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

Should you visit Faro or Chartres?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Chartres, 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.

Chartres

Chartres is a historic, grand, and spectacular town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include food and museums.

Faro and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Faro or Chartres?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Faro. Although Faro and Chartres are popular destinations, Faro has more sights and attractions for tourists. Faro is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Chartres attracts visitors for its museums, food, and small town charm. Faro is more touristy than Chartres and is known for its historical sights and rich culture. It is also well known for The Arco da Vila. Chartres is famous for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Faro different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chartres is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most visitors make the trip to see the spectacular Gothic cathedral, Cathédrale Notre-Dame. It was completed in 1220 and is famous for its beautiful stained glass windows.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Chartres is a nice place to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Faro is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Chartres. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

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 Chartres Better for Nightlife?

Faro is great for nightlife and partying. However, Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Faro or Chartres Better for Resorts?

Faro is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Chartres is not a resort destination.

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

Chartres is not a resort destination.

Is Faro or Chartres Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Chartres is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Faro or Chartres Better for Beaches?

Faro is a popular place for the beache. However, Chartres is not a beach destination.

Faro is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Chartres is not a beach destination.

Is Faro or Chartres Better for its Old Town?

Faro is a popular place for its old town. However, Chartres 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.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Faro or Chartres?

Faro is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Faro or Chartres Better for Families?

Neither Faro nor Chartres are considered to be the most family-friendly destination.

For families, Faro is not always the best place to visit. There are some nice nature reserves in the area so kids who love wildlife will enjoy a visit.

Chartres is not the most family-friendly destination. The main attraction in town is the cathedral, but the surrounding area is also filled with history. This may not keep your kids entertained for long, so you can also check out the Stained Glass Museum, La Tanière (a zoo), or one of the parks around town.

Is Faro or Chartres Better for Couples?

Faro and Chartres are both nice 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.

Chartres makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its cathedral and rich history, many couples enjoy exploring the town. It is filled with history and interesting sights.

Is Faro or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Faro and Chartres 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.

Chartres is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. It's easy enough to visit as a day trip from Paris, so backpackers and other tourists typically allow themselves a few hours to explore.

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

Chartres is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its public transit.

Public transit in Chartres is fairly effecient and thorough. There are trains that leave Paris Montparnasse 1 Et 2 every half hour and travel to Chartres. The trip takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.

Faro has a few public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to the beach, the airport, and other outlying areas.

Is Faro or Chartres a more walkable city?

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

Chartres is very walkable. It's easy to see the sights around town 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 Chartres Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Faro?

How long in Faro or Chartres?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Faro or Chartres to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Faro than Chartres 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 Chartres.

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

Couples should spend more time in Faro than Chartres. 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 Faro than Chartres 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 Faro.

One day in Faro or Chartres?

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

A weekend in Faro or Chartres?

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.

Chartres 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 Chartres?

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 food around the grand destination of Chartres. 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 Chartres?

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 spectacular town of Chartres 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Faro or Chartres?

Chartres has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Faro and Chartres, 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 Chartres?

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 Chartres in the Summer?

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

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

It's quite sunny in Chartres. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during summer. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Faro usually receives less rain than Chartres. Faro gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Faro or Chartres in the Autumn?

Both Chartres and Faro during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Faro for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town atmosphere.

In October, Faro is generally much warmer than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 20°C (68°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Faro. In the autumn, Faro often gets more sunshine than Chartres. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets more rain in October than Chartres. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Faro or Chartres in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Chartres. The winter months attract visitors to Faro because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Chartres this time of year.

It's quite cold in Chartres in the winter. Faro is much warmer than Chartres in the winter. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Faro usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during winter. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Faro usually receives more rain than Chartres. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Faro or Chartres in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Faro as well as Chartres. The beaches are the main draw to Faro this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chartres for the small town charm.

In the spring, Faro is a little warmer than Chartres. Typically, the spring temperatures in Faro in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Chartres averages at about 11°C (52°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 Chartres. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets less rain in April than Chartres. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Faro