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

Should you visit Faro or Carcassonne?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Carcassonne, 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 popular, busy, and active resort town. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a medieval, historical, and fairytale town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food and museums.

Faro and Carcassonne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Faro or Carcassonne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Faro. Although Faro and Carcassonne are both popular with visitors, Faro has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Faro is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Carcassonne is known for its museums, food, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Faro is popular for its historical sights and rich culture. It is also home to The Arco da Vila. Carcassonne is popular for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle.

How is Faro different from Carcassonne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne can be an interesting and educational experience. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

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 Carcassonne Better for Nightlife?

Faro is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Faro has a large number of nightlife venues. The city's bustling party scene thrives along Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Faro or Carcassonne Better for Resorts?

Faro is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Carcassonne is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Faro for its luxury resorts. Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro.

Carcassonne is not a resort destination.

Is Faro or Carcassonne Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Faro is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Faro or Carcassonne Better for Beaches?

Faro is a good destination for its beaches. However, Carcassonne is not a beach destination.

Faro offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Carcassonne is not a beach destination.

Is Faro or Carcassonne Better for its Old Town?

Faro and Carcassonne both have good 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 Carcassonne to see the old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Is the Shopping Better in Faro or Carcassonne?

Faro is a good destination for shopping. However, Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Faro or Carcassonne Better for Families?

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

Carcassonne offers lots of family activities. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

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 Carcassonne Better for Couples?

Faro and Carcassonne are both good to visit as a couple.

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

Carcassonne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.

Is Faro or Carcassonne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Carcassonne is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

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

Faro and Carcassonne both offer good 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.

Carcassonne has a few public transit options. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

Is Faro or Carcassonne a more walkable city?

Carcassonne is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its high level of walkability.

Carcassonne is a very easy town to get around on foot. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best 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 Carcassonne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carcassonne or Faro?

How long in Faro or Carcassonne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Faro or Carcassonne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Faro than Carcassonne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Faro, and 1-2 days is enough time in Carcassonne.

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

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

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

One day in Faro or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the busy resort town of Faro. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

A weekend in Faro or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the popular destination of Faro. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This resort town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the popular resort town of Faro. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

You'll find museums and food around the medieval destination of Carcassonne. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Faro or Carcassonne?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Faro. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The medieval town of Carcassonne offers food and museums. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Faro or Carcassonne?

Carcassonne has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Faro and Carcassonne, 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 Carcassonne?

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 Carcassonne in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Carcassonne. Many travelers come to Faro for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Carcassonne in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Faro is around the same temperature as Carcassonne in the summer. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Carcassonne this time of the year. In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Carcassonne during summer. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Faro usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Faro gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Faro or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Faro as well as Carcassonne. Many visitors come to Faro in the autumn for the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Faro is a little warmer than Carcassonne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Faro in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 17°C (62°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 Carcassonne. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets less rain in October than Carcassonne. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Faro or Carcassonne in the Winter?

Both Carcassonne and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Faro for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the museums and the cuisine.

In January, Faro is generally a little warmer than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 12°C (54°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Faro usually receives more sunshine than Carcassonne during winter. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Faro usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Faro or Carcassonne in the Spring?

Both Carcassonne and Faro during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Faro because of the beaches. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

Faro is a little warmer than Carcassonne in the spring. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Faro. In the spring, Faro often gets more sunshine than Carcassonne. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets less rain in April than Carcassonne. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Faro