faro 150
    Almeria 88
Compare Hotels in Faro and Almeria

Looking for a hotel in Faro or Almeria? 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 Faro


Hotels in Almeria


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: Faro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Faro 9.52
    Almeria 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro

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

  • ) Transfers airport Faro X Sevilla: $91
  • Airport Transfer from Faro to Albufeira: $65
  • Airport Transfer from Faro to Armação de Pêra: $81
  • Airport Transfer from Faro to Carvoeiro / Silves: $95
  • Airport Transfer from Faro to Lagos/Meia Praia: $110
  • Airport Transfer from Faro to Sagres: $175
  • Airport Transfers: $87
  • Airport transfer from Faro to Monte Gordo: $91
  • Algarve Private Airport Transfers : $87
  • Algarve Private Transfers: $51
  • Algarve: Private Transfer Service: $50
  • Faro Airport (Algarve) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Vilamoura Hotels or Address): $88

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Almeria

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Almeria:

  • Transfers desde Aeropuerto de Almería (LEI) a Vera Playa - 4 pasajeros: $124
  • Almería Private Transfer from the city centre or Cabo de Gata to Almería Airport: $65
  • Almería Private Transfer from Almería Airport to City centre or Cabo de Gata: $65
  • Tabernas: transfer + ticket Fort Bravo or Minihollywood: $62
  • Private Transfer from Almeria Airport to / from Almeria Spain: $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Faro or Almeria?

Prices for flights to both Almeria and Faro 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
    Faro 36
    Almeria 40

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Almeria

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

  • Spanish Paella Private Online Cooking Class: $40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Faro 9.41
    Almeria 16

Tours and Activities in Faro

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

  • Camera Obscura - Tavira Eye - Admission Ticket: $5.43
  • Faro Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.68
  • Lagos Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.69
  • Tavira Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $7.87
  • Faro Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.87
  • 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

Tours and Activities in Almeria

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

  • Almería: Cathedral Entry Ticket: $7.46
  • Almería: Cathedral and Convent of the Puras Entry Ticket: $9.59
  • Almería: Cathedral and Monastery of Las Puras Guided Tour: $12
  • Almería: Guided City Discovery Tour: $16
  • Almería: Legends and Mysteries Evening Walking Tour: $11
  • Almeria : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Local Guide: $49
  • Almeria like a Local: Customized Private Tour : $52
  • Alcazaba Guided Tour: $16
  • Convent of the Puras Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket: $5.33
  • History and Hidden Corners Essential Walking Tour: $14
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $48
  • Spanish Civil War Shelters Ticket and Official Tour: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Faro 3.13
    Almeria 4.29

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: $18
  • Visit to a Family Brewery in Loulé with Tasting: $27
  • Algarve Traditional Food and Wine Tasting: $48

Sample the Local Flavors in Almeria

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

  • Almería Visit to Eco Winery Cortijo El Cura and wine tasting: $24
  • Almería Wine tour and tasting in English in Bio Winery: $24


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

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


Which is Bigger, Faro or Almeria?

Almeria has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Faro and Almeria, 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 Almeria?

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 Almeria in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Faro as well as Almeria. Many travelers come to Faro for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Almeria in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Faro is generally around the same temperature as Almeria. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 25°C (78°F), and Almeria fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Almeria. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Faro this time of the year. In the summer, Faro often gets more sunshine than Almeria. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Almeria receives 343 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Almeria. Faro gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Almeria receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Faro 25°C (78°F) 
    Almeria 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Faro or Almeria in the Autumn?

Both Almeria and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Faro in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Almeria for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Faro is around the same temperature as Almeria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Almeria fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Almeria. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. Faro usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Almeria during autumn. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Almeria receives 220 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Faro usually receives more rain than Almeria. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Almeria receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Faro 20°C (68°F) 
    Almeria 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Faro or Almeria in the Winter?

Both Almeria and Faro during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Faro for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Almeria because of the cuisine.

In the winter, Faro is around the same temperature as Almeria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Faro in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Almeria averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the winter, Faro often gets less sunshine than Almeria. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Almeria receives 186 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets more rain in January than Almeria. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Almeria receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Faro 12°C (54°F) 
    Almeria 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Faro or Almeria in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Almeria. The spring months attract visitors to Faro because of the beaches. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Almeria this time of year.

In April, Faro is generally around the same temperature as Almeria. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 17°C (62°F), and Almeria fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Almeria 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 Almeria during spring. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Almeria receives 235 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Faro usually receives more rain than Almeria. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Almeria receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Faro 17°C (62°F) 
    Almeria 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Almeria and Faro

Faro Almeria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Feb 13°C (56°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 18 mm (0.7 in)
Mar 15°C (58°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 26 mm (1 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 26°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 24°C (76°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 13°C (56°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)