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

Should you visit Faro or Palermo?

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

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

Palermo

Palermo is a fun, colorful, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Faro and Palermo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Faro or Palermo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Palermo than Faro, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Palermo is better known for its museums, food, beaches, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Faro is more popular for its resorts and historical sights. Faro is more touristy than Palermo and is popular for its historical sights and rich culture. Palermo is well known for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. Also, Palermo is famous for The Cathedral.

How is Faro different from Palermo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Palermo is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of grand buildings and impressive architectural buildings that you should visit. The cathedral, the Norman Palace, and Cappella Palatina are among the best.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Palermo 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 Palermo. The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.

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 Palermo Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is high quality in both Faro and Palermo.

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.

Palermo has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.

Is Faro or Palermo Better for Resorts?

Faro is very popular for its resorts. However, Palermo 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.

Palermo is not a resort destination.

Is Faro or Palermo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find notable snorkeling or scuba diving in both Faro and Palermo.

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 Palermo. The dive season lasts most of the year and there are many beautiful dive spots that are accessible from the city. The water is clear and there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.

Is Faro or Palermo Better for Beaches?

Palermo 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 Palermo. The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.

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 Palermo Better for its Old Town?

Faro is a resort town with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Palermo 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.

Palermo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Faro or Palermo?

Palermo is great for shopping. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Palermo. The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.

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.

Is Faro or Palermo Better for Families?

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

Palermo is a very family-friendly destination. The city has beaches where everyone can cool off and play in the relaxing waves. There's also a botanical garden and the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins. Kids will also enjoy exploring the many diverse markets throughout the city.

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 Palermo Better for Couples?

Faro and Palermo are both notable to visit as a couple.

Faro is a nice destination for couples. With the beautiful natural areas and historic old town, this seaport makes a nice couples vacation.

Palermo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with fun adventures, unique markets, and relaxing beaches. It makes a great city escape for couples who enjoy spending time outdoors but also having access to an urban setting.

Is Faro or Palermo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Faro and Palermo are notable 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.

Palermo is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. There are a decent number of affordable hostels around town as well as plenty of backpackers that keep the scene fun and social.

Is Faro or Palermo Better for Students?

Palermo 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 Palermo. It's an affordable student destination with a relaxing and laid back vibe. There's enough activity to keep it interesting without a high pressure setting.

Faro is not popular with students.

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

Faro is a resort town with good options for its public transit. However, Palermo is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Faro has a few public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to the beach, the airport, and other outlying areas.

Public transit is mostly limited in Palermo. If you stick to the main city center then you can get around by city bus, but if you're headed anywhere else, you'll likely want to take a taxi or Uber.

Is Faro or Palermo a more walkable city?

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

Palermo is very walkable. The city is walkable with a number of streets closed to cars and pedestrian only.

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 Palermo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Palermo or Faro?

How long in Faro or Palermo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Faro and Palermo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Faro than in Palermo. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Faro, and 1-3 days is enough time in Palermo.

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

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

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

One day in Faro or Palermo?

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 nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Palermo. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Faro or Palermo?

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.

Palermo 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 Palermo?

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 scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the dynamic destination of Palermo. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Faro or Palermo?

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 diverse city of Palermo offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Faro or Palermo?

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Faro and Palermo, 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 Palermo?

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 Palermo in the Summer?

Both Palermo and Faro during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Faro this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Palermo for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Palermo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Faro. In the summer, Faro often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Palermo. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palermo receives 347 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets less rain in July than Palermo. Faro gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Faro or Palermo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Palermo. Many travelers come to Faro for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Palermo in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Faro is around the same temperature as Palermo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Palermo fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo this time of the year. In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Palermo during autumn. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Palermo receives 204 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Faro usually receives more rain than Palermo. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Faro or Palermo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Faro as well as Palermo. Many visitors come to Faro in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Palermo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Faro is around the same temperature as Palermo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Faro in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Palermo averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the winter, Faro often gets more sunshine than Palermo. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palermo receives 133 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets more rain in January than Palermo. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Faro or Palermo in the Spring?

Both Palermo and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Faro for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Palermo because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Faro is generally a little warmer than Palermo. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 17°C (62°F), and Palermo fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Palermo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Palermo during spring. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Palermo receives 219 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Faro usually receives around the same amount of rain as Palermo. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Palermo and Faro