A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Faro vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Should you visit Faro or Cinque Terre?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Cinque Terre, 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. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Faro travel costs.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a quaint, seaside, and stunning coastal region. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Many visitors also come to Cinque Terre because of it's amazing beauty. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Cinque Terre travel costs.

Faro and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Faro or Cinque Terre?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre than Faro, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cinque Terre is better known for its food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Faro is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and shopping. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Faro and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Also, Cinque Terre is famous for Vernazza Harbor. Faro is well known for its historical sights and rich culture.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Faro different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cinque Terre 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, Cinque Terre is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Like much of Italy, the area focuses on local flavors that include lots of seafood, as well as local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The towns are known for their focaccia, which actually originated in nearby Genoa. Anchovies are a favorite here as well, and don't be turned off by your experience with anchovies outside of Italy. They don't compare. Also make sure you sample the pesto, mussels, and any fresh caught seafood.

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 Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Faro is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Cinque Terre. The whole point of a trip to the area is to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. There is basically no nightlife in most of the towns, but you will find a few bars in Monterosso.

Is Faro or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Faro is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for its resorts.

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

While Cinque Terre is not known as a resort destination, there are some nice places to stay. Most people stay in apartments or rooms in local hotels or family homes. There aren't many resorts in the traditional sense, but again, that's part of the charm of the area.

Is Faro or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find notable snorkeling or scuba diving in both Faro and Cinque Terre.

Faro has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Cinque Terre. The surrounding waters are part of the of the Pelagos Sanctuary. The area has many rocky coves which are fun to explore with a mask and snorkel. There are also boat excursions available that may let you stop to snorkel, as well as a few dive spots in the area.

Is Faro or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Both Faro and Cinque Terre have notable beaches worth visiting.

Faro has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Cinque Terre. The area is more about the towns than the beaches. The most typical beach setting is in the newer part of Monterosso. There's a long sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas available. There's also a beach near the town's old town. Several of the other towns have swimming areas, including a small stretch of pebbly sand in Vernazza. It's fun to swim between the months of May and October, when the water temperatures are fairly warm.

Is Faro or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre can be explored in its historical center. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

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 Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is a must-visit destination for hiking. However, Faro is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Cinque Terre draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The five towns are part of Cinque Terre National Park and there are 120 kilometers of hiking trails in the park. Most people hike along the trails that follow the coastline and connect the towns. There are fees for the most popular stretch of trails which connect Monterosso to Vernazza and then go from Vernazza to Corniglia. All other hiking is free in the area.

Faro is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Faro or Cinque Terre?

Faro is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

Faro has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Cinque Terre is a good destination for shopping. The towns are more about the atmosphere than the shops, but the best shopping can be found in the largest town of Monterosso. You'll find jewelry, clothing, and local food items that are fun to take home as souvenirs.

Is Faro or Cinque Terre More Beautiful?

Cinque Terre is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Faro is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Cinque Terre because of it's amazing beauty. The region is famous for its striking beauty and dramatic hills that sit beautifully against the rich blue waters.

Faro is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Faro or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

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

Cinque Terre offers lots of family activities. The five towns are all about exploring on foot, so if that's your kid's thing, then they're in for a treat. The hilly terrain can be a bit tricky, particularly for the little ones, but for older kids this area offers the perfect amount of challenge. There are also a couple of beaches and swimming spots as well as a playground or two around. Food, like most of Italy, is very kid-friendly.

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 Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

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

Cinque Terre has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. These stunning five Italian villages are perched precariously on the water's edge. They're surrounded by beautiful vineyards and connected by impressive hiking trails. This area is truly a dream honeymoon destination and it is sure to make a memorable vacation for any couple who enjoys exploring charming village.

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 Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Faro and Cinque Terre are notable 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.

Cinque Terre is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. There are a number of rooms available in the towns and there are even a couple of hostels including one in Riomaggiore and one in Corniglia. It's possible to find affordable food and accommodation, and your entertainment is simply wandering the area, which is perfect for budget travelers.

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

Faro and Cinque Terre 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.

Cinque Terre has a few public transit options. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

Is Faro or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre 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.

Cinque Terre is a very easy coastal region to get around on foot. Vehicle traffic in the towns are heavily restricted so it's very enjoyable to explore on foot. The terrain is hilly and uneven, but that's part of the charm. There are also hiking trails that connect each of the five towns.

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 Cinque Terre Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Faro?

How long in Faro or Cinque Terre?

In either Faro or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Cinque Terre has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Cinque Terre than Faro. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre.

One day in Faro or Cinque Terre?

In Faro, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this popular resort town offers. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Cinque Terre is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. 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 Cinque Terre?

Faro is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Cinque Terre is a fun place to experience. 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 Cinque Terre?

In Faro, many people enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling that this active destination offers. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Cinque Terre might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This coastal region offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Cinque Terre?

Faro is a popular place to visit. 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 entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Because Cinque Terre 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Faro and Cinque Terre, we can see that Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Faro or Cinque Terre?

Faro has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Faro and Cinque Terre, 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 Cinque Terre?

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 Cinque Terre in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Cinque Terre. The summer months attract visitors to Faro because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

In July, Faro is generally around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 25°C (78°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cinque Terre this time of the year. In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Cinque Terre during summer. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Faro usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Faro gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Faro or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Faro as well as Cinque Terre. The shopping scene are the main draw to Faro this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Faro is a little warmer than Cinque Terre in the autumn. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°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 Cinque Terre. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. Faro usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Faro or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

Both Cinque Terre and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Faro for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Faro is much warmer than Cinque Terre. Typically, the winter temperatures in Faro in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Faro usually receives more sunshine than Cinque Terre during winter. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. In January, Faro usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Faro or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

Both Cinque Terre and Faro during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Faro in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Faro is generally a little warmer than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 17°C (62°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Faro. In the spring, Faro often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terre. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Faro