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

Should you visit Faro or Biarritz?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Biarritz, 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 scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a cultural, relaxing, and quirky seaside town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Faro and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Faro or Biarritz?

Both Biarritz and Faro have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Faro is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and historical sights, while Biarritz attracts visitors for its museums, food, beaches, shopping, and small town charm. Faro is famous for its historical sights and rich culture. Biarritz is famous for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere.

How is Faro different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Biarritz is adequate for its historical sights. However, Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Biarritz specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Biarritz 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 Biarritz. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

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 Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is very good in both Faro and Biarritz.

Many people head to Faro for the nightlife scene. The city's bustling party scene thrives along Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior.

Biarritz has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

Is Faro or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Faro is renowned for its luxury resorts. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

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

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Biarritz. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Is Faro or Biarritz Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Faro is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Biarritz 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.

Biarritz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Faro or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is great for its beaches. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for the beache.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Biarritz. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

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 Biarritz Better for its Old Town?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Faro. 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.

Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Faro or Biarritz?

Biarritz is great for shopping. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Biarritz. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Faro offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Faro or Biarritz Better for Families?

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

Biarritz is a very family-friendly destination. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

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 Biarritz Better for Couples?

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

Biarritz is a great seaside town if you're traveling as a couple. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

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 Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Biarritz is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

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 Biarritz Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Faro and Biarritz 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.

Biarritz has a few public transit options. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Is Faro or Biarritz a more walkable city?

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

Biarritz is very walkable. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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 Biarritz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Faro?

How long in Faro or Biarritz?

Both Faro and Biarritz have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Biarritz than in Faro. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Faro, and 3-7 days is enough time in Biarritz.

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

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

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

One day in Faro or Biarritz?

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 shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Biarritz. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Biarritz?

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.

Biarritz is a fun place to experience. 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 a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Faro or Biarritz?

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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the dynamic destination of Biarritz. This seaside town offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Faro or Biarritz?

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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the quirky seaside town of Biarritz. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Faro and Biarritz, 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 Biarritz Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Faro or Biarritz?

Faro has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Faro and Biarritz, 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 Biarritz?

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 Biarritz in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Biarritz. Many visitors come to Faro in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Biarritz for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Faro is a little warmer than Biarritz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Faro in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Biarritz averages at about 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Biarritz this time of the year. In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during summer. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Faro usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Faro gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Faro or Biarritz in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Faro as well as Biarritz. Most visitors come to Faro for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Faro is generally a little warmer than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 20°C (68°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Faro this time of the year. In the autumn, Faro often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. Faro usually gets less rain in October than Biarritz. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Faro or Biarritz in the Winter?

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

Faro is a little warmer than Biarritz in the winter. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Biarritz fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Faro usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during winter. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. In January, Faro usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Faro or Biarritz in the Spring?

Both Biarritz and Faro during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Faro this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm.

In the spring, Faro is a little warmer than Biarritz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Faro in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Biarritz averages at about 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Faro. In the spring, Faro often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Faro usually gets less rain in April than Biarritz. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Faro