A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Faro vs. Piazza Armerina for Old Town, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Faro or Piazza Armerina?

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

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

Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina is a authentic, historic, and charming town. Other reasons to visit include food and museums.

Faro and Piazza Armerina: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Faro or Piazza Armerina?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Faro. Although Faro and Piazza Armerina are popular destinations, Faro has more sights and attractions for tourists. Faro is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Piazza Armerina attracts visitors for its museums, food, and historical sights. Faro is more touristy than Piazza Armerina and is popular for its historical sights and rich culture. It is also well known for The Arco da Vila. Piazza Armerina is famous for it's local atmosphere and its premiere historic sight - the Villa Romana del Casale.

How is Faro different from Piazza Armerina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Faro
Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina can be an interesting and educational experience. Most people head to town specifically to visit Villa Romana del Casale, which is a few kilometers away. It's a beautiful Roman villa that can be explored in a few hours. Also in town is an Aragonese Castle and an 18th century Duomo.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Faro
Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina. Most visitors pass through town, stopping to visit Villa Romana del Casale. There are some pizzerias and other casual restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

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 Piazza Armerina Better for Nightlife?

Faro
Piazza Armerina

Faro is notable for nightlife and partying. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for its evening party scene.

Faro has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city's bustling party scene thrives along Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior.

Piazza Armerina doesn't offer many options. While many tourists pass through town with the intent of visiting the Villa Romana del Casale, most don't linger long enough appreciate the town at night.

Is Faro or Piazza Armerina Better for Resorts?

Faro
Piazza Armerina

Faro is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Piazza Armerina is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Faro for its luxury resorts. Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro.

Piazza Armerina is not a resort destination.


Is Faro or Piazza Armerina Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Faro
Piazza Armerina

Faro is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Piazza Armerina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Piazza Armerina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Faro or Piazza Armerina Better for Beaches?

Faro
Piazza Armerina

Faro is a good destination for the beache. However, Piazza Armerina is not a beach destination.

Faro offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Piazza Armerina is not a beach destination.

Is Faro or Piazza Armerina Better for its Old Town?

Faro
Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina to see the historical old town. The old town has a bit of authenticity that is missing from some of the more popular Sicilian cities. While it may feel a little worn to some people, those who like to get away from the souvenir shops will appreciate a visit.

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 the Shopping Better in Faro or Piazza Armerina?

Faro
Piazza Armerina

Faro is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Piazza Armerina 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.

Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Faro or Piazza Armerina Better for Families?

Faro
Piazza Armerina

Neither Faro nor Piazza Armerina 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.

Piazza Armerina is not the most family-friendly destination. Most people head to the town to explore the Villa Romana del Casale. The beauty and history may not thrill all kids, but if your kids enjoy a bit of history they will likely appreciate a visit. The town also has an Aragonese Castle that you can visit.

Is Faro or Piazza Armerina Better for Couples?

Faro
Piazza Armerina

Faro and Piazza Armerina are both nice 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.

Piazza Armerina makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For history enthusiasts, this is a popular place to visit. Like most visitors, couples will appreciate a visit to the town's main attraction Villa Romana del Casale.


Is Faro or Piazza Armerina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Faro
Piazza Armerina

Faro is a good destination for backpackers. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Faro. The are some good hostels in the area, but it's a bit tricky to get around without a car.

Piazza Armerina is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's a popular tourist destination, there are a limited number of hostels in town.

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

Faro
Piazza Armerina

Faro and Piazza Armerina 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.

Piazza Armerina has a few public transit options. You can reach the town by bus and once there it's possible to explore on foot.

Is Faro or Piazza Armerina a more walkable city?

Faro
Piazza Armerina

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

Piazza Armerina is very walkable. You can explore most of the old and new towns 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 Piazza Armerina Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Piazza Armerina or Faro?

How long in Faro or Piazza Armerina?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Faro or Piazza Armerina to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Faro than Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Faro than Piazza Armerina 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.


  • How many days in Faro or Piazza Armerina? Ideal Length of Stay
    Faro 2-5 
    Piazza Armerina 1-2

One day in Faro or Piazza Armerina?

The active destination of Faro offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Piazza Armerina. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Faro or Piazza Armerina?

