A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Faro vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Faro or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Plitvice Lakes National Park, 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 popular, busy, and active resort town. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a spectacular, scenic, and world-famous national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Faro and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the terraced chain of lakes


Is there more to do in Faro or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Faro. Although Faro and Plitvice Lakes National Park are both popular with visitors, Faro has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Faro is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Plitvice Lakes National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Plitvice Lakes National Park is more touristy than Faro and is known for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes. Faro is popular for its historical sights and rich culture. It is also home to The Arco da Vila.

How is Faro different from Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Plitvice Lakes National Park and Faro. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is the Food Better in Faro or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Faro
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Both Faro and Plitvice Lakes National Park offer a number of decent restaurants to choose from.

Faro offers some easy restaurants to choose from. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Plitvice Lakes National Park. You'll find a few tourist cafes near the lakes that serve grilled meats and other simple dishes. You can also grab a snack from the food stalls that are near the entrance to the park.


Is Faro or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

Faro
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Faro is great for nightlife. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Faro or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Resorts?

Faro
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Faro is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Faro or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Faro
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Faro is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Faro or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Beaches?

Faro
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Faro is very good for its beaches. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Faro or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for its Old Town?

Faro
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Faro is very good for its historic old town. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.

Faro is a good destination for visiting its 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Faro or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Faro
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is great for hiking. However, Faro is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking trails. There are eight different walking routes that range in length from 3 kilometers to 18 kilometers. They take between 3 and 8 hours and are well marked.

Faro is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Faro or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Faro
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Faro is very good for shopping. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Faro or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Faro
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Faro is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very family-friendly destination. It's a fun place to explore with kids, but if you're traveling with young ones, keep a close eye on them. Also take note that it's not stroller-friendly and make sure that you arrive early to avoid the crowds.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

Faro
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is great for romance. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its romantic activities.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. It's a natural wonder that is beautiful and romantic to explore as a couple. It can get crowded, as it's a top tourist destination is Croatia, so make sure you arrive early to avoid the peak times.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Faro
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for backpackers.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are three hotels within the park and a handful of hostels nearby. There's also some camping options in the area.

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

Is Faro or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Faro
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Faro is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are several bus stops near the park but the bus service is infrequent and can involve long trips.

Is Faro or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Faro
Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its high level of walkability.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very easy national park to get around on foot. The park is well organized into several walking routes that can be explored in a few hours.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Plitvice Lakes National Park or Faro?

How long in Faro or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Faro than Plitvice Lakes National Park. 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.


  • How many days in Faro or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Faro 2-5 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1-2

One day in Faro or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Faro, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Faro or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Faro is a fun place to experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Faro, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

You'll find around the scenic destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. This national park offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Faro or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The active resort town of Faro offers shopping and nightlife. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The world-famous national park of Plitvice Lakes National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 10-Day Tours in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park is €125. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Faro 75
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Faro 150
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 120
Compare Hotels in Faro and Plitvice Lakes National Park

Looking for a hotel in Faro or Plitvice Lakes National Park? 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Faro 9.52
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro

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

  • Airport Transfer to Malaga: $743
  • Airport Transfer to Cadiz: $669
  • Airport Transfer to Sintra: $569
  • Airport Transfer to Lisbon: $533
  • Private Lisbon airport transfers (up to 8pax): $481
  • Private Seville airport transfers (up to 8pax): $481
  • Airport Transfer to Sevilla: $476
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Lisboa: $465
  • Airport Transfer to Evora: $414
  • From Faro Airport: Private 1-Way Transfer to Lisbon: $385
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Sevilha: $380
  • Private Lisbon airport transfers (up to 4pax cars): $374

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also for Plitvice Lakes National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $271
  • Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zagreb Airport (ZAG): $232
  • Plitvice lakes Guiding with Transfer: $182
  • From Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb private one-way transfer: $150
  • From Zadar: Round-Trip Transfer to Plitvice Lakes: $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Faro or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park 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
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 40

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
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 34

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

Tours and Activities in Plitvice Lakes National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Plitvice Lakes National Park.

  • 3,5 hours Guided Buggy Tour in Plitvice lakes: $76
  • Abandoned military airbase Zeljava -2h guided tour: $55
  • Croatia Walking Tour in a Wonderland: $174
  • E-Bike tour Plitvice Big Waterfall Viewpoints & Tito's Villa: $87
  • From Split and Trogir: Plitvice Lakes Economy Group Tour: $48
  • From Split: Plitvice Lakes Guided tour: $70
  • Full Day Private Tour of Plitvice Lakes from Split & Trogir: $738
  • Half day tour around Plitvice Lakes: $29
  • PLITVICE LAKES FULL DAY TOUR WITH LOCAL: $182
  • Plitvice Countryside Bike Tour with Barac Caves: $76
  • Plitvice Guided Tour- Tickets only RESERVED: $44
  • Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Faro 3.13
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 14

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park, we can see that Faro 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Faro or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Faro for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Faro is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It's quite sunny in Plitvice Lakes National Park. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during summer. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Faro usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Faro gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Faro 25°C (78°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Faro or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Faro during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of year.

In the autumn, Faro is much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Faro in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Faro. In the autumn, Faro often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Faro 20°C (68°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Faro or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Plitvice Lakes National Park. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Faro this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Plitvice Lakes National Park. In January, Faro is generally much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 12°C (54°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Faro usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during winter. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Faro usually receives more rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Faro 12°C (54°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 1°C (35°F)

Should I visit Faro or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Faro as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many travelers come to Faro for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

Faro is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°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 Plitvice Lakes National Park. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets less rain in April than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Faro 17°C (62°F) 
    Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Faro

Faro Plitvice Lakes National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 1°C (35°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 13°C (56°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 15°C (58°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 20°C (69°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)