A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Faro vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Couples, Food, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Faro or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Mont-Saint-Michel, 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a inspiring, iconic, and religious island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

Faro and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Faro or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Faro. Although Faro and Mont-Saint-Michel are popular destinations, Faro has more sights and attractions for tourists. Faro is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Mont-Saint-Michel attracts visitors for its museums, food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Faro and is popular for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. Faro is famous for its historical sights and rich culture. It is also well known for The Arco da Vila.

How is Faro different from Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. However, Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Mont-Saint-Michel from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Faro or Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a nice place to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Faro is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Mont-Saint-Michel. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Faro is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Faro or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Resorts?

Faro is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Faro is a perfect choice. Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a resort destination.

Is Faro or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Faro is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Faro or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Beaches?

Faro is very good for the beache. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Faro to enjoy the beach. 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

Is Faro or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for its Old Town?

Faro is very good for its old town. However, Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

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.

Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

Is Faro or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Faro is not a hiking destination.

Mont-Saint-Michel has hiking trails worth exploring. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Faro is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Faro or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Faro is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Faro offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Faro or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Neither Faro nor Mont-Saint-Michel are considered to be the most family-friendly destination.

For families, Faro is not always the best place to visit. There are some nice nature reserves in the area so kids who love wildlife will enjoy a visit.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not the most family-friendly destination. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Faro or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

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

Mont-Saint-Michel has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Faro and Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

Is Faro or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Faro and Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel has a few public transit options. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Is Faro or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is very walkable. There are many stunning walks in the area.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Faro?

How long in Faro or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Faro or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Faro than Mont-Saint-Michel because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Faro, and 1-2 days is enough time in Mont-Saint-Michel.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Faro than Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Faro.

One day in Faro or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the destination of Faro, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Faro or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the busy resort town of Faro, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

With shopping and nightlife around the busy destination of Faro, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you have five days, this resort town makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

You'll find museums and food around the breathtaking destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. This island offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Faro or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Faro is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The breathtaking island of Mont-Saint-Michel offers food and museums. 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 River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Faro and Mont-Saint-Michel, we can see that Mont-Saint-Michel is more expensive. And not only is Faro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Faro would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Faro 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 Mont-Saint-Michel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mont-Saint-Michel than you might in Faro.

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

Which is Bigger, Faro or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Faro has a larger population, and is about 520 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Faro and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Faro as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Most visitors come to Faro for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Faro is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Faro in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 19°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mont-Saint-Michel. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Faro this time of the year. In the summer, Faro often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets less rain in July than Mont-Saint-Michel. Faro gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Faro or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Faro because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

In October, Faro is generally much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 20°C (68°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during autumn. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Faro usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Faro or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Faro during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Faro this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the museums and the cuisine.

Faro is much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the winter. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Faro often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets more rain in January than Mont-Saint-Michel. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Faro or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Mont-Saint-Michel. Many travelers come to Faro for the beaches. Furthermore, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Faro is much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Faro in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during spring. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Faro usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Faro