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

Should you visit Faro or Korcula?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Korcula, 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. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Korcula

Korcula is a historic, scenic, and laid back island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Faro and Korcula: 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
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Faro or Korcula?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Korcula. Although Faro and Korcula are popular destinations, Korcula has more sights and attractions for tourists. Korcula is very popular for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Faro attracts visitors for its nightlife and resorts. Faro is famous for its historical sights and rich culture. Korcula is famous for its small old town and its beautiful natural setting. It is also well known for St Mark's Cathedral.

How is Faro different from Korcula?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Faro
Korcula

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

Korcula is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most of the sights are concentrated in Korcula Town, which has a charming old town that is filled with stone houses. In the center of the old town is St Mark's Cathedral. Other points of interest include Abbey Treasury and Marco Polo's House.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Faro
Korcula

Korcula 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 Korcula. Food is a way of life on the island, and you'll likely enjoy bread, salad, soup, and grilled meat or seafood at most meals. The ingredients are locally produced and fresh.

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 Korcula Better for Nightlife?

Faro
Korcula

Faro is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Korcula is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Faro know how to have a good time. The city's bustling party scene thrives along Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior.

Korcula doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The party scene is lacking in the old town, so this isn't the place to visit for nightlife. Many of the restaurants become cocktail bars at night, and there is a club or two that has opened in recent years.

Is Faro or Korcula Better for Resorts?

Faro
Korcula

Faro is renowned for its resorts. However, Korcula is not a resort destination.

Faro is a world class resort vacation destination. Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro.

Korcula is not a resort destination.


Is Faro or Korcula Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Faro
Korcula

You'll find nice snorkeling or scuba diving in both Faro and Korcula.

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 Korcula. There are a few snorkeling tours that leave from the island.

Is Faro or Korcula Better for Beaches?

Faro
Korcula

Korcula is great for its beaches. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for the beache.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Korcula. There are a number of beautiful beaches around the island. Head south for the sandier beaches and north for the pebbly, shallower beaches. Many people think that Lumbarda has the best beaches on the island.

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 Korcula Better for its Old Town?

Faro
Korcula

Korcula is great for its historic old town. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its old town.

Many visitors go to Korcula to see the historical old town. The charming old town is filled with interesting buildings and historic streets that you can explore.

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 Korcula Better for Hiking?

Faro
Korcula

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

Many visitors go to Korcula for the hiking trails. There are many natural and hiking areas on the island so you can enjoy a full day hike or a shorter stroll through the area.

Faro is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Faro or Korcula?

Faro
Korcula

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

Korcula offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find boutiques, small retail shops, or stores selling knick knacks around town.

Is Faro or Korcula Better for Families?

Faro
Korcula

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

Korcula is a very family-friendly destination. The island has many great hikes that are appropriate for all ages. There are also pebbly beaches where the kids can play in the water and explore.

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 Korcula Better for Couples?

Faro
Korcula

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

Korcula is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. The beautiful old town, striking coastline, and wonderful natural beauty make for a great honeymoon or romantic escape. There are many nice hikes in the area and the beaches are nice for cooling off.

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 Korcula Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Faro
Korcula

For backpackers, both Faro and Korcula 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.

Korcula is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. You'll find enough hostels around the island to choose from and there are usually plenty of backpackers hanging out.

Is Faro or Korcula Better for Students?

Faro
Korcula

Korcula is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Faro is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Korcula. More students have been moving to the island, and you'll find a growing student population.

Faro is not popular with students.


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

Faro
Korcula

Faro and Korcula both offer nice 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.

Korcula has a few public transit options. There are buses around the island but not all routes are very frequent.

Is Faro or Korcula a more walkable city?

Faro
Korcula

Faro and Korcula are nice when it comes to walkability.

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

Korcula is a somewhat walkable place. There are foot paths and trails all over the island but you'll want to rent a bike if you're going long distances.

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

Should I spend more time in Korcula or Faro?

How long in Faro or Korcula?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Faro and Korcula. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Faro than in Korcula. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Faro, and 2-3 days is enough time in Korcula.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Faro or Korcula? Ideal Length of Stay
    Faro 2-5 
    Korcula 2-3

One day in Faro or Korcula?

In Faro, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This resort town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Korcula. 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 Korcula?

In Faro, you'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Faro has to offer.

Korcula is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Korcula?

Faro is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Faro has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find museums and food around the historic destination of Korcula. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Faro or Korcula?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Faro. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Faro. 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 historic island of Korcula offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.


