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

Should you visit Faro or Crete?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Crete, 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. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Crete

Crete is a scenic, stunning, and breathtaking island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Faro and Crete: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Faro or Crete?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Crete than Faro, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Crete is better known for its museums, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Faro is more popular for its historical sights. Crete is more touristy than Faro and is popular for its breathtaking beaches, wild nightlife, and impressive archeological ruins. Also, Crete is famous for the Palace of Knossos. Faro is well known for its historical sights and rich culture.

How is Faro different from Crete?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Crete 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 Crete can be an interesting and educational experience. The island is filled with archeological sites including the famous Palace of Knossos. While most people come to Crete for the natural beauty, in the cities you'll find some great museums and landmarks.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Crete 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, Crete is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Local cuisine is influenced by the island's fertile environment and excellent agriculture. You'll find olive oil in most dishes and seafood is a major staple. You'll also find a lot of stews and recipes that incorporate local ingredients.

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 Crete Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Crete has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The island has excellent nightlife with clubs and bars found in Chania, Malia and Stalis to Elounda. The area is popular with British tourists and you'll find many bars open until 2 or 3 in the morning.

Is Faro or Crete Better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, fantastic resorts can be found in both Faro and Crete.

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

Crete is a world class resort vacation destination. The island has world class resorts that include pools and buffet meals. There are many beachfront resorts that range in style from romantic to family-friendly.

Is Faro or Crete Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Crete is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its diving and snorkeling.

Many visitors go to Crete to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. The island is surrounded by clear waters that make for great snorkeling and diving. There's a number of beautiful fish and other sea life that you can see. Be on the lookout for crabs, sea stars, sponges, and even octopi.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Is Faro or Crete Better for Beaches?

Crete is a must-visit destination for its beaches. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for the beache.

The beaches in Crete are among the best in the world. There are some of the best beaches in the world on Crete. The areas around Chania have some of the island's best beaches, with one of the most beautiful being Balos. On the northern side of the island, be on the lookout for strong winds, particularly in August, which can make for larger waves. The island is large, so you'll find everything from secluded and quiet beaches to more active and lively places.

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 Crete Better for its Old Town?

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

Faro offers a nice historic old town area. 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.

Crete does not have a historic old town.

Is Faro or Crete Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Crete for the hiking trails. The island is filled with beautiful hikes that run along the shoreline or head inland through the island's beautiful landscapes. There are hikes for every ability level that offer spectacular views and an incredible experience.

Faro is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Faro or Crete?

If you're looking to go shopping, Faro and Crete both offer plenty of notable 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.

Crete offers some nice shopping areas. The island has many markets that sell local foods and handicrafts. There are also shops and boutiques where you can buy anything from souvenirs to homemade artwork.

Is Faro or Crete Better for Families?

Crete is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Faro is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Crete is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. The island is large and filled with countless family-friendly activities. You can spend several days at the beach, explore Lake Kournas, visit a water park, or even take a pirate themed boat cruise. There's also the amusement park, ​​Labyrinth Park, aquariums and more.

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 Crete Better for Couples?

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

Crete has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes, world renowned restaurants, and amazing resorts make this a top honeymoon spot for international travelers and romance seekers.

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 Crete Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Crete is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a large island with a great social scene and no shortage of hostels for backpackers to choose from.

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 Crete Better for Students?

Crete is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Faro is not popular with students.

Crete is a great island to visit as a student. It's affordability and great coastal activities is a big draw for students in the area.

Faro is not popular with students.

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

Faro and Crete 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.

Crete has a few public transit options. There's a decent bus system that travels around the island and offers access to many areas.

Is Faro or Crete a more walkable city?

Faro is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Crete is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Crete is generally not a very walkable resort town. The island is large and requires a vehicle to get around, but there are short strolls that let you enjoy the stunning landscapes.

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

Should I spend more time in Crete or Faro?

How long in Faro or Crete?

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

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

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

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

One day in Faro or Crete?

In Faro, many people enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling that this active destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Crete. 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 Crete?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Faro. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Crete 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 Crete?

Faro is a fun place to experience. In Faro, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the world-renowned destination of Crete. This island 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 Crete?

You'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the popular destination of Faro. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the world-renowned island of Crete. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Contiki Tours to Greece, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece.

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

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

Which has a larger population, Faro or Crete?

Crete has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Faro and Crete, 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.