A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Faro vs. Sestri Levante for Resorts, Food, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Faro or Sestri Levante?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Sestri Levante, 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 shopping, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a quaint, relaxing, and quiet seaside town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food and beaches.

Faro and Sestri Levante: 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 popular for food
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as many resort options
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Faro or Sestri Levante?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Faro than Sestri Levante, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Faro is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, and shopping, while Sestri Levante is more popular for its food, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Faro is more touristy than Sestri Levante and is known for its historical sights and rich culture. Also, Faro is famous for The Arco da Vila. Sestri Levante is well known for its two bays and coastal setting.

How is Faro different from Sestri Levante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Faro or Sestri Levante? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Faro
Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante. You'll find many restaurants along the central road in the old town, Via XXV Aprile. Seafood is popular, as are many other Italian favorites. If you're visiting during the summer months then it's best to make reservations as wait times can be long.

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 Sestri Levante Better for Nightlife?

Faro
Sestri Levante

Faro is great for its evening party scene. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for 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.

People don't go to Sestri Levante for the nightlife. There are a few places to grab a drink, but if you're looking for nightlife, you'll really need to head out of town.

Is Faro or Sestri Levante Better for Resorts?

Faro
Sestri Levante

Faro is renowned for its luxury resorts. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its resorts.

Faro is a world class resort vacation destination. Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro.

Sestri Levante has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a number of hotels in the old town or by the beach. You'll also find a decent selection of vacation rentals. During peak season you'll want to make your reservations early.

Is Faro or Sestri Levante Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Faro
Sestri Levante

Faro is a resort town with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Sestri Levante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Sestri Levante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Faro or Sestri Levante Better for Beaches?

Faro
Sestri Levante

Both Faro and Sestri Levante have notable beaches worth visiting.

Faro has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Sestri Levante. Home to two beaches, this makes a nice holiday spot if you're hoping to relax by the water. The beaches can get crowded with Italians during the summer months, but it still offers a charming seaside spot. Many people head to the beach by the the Bay of Silence in part because it's free. Make sure you arrive early. By the Bay of Fairytales you can rent chairs and umbrellas and enjoy a little more space.

Is Faro or Sestri Levante Better for its Old Town?

Faro
Sestri Levante

Faro is a resort town with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Sestri Levante does not have a historic old town.

Faro has an old town worth visiting. 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.

Sestri Levante does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Faro or Sestri Levante?

Faro
Sestri Levante

Faro is a resort town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Faro has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Faro or Sestri Levante Better for Families?

Faro
Sestri Levante

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

Sestri Levante offers lots of family activities. This is a great spot for families that want a relaxing holiday with a small town vibe. The picturesque setting is said to have inspired fairytales, and today kids will enjoy playing on the playgrounds or exploring at the adventure park. There are also hikes, activities, and restaurants that are great for kids and adults alike.

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 Sestri Levante Better for Couples?

Faro
Sestri Levante

Faro and Sestri Levante are both notable 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.

Sestri Levante makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This scenic setting offers a relaxing holiday for couples who want to enjoy quiet time together. There are plenty of outdoor activities and a cultural town with a lot of beauty to explore. It's one of the lesser known destinations in the area, so you will have a peaceful small town vibe that's great for a romantic getaway.

Is Faro or Sestri Levante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Faro
Sestri Levante

Faro is a resort town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for backpackers.

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.

Sestri Levante is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are some dorm rooms in town, but most backpackers head to one of the more well known destinations in the area. The atmosphere and history makes for a unique experience for those who do make the trip.


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

Faro
Sestri Levante

Faro and Sestri Levante 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.

Sestri Levante has a few public transit options. The town can be explored on foot and there are buses and trains that can be used for day trips.

Is Faro or Sestri Levante a more walkable city?

Faro
Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante 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.

Sestri Levante is a very easy seaside town to get around on foot. There are pedestrian promenades and charming streets through town that are best explored 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 Sestri Levante Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sestri Levante or Faro?

How long in Faro or Sestri Levante?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Faro and Sestri Levante. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Faro than in Sestri Levante. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Faro, and 1-3 days is enough time in Sestri Levante.

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

Couples should spend more time in Faro than Sestri Levante. 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 Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante? Ideal Length of Stay
    Faro 2-5 
    Sestri Levante 1-3

One day in Faro or Sestri Levante?

In Faro, you'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Sestri Levante is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.


A weekend in Faro or Sestri Levante?

Faro is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Faro. It's also a relaxing resort destination. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Sestri Levante is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This seaside town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Faro or Sestri Levante?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the resort town of Faro. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

Because Sestri Levante is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante is €143. 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 Sestri Levante in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Faro 75
    Sestri Levante 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Faro 150
    Sestri Levante 150
Compare Hotels in Faro and Sestri Levante

Looking for a hotel in Faro or Sestri Levante? 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 Sestri Levante


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 Sestri Levante Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Faro 9.52
    Sestri Levante 56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro

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

  • Private Lisbon airport transfers (up to 8pax): $480
  • Private Seville airport transfers (up to 8pax): $479
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Lisboa: $463
  • From Faro Airport: Private 1-Way Transfer to Lisbon: $383
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Sevilha: $378
  • Private Lisbon airport transfers (up to 4pax cars): $373
  • Private Airport Transfer - Faro Airport to Lisbon Airport: $259
  • Private Transfer From Faro To Lisbon With a 2 Hour Stop: $257
  • Transfer From Faro Algarve To Lisbon: $250
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Aljezur: $239
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Monte Ruivo: $239
  • Transfer Faro airport - Zambujeira do Mar: $227

Is it cheaper to fly into Faro or Sestri Levante?

Prices for flights to both Sestri Levante 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
    Sestri Levante 34

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
    Sestri Levante 25

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

Tours and Activities in Sestri Levante

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sestri Levante.

  • Punta Manara Hiking Tour: $500

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Faro 3.13
    Sestri Levante 7.86

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 Sestri Levante, we can see that Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Faro or Sestri Levante?

Faro has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Sestri Levante. When comparing the sizes of Faro and Sestri Levante, 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.