Which place is cheaper, Korcula 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 Korcula is €90. 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 Korcula in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Faro 75
    Korcula 58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Faro 150
    Korcula 116
Compare Hotels in Faro and Korcula

Looking for a hotel in Faro or Korcula? 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 Korcula


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 Korcula Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Faro 9.52
    Korcula 1.40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro

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

  • ) Transfers airport Faro X Sevilla: $91
  • Aiport Transfer from FARO to TAVIRA or CABANAS: $72
  • Airport Transfer to Albufeira: $62
  • Airport Transfer to Armação da Pera: $81
  • Airport Transfer to Burgau: $143
  • Airport Transfer to Cadiz: $669
  • Airport Transfer to Carvoeiro: $87
  • Airport Transfer to Evora: $414
  • Airport Transfer to Gale: $67
  • Airport Transfer to Huelva: $155
  • Airport Transfer to Isla Antilla: $129
  • Airport Transfer to Lagos: $118

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Korcula

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Korcula:

  • Private One Way Transfer from Orebić to Dubrovnik: $205
  • Island Stupe / Moro Beach Transfer: $26

Is it cheaper to fly into Faro or Korcula?

Prices for flights to both Korcula 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
    Korcula 28

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 Korcula

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Korcula.

  • Private Half-Day Cooking Workshop Gastronomy in Korcula: $87
  • Korcula walking tour and dinner for Food Lovers: $228
  • Korčula: Island Yacht Cruise with Wine Tasting and Dinner: $321

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Faro 9.41
    Korcula 11

Tours and Activities in Faro

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

  • Camera Obscura - Tavira Eye - Admission Ticket: $5.45
  • Faro Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
  • Lagos Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
  • Tavira Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $7.84
  • Faro Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
  • Algarve Life Sciences Center Museum Family Ticket: $13
  • Cork Factory Tour & Cork Shop: $18
  • Ria Formosa Sunset Boat Tour: $21
  • Eco Boat Tour in the Ria Formosa Lagoon from Faro: $22
  • 1 or 2 Hour Speed Boat Tour - Ria Formosa: $26
  • 2 Hours Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $27
  • Tavira Route Boat Tour: $27

Tours and Activities in Korcula

Here are a few actual costs in Korcula for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 Hour Private Walking Tour in Korcula : $75
  • 3 Islands Tour - HopOnHopOff - Daily Ticket : $33
  • Bits of History - Half day kayak Tour: $66
  • City tour Korćula - private walking tour: $117
  • Croatia Korcula Island Buggy Safari Tour: $120
  • Dubrovnik Republic Tour From Korcula and Orebic: $98
  • From Dubrovnik Private tour to Korčula Island: $342
  • From Dubrovnik Old Town Private yacht cruise: $3,743
  • Half Day Original Buggy Adventure and Safari Tour in Korcula: $109
  • Half day Lago di Korcula Half-Day Sea Kayak Tour: $64
  • Jeanneau Prestige 440 Fly Private Boat Tour: $1,497
  • Korcula Island Mountain E Bike Tour: $186

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Faro 3.13
    Korcula 9.69

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: $19
  • Visit to a Family Brewery in Loulé with Tasting: $27
  • Algarve Traditional Food and Wine Tasting: $48

Sample the Local Flavors in Korcula

Also in Korcula, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine Tasting at Black Island Winery: $31
  • Slurp of Grk Wine Tour: $92
  • Day Tour from Dubrovnik - Korčula and Pelješac Wine Tasting: $92
  • Wine Tour Korcula: $98
  • Half-Day Bike Tour in Lumbarda with Wine Tasting: $105
  • Korcula Buggy Safari With Wine Tasting: $107
  • Korcula Bike & Wine Tour: $111
  • Private Korcula wine tour and tasting : $131
  • Wine tour Korčula - private tour: $146
  • Enchanted Forest Hike and Wine Tasting Private Tour: $158
  • Korcula Island Sightseeing Tour Including Wine Tasting: $229


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

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


Which is Bigger, Faro or Korcula?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Faro or Korcula in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Faro as well as Korcula. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Faro this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Korcula for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Faro is around the same temperature as Korcula. Typically, the summer temperatures in Faro in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Korcula averages at about 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Korcula. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Faro this time of the year. In the summer, Faro often gets more sunshine than Korcula. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Korcula receives 345 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets less rain in July than Korcula. Faro gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Faro 25°C (78°F) 
    Korcula 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Faro or Korcula in the Autumn?

Both Korcula and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Faro for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Korcula in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Faro is generally a little warmer than Korcula. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 20°C (68°F), and Korcula fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Korcula. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Korcula during autumn. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Korcula receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Faro usually receives less rain than Korcula. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Faro 20°C (68°F) 
    Korcula 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Faro or Korcula in the Winter?

Both Korcula and Faro during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Faro in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Korcula for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Faro is a little warmer than Korcula in the winter. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Korcula fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Faro often gets more sunshine than Korcula. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Korcula receives 128 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Korcula. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Faro 12°C (54°F) 
    Korcula 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Faro or Korcula in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Korcula. Most visitors come to Faro for the beaches during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Korcula because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Faro is a little warmer than Korcula. Typically, the spring temperatures in Faro in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Korcula averages at about 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Korcula this time of the year. In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Korcula during spring. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Korcula receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Faro usually receives less rain than Korcula. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Faro 17°C (62°F) 
    Korcula 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Korcula and Faro

Faro Korcula
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 13°C (56°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 15°C (58°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)