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

Should you visit Faro or Genoa?

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

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

Genoa

Genoa is a energetic, historic, and vibrant port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Faro and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less attractive beach


Is there more to do in Faro or Genoa?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Genoa than Faro, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Genoa is better known for its museums, food, and impressive beauty, while Faro is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Faro is well known for its historical sights and rich culture. Genoa is well known for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. Also, Genoa is famous for The Via Garibaldi Palaces.

How is Faro different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Faro
Genoa

Genoa 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 Genoa can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has a long history and it is filled with monuments, palaces, and museums. Popular places to visit include the Via Garibaldi Palaces, the aquarium (one of the largest in Europe), the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and Santi Ambrogio.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Faro
Genoa

Genoa 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 Genoa. The city's maritime roots have influenced its cuisine and you'll find seafood in many local dishes. Other classic Genoese flavors include pesto, anchovies, fried squid, and focaccia and cheese.

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 Genoa Better for Nightlife?

Faro
Genoa

Faro is great for its evening party scene. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Genoa. The city lights up at night and it's fun to experience the activity and energy. There's a nice evening atmosphere with many people out and about. You can grab drinks in Piazza Lavagna or see live music in Porto Antico. There are also many bars and clubs around town.

Is Faro or Genoa Better for Resorts?

Faro
Genoa

Faro is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Genoa is not a resort destination.

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

Genoa is not a resort destination.


Is Faro or Genoa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Faro
Genoa

Faro is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Genoa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Genoa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Faro or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Faro
Genoa

Faro is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Genoa is not a good destination for its beaches.

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.

Genoa is a good spot to see the beach. While many people head to other nearby towns to enjoy the beach, you will also find a beach just ten minutes from the old town by bus. Boccadasse is one of the closest beaches to town. It's also possible to do a day trip to other more famous beaches in the area, but you need to be prepared to travel a bit farther.

Is Faro or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

Faro
Genoa

Faro and Genoa both have notable 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 Genoa to see the old town. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.


Is the Shopping Better in Faro or Genoa?

Faro
Genoa

If you're looking to go shopping, Faro and Genoa 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.

Genoa offers some nice shopping areas. You can pick up a number of different souvenirs around town including baskets, t-shirts, and local pesto. Popular shopping areas include Galleria Mazzini, Via Roma, and Via XX Settembr.

Is Faro or Genoa Better for Families?

Faro
Genoa

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

Genoa is a very family-friendly destination. The city is home to the second biggest aquarium in Europe as well as the Galata Maritime Museum and the Nazario Sauro Submarine. In the port there's also Vascello Nettuno, which was a pirate ship that was used in the filming of the movie 'Pirates' by Roman Polanski. Other fun kid-friendly attractions include La Biosfera, The Children's Museum, and the Bigo Lift.

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 Genoa Better for Couples?

Faro
Genoa

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

Genoa is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. It's a beautiful port city with charming neighborhoods and some great restaurants. Couples will enjoy exploring this beautiful city and visiting its palaces and cathedrals.

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 Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Faro
Genoa

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

Genoa is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of affordable hostels in the area, and while this isn't the top backpacker destination in Italy, it is a nice place to spend some time.

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 Genoa Better for Students?

Faro
Genoa

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

Genoa is a great port city to visit as a student. It's a popular study abroad destination so you'll find a number of international students in the area. The city is also well connected for exploring the region.

Faro is not popular with students.

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

Faro
Genoa

Genoa 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 Genoa is fairly effecient and thorough. There's a wide range of different public transit options that are all operated by AMT. The system includes buses, an underground (one line), funiculars (two), lifts (ten), a boat, cogwheel and narrow gauge railways.

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 Genoa a more walkable city?

Faro
Genoa

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

Genoa is very walkable. The old town, where most tourists spend the majority of their time, is easy 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 Genoa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Faro?

How long in Faro or Genoa?

It's fun to spend time in either Faro or Genoa. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Faro due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Faro, and 2-4 days is enough time in Genoa.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Faro or Genoa? Ideal Length of Stay
    Faro 2-5 
    Genoa 2-4

One day in Faro or Genoa?

In Faro, many people enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling that this popular 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 food and shopping when visiting the destination of Genoa. 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 Genoa?

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.

Genoa 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 Genoa?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the colorful destination of Genoa. This port city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Faro or Genoa?

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.

The historic port city of Genoa offers nightlife and food. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Genoa or Faro?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Faro is €133, while the average daily cost in Genoa is €150. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Faro and Genoa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Faro 75
    Genoa 88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Faro 150
    Genoa 176
Compare Hotels in Faro and Genoa

Looking for a hotel in Faro or Genoa? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Faro


Hotels in Genoa


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Faro Hotel Prices and Genoa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Faro 9.52
    Genoa 8.69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro

Also for Faro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Lisbon airport transfers (up to 8pax): $480
  • Private Seville airport transfers (up to 8pax): $479
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Lisboa: $464
  • From Faro Airport: Private 1-Way Transfer to Lisbon: $384
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Sevilha: $378
  • Private Lisbon airport transfers (up to 4pax cars): $373
  • Private Airport Transfer - Faro Airport to Lisbon Airport: $259
  • Private Transfer From Faro To Lisbon With a 2 Hour Stop: $256
  • Transfer From Tavira Algarve To Lisbon: $255
  • Transfer Faro airport - Zambujeira do Mar: $228
  • From Faro Airport: Private 1-Way Transfer to Sagres: $192
  • Airport Transfer from Faro to Sagres: $175

