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

Should you visit Faro or La Rochelle?

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

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

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a charming, peaceful, and relaxing coastal town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Faro and La Rochelle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Faro or La Rochelle?

Travelers will usually find more to do in La Rochelle. Although Faro and La Rochelle are popular destinations, La Rochelle has more sights and attractions for tourists. La Rochelle is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while Faro attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling. Faro is more touristy than La Rochelle and is known for its historical sights and rich culture. La Rochelle is famous for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. It is also well known for The Old Port.

How is Faro different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

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

La Rochelle 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, La Rochelle is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

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 La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

Faro is great for nightlife and partying. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its evening party scene.

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 La Rochelle. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is Faro or La Rochelle Better for Resorts?

Faro is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle is not a resort destination.

Is Faro or La Rochelle Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

La Rochelle is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Faro or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

Both Faro and La Rochelle have nice 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 La Rochelle. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Is Faro or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle can be explored in its historical center. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

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 La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

La Rochelle is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Faro is not a hiking destination.

La Rochelle has hiking trails worth exploring. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Faro is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Faro or La Rochelle?

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

La Rochelle offers some nice shopping areas. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is Faro or La Rochelle Better for Families?

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

La Rochelle offers lots of family activities. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

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 La Rochelle Better for Couples?

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

La Rochelle has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

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 La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Faro and La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Is Faro or La Rochelle Better for Students?

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

Faro is not popular with students.

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

Faro and La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle has a few public transit options. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Is Faro or La Rochelle a more walkable city?

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

La Rochelle is very walkable. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored 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 La Rochelle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or Faro?

How long in Faro or La Rochelle?

It's fun to spend time in either Faro or La Rochelle. 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 La Rochelle.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.

One day in Faro or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the active resort town of Faro. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

La Rochelle is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the active destination of Faro. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This resort town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

La Rochelle is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. 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 La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the active resort town of Faro. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

La Rochelle is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This coastal town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Faro or La Rochelle?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Faro. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Because La Rochelle is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Faro or La Rochelle?

La Rochelle has a larger population, and is about 86% larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Faro and La Rochelle, 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 La Rochelle?

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 La Rochelle in the Summer?

Both La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Faro is a little warmer than La Rochelle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Faro in July average around 25°C (78°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 20°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in La Rochelle. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. Faro usually receives more sunshine than La Rochelle during summer. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Faro usually receives less rain than La Rochelle. Faro gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Faro or La Rochelle in the Autumn?

Both La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Faro is generally a little warmer than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 20°C (68°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Faro. In the autumn, Faro often gets more sunshine than La Rochelle. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 141 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as La Rochelle. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Faro or La Rochelle in the Winter?

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

Faro is much warmer than La Rochelle in the winter. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Faro usually receives more sunshine than La Rochelle during winter. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Faro usually receives around the same amount of rain as La Rochelle. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Faro or La Rochelle in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Faro is a little warmer than La Rochelle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Faro in April average around 17°C (62°F), and La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 187 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets less rain in April than La Rochelle. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for La Rochelle and Faro