The resort town of Faro offers shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Piazza Armerina is a fun place to experience. 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 Piazza Armerina?

Faro is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This resort town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find museums and food around the historic destination of Piazza Armerina. This 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 Piazza Armerina?

Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting Faro. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The historic town of Piazza Armerina offers food and museums. 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 Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina is €93. 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 Piazza Armerina in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Faro 75
    Piazza Armerina 56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Faro 150
    Piazza Armerina 112
Compare Hotels in Faro and Piazza Armerina

Looking for a hotel in Faro or Piazza Armerina? 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 Piazza Armerina


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 Piazza Armerina Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Faro 9.52
    Piazza Armerina 4.29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro

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

  • Lisbon Oriente Station: Transfer to/from Faro City Center: $4.23
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Quarteira & Vilamoura: $19
  • Faro Airport: Private transfer to Vilamoura & Quarteira: $19
  • Private Transfer from Faro Airport to Albufeira: $26
  • Private Transfer: Faro to Faro International Airport (FAO): $28
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Faro Airport to Algarve Hotels: $29
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Almancil: $30
  • Private Car or Van Transfer Faro Airport FAO to Albufeira Area: $36
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Faro HTL-APT (FAO): $36
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Olhao: $37
  • Private Transfer from Loulé to Faro (FAO) Airport: $37
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Vilamoura: $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Piazza Armerina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Piazza Armerina:

  • From Catania: Return Transfer to Piazza Armerina & Agrigento: $106

Is it cheaper to fly into Faro or Piazza Armerina?

Prices for flights to both Piazza Armerina 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
    Piazza Armerina 33

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Faro 9.41
    Piazza Armerina 4.29

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 Piazza Armerina

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Piazza Armerina are as follows:

  • From Catania: Agrigento-Piazza Armerina Audio-guided Tour: $128
  • Roman Villa del Casale Mosaics Tour: $241
  • Villa Romana del Casale Guided Tour: $42
  • Private Tour of Villa Romana del Casale & Valley of Temples: $225

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Faro 3.13
    Piazza Armerina 13

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


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

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


Which is Bigger, Faro or Piazza Armerina?

Faro has a larger population, and is about 97% larger than the population of Piazza Armerina. When comparing the sizes of Faro and Piazza Armerina, 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 Piazza Armerina?

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 Piazza Armerina in the Summer?

Both Piazza Armerina and Faro during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Faro for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Piazza Armerina in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Faro is around the same temperature as Piazza Armerina. Typically, the summer temperatures in Faro in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Piazza Armerina averages at about 26°C (79°F).

In Piazza Armerina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Faro. In the summer, Faro often gets more sunshine than Piazza Armerina. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Piazza Armerina receives 325 hours of full sun.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Faro 25°C (78°F) 
    Piazza Armerina 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Faro or Piazza Armerina in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Piazza Armerina. Many visitors come to Faro in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Faro is generally around the same temperature as Piazza Armerina. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 20°C (68°F), and Piazza Armerina fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Piazza Armerina during autumn. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Piazza Armerina receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Faro usually receives less rain than Piazza Armerina. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Faro 20°C (68°F) 
    Piazza Armerina 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Faro or Piazza Armerina in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Faro as well as Piazza Armerina. Most visitors come to Faro for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Piazza Armerina because of the museums and the cuisine.

Faro is a little warmer than Piazza Armerina in the winter. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Piazza Armerina fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the winter, Faro often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Piazza Armerina. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Piazza Armerina receives 153 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets more rain in January than Piazza Armerina. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Faro 12°C (54°F) 
    Piazza Armerina 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Faro or Piazza Armerina in the Spring?

Both Piazza Armerina and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Faro because of the beaches.

In the spring, Faro is a little warmer than Piazza Armerina. Typically, the spring temperatures in Faro in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Piazza Armerina averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Piazza Armerina. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Piazza Armerina during spring. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Piazza Armerina receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Faro usually receives around the same amount of rain as Piazza Armerina. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Piazza Armerina and Faro

Faro Piazza Armerina
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 10°C (51°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 13°C (56°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 15°C (58°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 19°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 14 mm (0.5 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 24°C (74°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)