A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Faro vs. Annecy for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Faro or Annecy?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Annecy, 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. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Annecy

Annecy is a charming, stunning, and breathtaking alpine town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Faro and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Faro or Annecy?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Annecy. Although Faro and Annecy are popular destinations, Annecy has more sights and attractions for tourists. Annecy is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Faro attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Annecy is more touristy than Faro and is known for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. It is also well known for Palais de l'Isle. Faro is famous for its historical sights and rich culture.

How is Faro different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Annecy 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 Annecy?

Annecy is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

Annecy is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The old town and lakefront setting is what brings the tourists, but there are several unique landmarks around town as well. Palais de l'Île is the most photographed spot in the old town. Also worth visiting are Musée-Château d'Annecy, Eglise Saint-Maurice, and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Annecy 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, Annecy is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Fresh caught fish and local French specialties make this town a wonderful culinary destination. The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can enjoy local ingredients. There are many local dishes to try with some of the most popular being Tartiflette, Raclette, and Gratin de crozets. Fondue is also popular. You'll find cheese is a common component in many dishes.

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 Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Faro is a great resort town for nightlife and partying. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its evening party scene.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Annecy. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Is Faro or Annecy Better for Resorts?

Faro is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Annecy 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.

Annecy is not a resort destination.

Is Faro or Annecy Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Faro is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Annecy 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.

Annecy is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Faro or Annecy Better for Beaches?

Faro is very good for the beache. However, Annecy is not a beach destination.

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.

Annecy is not a beach destination.

Is Faro or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its old town.

The rich history of Annecy can be explored in its historical center. This is among the most beautiful old towns in Europe. It sits along the banks of Lake Annecy and the water integrates beautifully into the setting.

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 Annecy Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Annecy for the hiking trails. There are a range of hikes just out of town that cover all ability levels. There are flat, waterfront strolls as well as more strenuous mountain treks. La Tournette is one of the most famous hikes in the area. Other options include Circuit des 3 Croix de Sevrier and Gorges du Fier.

Faro is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Faro or Annecy?

If you're looking to go shopping, Faro and Annecy 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.

Annecy offers some nice shopping areas. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Is Faro or Annecy Better for Families?

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

Annecy is a very family-friendly destination. Families can enjoy getting out on the lake by renting a boat or going for a swim. Check out Wibit Water Park or let the kids play at Leisure Center Orange Montisel. There's also a great playground for kids right by the waterfront. Hiking and exploring are also fun for the whole family.

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 Annecy Better for Couples?

Annecy is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its romantic activities.

Annecy has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a romantic French mountain town with beautiful scenery and a wonderful lake. Couples can enjoy outdoor activities or wandering through one of the best old towns in the region. The beauty and natural setting make this a wonderful couples destination.

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 Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Faro and Annecy 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.

Annecy is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. It's a world class mountain destination that attracts families and vacationers, but there aren't as many hostels around town as backpackers would like.

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

Faro and Annecy 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.

Annecy has a few public transit options. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Is Faro or Annecy a more walkable city?

Annecy is great for its walkability. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its high level of walkability.

Annecy is very walkable. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Faro?

How long in Faro or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either Faro or Annecy. 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 Annecy.

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

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

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

One day in Faro or Annecy?

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.

Annecy is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Annecy?

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.

Annecy is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Annecy?

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.

Annecy is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This alpine town 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 Annecy?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the active 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.

Because Annecy is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Faro or Annecy?

Annecy has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Faro and Annecy, 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 Annecy?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Faro or Annecy in the Summer?

Both Annecy and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Faro for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Annecy because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Faro is a little warmer than Annecy. Typically, the summer temperatures in Faro in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Annecy averages at about 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Annecy. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Annecy during summer. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Faro usually receives less rain than Annecy. Faro gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Faro or Annecy in the Autumn?

Both Annecy and Faro during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Faro because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Annecy this time of year.

In October, Faro is generally a little warmer than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 20°C (68°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Faro. In the autumn, Faro often gets more sunshine than Annecy. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets less rain in October than Annecy. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Faro or Annecy in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Annecy. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Faro this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Annecy for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Annecy. Faro is much warmer than Annecy in the winter. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Annecy fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Faro usually receives more sunshine than Annecy during winter. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Faro usually receives more rain than Annecy. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Faro or Annecy in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Faro as well as Annecy. Many travelers come to Faro for the beaches. Additionally, many visitors come to Annecy in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Faro is a little warmer than Annecy. Typically, the spring temperatures in Faro in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Annecy averages at about 11°C (53°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Faro this time of the year. In the spring, Faro often gets more sunshine than Annecy. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets less rain in April than Annecy. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Faro