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Genoa

Also for Genoa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Genova : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $597
  • Private Door-To-Door Transfer From Genoa To Florence: $284
  • Private Direct Transfer From Genoa to Nice, En Speaking Driver: $270
  • Private Transfer From Genoa to Milan English Speaking Driver: $248
  • Genoa to Milan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $228
  • Genoa Airport (GOA) to Milan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $222
  • From Genoa to Florence Hotels - Private Transfer: $145
  • Genoa to Malpensa Milan Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer : $131
  • Private Transfer from/to Genoa to/from Portofino: $123
  • Private transfer from Genoa to Portofino with Hotel or Cruise Port pick-up: $120
  • Genoa airport (GOA) to Savona Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $118
  • Genoa to Milan - Arrival Private Transfer: $114

Is it cheaper to fly into Faro or Genoa?

Prices for flights to both Genoa and Faro change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Faro 36
    Genoa 51

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Faro

For Faro, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The Most Delicious Private Food Tour of 6 or 10 Tastings: $83
  • 3 Hours Classic Food Tour in Faro: $97
  • Authentic Portuguese Cooking Experience in Algarve: $162

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Genoa

For Genoa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Genoese cooking lesson in the garden with lunch: $67
  • Genoa Old town Food Tour: $74
  • Itinerant dinner in the old town: $75
  • Street Food Tour: $84
  • Do Eat Better Experience - Food Tours in Genoa: $86
  • Traditional Food Tour: $91
  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Camogli: $93
  • Dining experience with cooking demo and wines in Rapallo: $93
  • Traditional Home Cooking Class in Genoa: $93
  • Tour of Genoa historic center and wine tasting with dinner: $93
  • Small-group Street food tour in Genoa: $97
  • Small-group Street food tour in Camogli: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Faro 9.41
    Genoa 20

Tours and Activities in Faro

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Faro.

  • Faro to Benagil Hiking Tour and Marinha beach: $60
  • 1 Hour Private Speed Boat Tour: $49
  • 1 or 2 Hour Speed Boat Tour - Ria Formosa: $26
  • 2 Hours Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $27
  • 2:30 Hours Tour: $272
  • 3 Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $33
  • 3-Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa on Olhão Algarve: $33
  • 30-minute Jet Ski experience through Punta del Moral: $108
  • 4 hour Kayak & Snorkeling Tour in Ria Formosa Natural park : $81
  • 5-hour island hopping tour: $60
  • 6 hour boat tour navegating through the Islands of Ria Formosa National Park : $65
  • Algarve Buggy Tours: $201

Tours and Activities in Genoa

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Genoa.

  • 2 Hours Private Historical Tour in Genoa: $103
  • 3 Hours Private Walking Tour of Genoa from the Cruise Terminal: $239
  • Aquarium of Genoa + Panera Ice Cream Taste experience: $32
  • Aquarium of Genoa Ticket and Whale Watching Cruise: $69
  • Aquarium of Entry Ticket and Aperitif: $31
  • Cesarine: Market Tour & Dining at a Local's Home in Genoa: $151
  • Cesarine: Small Group Market tour and Dining Experience in Genoa: $140
  • City Sightseeing Genoa Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $27
  • Discover Genoa, old town walking tour: $131
  • E-bike tour in Genova: $82
  • Essential Genoa Photo Tour: $131
  • Finance and Nobility: Explore medieval Genoa on a self-guided audio tour: $8.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Faro 3.13
    Genoa 10

Sample the Local Flavors in Faro

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:

  • Wine tastings, with Tour option - Authentic Algarve Flavours by Quinta da Tôr: $18
  • Visit to a Family Brewery in Loulé with Tasting: $27
  • Algarve Traditional Food and Wine Tasting: $48

Sample the Local Flavors in Genoa

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Genoa:

  • Guided Eco Hiking and Sea View Wine Tasting in Portofino Park: $75
  • CAMOGLI: PRIVATE Ligurian Wine Tasting Experience and walking on National Park: $125


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


Which is Bigger, Faro or Genoa?

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

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 Genoa in the Summer?

Both Genoa and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Faro because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Genoa this time of year.

In July, Faro is generally around the same temperature as Genoa. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 25°C (78°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

It's quite sunny in Genoa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Genoa during summer. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Faro usually receives less rain than Genoa. Faro gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Faro 25°C (78°F) 
    Genoa 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Faro or Genoa in the Autumn?

Both Genoa and Faro during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Faro this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Genoa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Faro is around the same temperature as Genoa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Genoa fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Faro. In the autumn, Faro often gets more sunshine than Genoa. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 183 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets less rain in October than Genoa. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Faro 20°C (68°F) 
    Genoa 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Faro or Genoa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Genoa. Many travelers come to Faro for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Genoa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Faro is a little warmer than Genoa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Faro in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Genoa averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Faro usually receives more sunshine than Genoa during winter. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Faro usually receives more rain than Genoa. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Faro 12°C (54°F) 
    Genoa 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Faro or Genoa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Faro as well as Genoa. Many visitors come to Faro in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Genoa for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Faro is generally a little warmer than Genoa. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 17°C (62°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 15°C (58°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 Genoa. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets less rain in April than Genoa. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Faro 17°C (62°F) 
    Genoa 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Genoa and Faro

Faro Genoa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 13°C (56°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 15°C (58°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 21°C (71°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)