A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Faro vs. San Remo for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Old Town

Should you visit Faro or San Remo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or San Remo, 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. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

San Remo

San Remo is a scenic, authentic, and historic coastal city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Faro and San Remo: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Faro or San Remo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Faro than San Remo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Faro is better known for its nightlife, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling, while San Remo is more popular for its food, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Faro is more touristy than San Remo and is known for its historical sights and rich culture. Also, Faro is famous for The Arco da Vila. San Remo is well known for its olives, lemons, and flower market.

How is Faro different from San Remo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Faro
San Remo

San Remo 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 San Remo. The local restaurants are charming and sell a number of local specialties. Many traditional dishes are made with rabbit or chicken. There are also vegetable pies and sardenaira, which is a type of pizza that's made with tomatoes, garlic, and anchovies. Also make sure you pick up Baci di Sanremo, which are soft chocolate biscuits that are available in local bakeries.

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 San Remo Better for Nightlife?

Faro
San Remo

Faro is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Faro has a large number of nightlife venues. The city's bustling party scene thrives along Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior.

San Remo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has a number of clubs and bars where you can enjoy a drink or hang out late into the evening. It's a pretty mellow nightlife scene, but there's still plenty of places to go as well as a local vibe that doesn't have the influx of tourists that you find in many of other Italian cities.

Is Faro or San Remo Better for Resorts?

Faro
San Remo

Faro is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, San Remo is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Faro is a great choice. Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro.

San Remo is not a resort destination.

Is Faro or San Remo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Faro
San Remo

Faro is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, San Remo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Faro has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

San Remo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Faro or San Remo Better for Beaches?

Faro
San Remo

San Remo 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 San Remo. The beautiful sandy beaches are nice to visit and it's possible to rent chairs and umbrellas in many places. The main beach in town is Spiaggia dei Porti. Other popular nearby beaches include Spiaggia dei tre ponti, which is a large public beach, and Cala degli Orsi, which is one of the most beautiful public beaches in the area.

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 San Remo Better for its Old Town?

Faro
San Remo

San Remo 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 San Remo to see the historical old town. The old quarter of Pigna is a Medieval area with narrow streets that feel as if they're frozen in time. The hills offer impressive city views and the area has a unique historic character.

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 San Remo?

Faro
San Remo

If you're looking to go shopping, Faro and San Remo both offer plenty of notable spots.

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.

San Remo offers some nice shopping areas. There are local and international brands as well as a shopping mall and outlets where you can enjoy shopping.


Is Faro or San Remo Better for Families?

Faro
San Remo

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

San Remo is a very family-friendly destination. The area offers plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family will enjoy. There's horseback riding, hiking, rowing, snorkeling, cooking classes, farm tours and more. There are also a number of hotels in the area that have kid-friendly activities.

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 San Remo Better for Couples?

Faro
San Remo

San Remo is great for romance. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its romantic activities.

San Remo is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. It's known as the city of flowers, and the many beautiful gardens make this a truly romantic place to visit. Couples will enjoy soaking up the city's history and enjoy the vibrant culture and outdoor activities that are available.

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 San Remo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Faro
San Remo

Faro is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, San Remo is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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

San Remo is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in town, and most backpackers head to more popular Italian destinations. If you're looking for a more off-the-beaten path destination, then this may be your style.


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

Faro
San Remo

Faro and San Remo both offer notable 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.

San Remo has a few public transit options. There are local buses around town.

Is Faro or San Remo a more walkable city?

Faro
San Remo

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

San Remo is very walkable. The old quarter is fun to explore on foot and there are a number of walking tours through town.

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 San Remo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Remo or Faro?

How long in Faro or San Remo?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Faro than San Remo 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 San Remo? Ideal Length of Stay
    Faro 2-5 
    San Remo 1-2

One day in Faro or San Remo?

The resort town of Faro offers nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of San Remo. 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 San Remo?

Faro is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this resort town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Faro, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

San Remo 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 San Remo?

Faro is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Faro, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of San Remo. This coastal city 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 San Remo?

Faro is a great place to explore. 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 something for everyone.

The beautiful coastal city of San Remo offers shopping and nightlife. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, San Remo 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 San Remo is €152. 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 San Remo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Faro 75
    San Remo 80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Faro 150
    San Remo 160
Compare Hotels in Faro and San Remo

Looking for a hotel in Faro or San Remo? 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 San Remo


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 San Remo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Faro 9.52
    San Remo 46

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
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Faro APT-HTL (FAO): $36
  • Transfers taxi tours golf wedding: $55
  • Transfers airport Faro X Albufeira: $90
  • Transfers From Faro Airport to Muthu Club Praia da Oura: $70
  • Transfers From Faro Airport to Hotel Paraiso Albufeira: $69
  • Transfers Algarve: Airport Faro - Albufeira, 4 or 8 PAX: $61
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Ponta Grande Resort: $42
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Isla Canela or Cristina: $109
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Hotel Vila Recife: $42
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Hotel São Rafael Atlântico: $42
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Cabanas de Tavira: $56

Is it cheaper to fly into Faro or San Remo?

Prices for flights to both San Remo 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
    San Remo 44

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
  • Olhão Fish Market & Food Tour: $102
  • Authentic Portuguese Cooking Experience in Algarve: $162

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Faro 9.41
    San Remo 23

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 Hour Private Speed Boat Tour: $49
  • 1 or 2 Hour Speed Boat Tour - Ria Formosa: $26
  • 2 Hours Kayak Island Tour in the Natural Park of Ria Formosa: $60
  • 2:30 Hours Tour: $272
  • 3 Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $33
  • 3-Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa on Olhão Algarve: $33
  • 30-minute Jet Ski experience through Punta del Moral: $107
  • 3:30 hours Guided Tour on Classic boat in Ria Formosa, Olhão..: $38
  • 5 Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $44
  • 5-hour island hopping tour: $60
  • 5-hour tour with 3 stops around the islands and beaches of Ria Formosa: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Faro 3.13
    San Remo 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: $18
  • 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 San Remo, we can see that San Remo 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 San Remo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Faro or San Remo?

San Remo has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Faro and San Remo, 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 San Remo?

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 San Remo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and San Remo. Many visitors come to Faro in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Remo for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Faro is generally a little warmer than San Remo. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 25°C (78°F), and San Remo fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Remo this time of the year. In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. Faro usually receives more sunshine than San Remo during summer. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Faro usually receives less rain than San Remo. Faro gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Faro 25°C (78°F) 
    San Remo 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Faro or San Remo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Faro as well as San Remo. Most visitors come to Faro for the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to San Remo because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Faro is a little warmer than San Remo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and San Remo fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Faro this time of the year. In the autumn, Faro often gets more sunshine than San Remo. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Remo. Faro usually gets less rain in October than San Remo. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Faro 20°C (68°F) 
    San Remo 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Faro or San Remo in the Winter?

Both San Remo and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Faro because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to San Remo this time of year.

In the winter, Faro is a little warmer than San Remo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Faro in January average around 12°C (54°F), and San Remo averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Faro usually receives more sunshine than San Remo during winter. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Faro usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Remo. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Faro 12°C (54°F) 
    San Remo 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Faro or San Remo in the Spring?

Both San Remo and Faro during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Faro this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Remo for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Faro is generally a little warmer than San Remo. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 17°C (62°F), and San Remo fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Faro. In the spring, Faro often gets more sunshine than San Remo. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 198 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets less rain in April than San Remo. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Faro 17°C (62°F) 
    San Remo 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for San Remo and Faro

Faro San Remo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 13°C (56°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 15°C (58°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)