Which place is cheaper, Playa Blanca or Faro?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Faro or Playa Blanca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Playa Blanca, 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.
Where Should I go: Faro or Playa Blanca?
Faro
Faro (or sometimes Faros) is the capital city of the scenic Algarve Region of Portugal, located at the edge of the Ria Formosa National Park. This is a fantastic place to experience the beauty, culture, and traditions of Portugal in laid back atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities. Faro offers everything from ancient architecture to beautiful beaches all while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the Algarve Region.
Playa Blanca
Located on the southern tip of the Canary Island of Lanzarote, Playa Blanca is a resort area popular with families and couples seeking a quieter vacation alternative to the lively neighbor resort of Puerto del Carmen. The resort's white sandy beaches are peaceful and sheltered from the higher winds found on other parts of the island. Timanfaya National Park is also nearby, as well as a number of other spectacular volcanic features.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFaro €133Playa Blanca €155
The average daily cost (per person) in Faro is €133, while the average daily cost in Playa Blanca is €155. 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 Playa Blanca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFaro €75Playa Blanca €81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFaro €150Playa Blanca €162
Compare Hotels in Faro and Playa Blanca
Looking for a hotel in Faro or Playa Blanca? 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.
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 Playa Blanca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Faro €9.52Playa Blanca €49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro
Also for Faro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Faro HTL-APT (FAO): $36
- Transfers taxi tours golf wedding: $55
- Transfers airport Faro X Albufeira: $91
- Transfers From Faro Airport to Muthu Club Praia da Oura: $71
- Transfers From Faro Airport to Hotel Paraiso Albufeira: $70
- Transfers Algarve: Airport Faro - Albufeira, 4 or 8 PAX: $61
- Transfer from Faro airport to Ponta Grande Resort: $42
- Transfer from Faro airport to Hotel Vila Recife: $42
- Transfer from Faro airport to Hotel São Rafael Atlântico: $42
- Transfer from Faro airport to Almancil: $30
- Transfer from Faro airport to Algoz: $50
- Transfer from Faro Airport to Balaia Plaza Hotel: $42
Is it cheaper to fly into Faro or Playa Blanca?
Prices for flights to both Playa Blanca 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
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Food Meals for one dayFaro €36Playa Blanca €45
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Faro €9.41Playa Blanca €20
Tours and Activities in Faro
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Faro.
- Faro to Benagil Hiking Tour and Marinha beach: $60
- 1 or 2 Hour Speed Boat Tour - Ria Formosa: $26
- 2 Hours Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $27
- 2:30 Hours Tour: $273
- 3 Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $33
- 3-Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa on Olhão Algarve: $33
- 5 hours tour in Ria Formosa: $49
- 5-hour island hopping tour: $60
- 6 hour boat tour navegating through the Islands of Ria Formosa National Park : $65
- A Timeless Private Walking Tour Experience in Tavira: $202
- Algarve Buggy Tours: $202
- Algarve Dolphin Watching & Marine Life Eco Tour: $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFaro €3.13Playa Blanca €9.29
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 comparing the travel costs between Faro and Playa Blanca, we can see that Playa Blanca is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Faro Expensive? and Is Playa Blanca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Faro or Playa Blanca?
Faro has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Playa Blanca. When comparing the sizes of Faro and Playa Blanca, 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 Playa Blanca?
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 Playa Blanca in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Playa Blanca. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Faro this time of year.
In the summer, Faro is around the same temperature as Playa Blanca. Typically, the summer temperatures in Faro in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Playa Blanca averages at about 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa Blanca this time of the year. In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Playa Blanca during summer. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies, while Playa Blanca receives 282 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Faro usually receives more rain than Playa Blanca. Faro gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Playa Blanca receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFaro 25°C (78°F)Playa Blanca 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Faro or Playa Blanca in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Faro as well as Playa Blanca. Many travelers come to Faro for the shopping scene.
In October, Faro is generally around the same temperature as Playa Blanca. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 20°C (68°F), and Playa Blanca fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa Blanca. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Faro this time of the year. In the autumn, Faro often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Playa Blanca. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa Blanca receives 224 hours of full sun.
Faro usually gets more rain in October than Playa Blanca. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Playa Blanca receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFaro 20°C (68°F)Playa Blanca 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Faro or Playa Blanca in the Winter?
Both Playa Blanca and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Faro in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Faro is cooler than Playa Blanca in the winter. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Playa Blanca fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
It's quite sunny in Playa Blanca. Faro usually receives less sunshine than Playa Blanca during winter. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Playa Blanca receives 204 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Faro usually receives more rain than Playa Blanca. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Playa Blanca receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFaro 12°C (54°F)Playa Blanca 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Faro or Playa Blanca in the Spring?
Both Playa Blanca and Faro during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Faro for the beaches during these months.
In the spring, Faro is cooler than Playa Blanca. Typically, the spring temperatures in Faro in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Playa Blanca averages at about 19°C (66°F).
In Playa Blanca, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Faro. In the spring, Faro often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Playa Blanca. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa Blanca receives 250 hours of full sun.
Faro usually gets more rain in April than Playa Blanca. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Playa Blanca receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFaro 17°C (62°F)Playa Blanca 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Playa Blanca and Faro
| Faro | Playa Blanca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (56°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (58°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.