A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Faro vs. Saint-Etienne for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Faro or Saint-Etienne?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Saint-Etienne, 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. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a industrial, undiscovered, and authentic city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and museums.

Faro and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Faro or Saint-Etienne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Faro. Although Faro and Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne attracts visitors for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Faro is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is known for its historical sights and rich culture. It is also well known for The Arco da Vila. Saint-Etienne is famous for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Faro different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Saint-Etienne is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Faro and Saint-Etienne offer a number of reasonable 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 Saint-Etienne. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Faro or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Faro is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Faro or Saint-Etienne Better for Resorts?

Faro is an amazing resort town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a resort destination.

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

Faro is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Faro or Saint-Etienne Better for Beaches?

Faro is a good destination for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Is Faro or Saint-Etienne Better for its Old Town?

Faro is a good destination for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Faro. 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.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Faro or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

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

Saint-Etienne has hiking trails worth exploring. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Faro is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Faro or Saint-Etienne?

Faro is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Faro or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Saint-Etienne is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Faro is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Saint-Etienne offers lots of family activities. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

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 Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Faro is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Faro or Saint-Etienne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Faro is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

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.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

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

Faro and Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne has a few public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Faro or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Faro and Saint-Etienne are nice when it comes to walkability.

Faro is somewhat walkable. The city's old town is particularly walkable.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable place. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Faro Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Faro?

How long in Faro or Saint-Etienne?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Faro than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the busy destination of Faro. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

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

A weekend in Faro or Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Faro. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Saint-Etienne is a fun place to experience. 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 Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the active destination of Faro. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the industrial destination of Saint-Etienne. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Faro or Saint-Etienne?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the resort town of Faro. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

The historic city of Saint-Etienne offers nightlife 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Faro or Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Faro and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

Both Saint-Etienne and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Faro for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Faro is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Faro in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint-Etienne. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during summer. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Faro usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Faro gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Faro or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

Both Saint-Etienne and Faro during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Faro in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Faro is generally a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 20°C (68°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Faro. In the autumn, Faro often gets more sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets less rain in October than Saint-Etienne. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Faro or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Saint-Etienne. Most visitors come to Faro for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Saint-Etienne can be very cold. Faro is much warmer than Saint-Etienne in the winter. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Faro usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during winter. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Faro usually receives more rain than Saint-Etienne. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Faro or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Faro as well as Saint-Etienne. The spring months attract visitors to Faro because of the beaches. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

In the spring, Faro is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Faro in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 11°C (53°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 Saint-Etienne. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets less rain in April than Saint-Etienne. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Faro