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

Should you visit Faro or Siena?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Siena, 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. It's also known for nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Siena

Siena is a charming, medieval, and history city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Faro and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Faro or Siena?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Siena. Although Faro and Siena are both popular with visitors, Siena has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Siena is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Faro is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Faro is popular for its historical sights and rich culture. Siena is popular for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace. It is also home to Piazza del Campo.

How is Faro different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Siena 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 Siena?

Siena is great for its historical sights. However, Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Siena can be an interesting and educational experience. At the heart of the city is Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and Piazza del Campo. Other world famous sights include Palazzo Pubblico and Museo Civico, Torre del Mangia, and Pinacoteca Nazionale.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Siena 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 Siena. The town is all about local flavors and many restaurants use local ingredients in their dishes. Pecorino of Pienza is the local cheese, and you'll also find many cured meats. Local pasta dishes include wild boar ragu and a local spaghetti. You'll also find local meats such as lamb, rabbit, chicken and pork.

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 Siena Better for Nightlife?

Faro is notable for nightlife. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Faro has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city's bustling party scene thrives along Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Siena. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. Most visitors enjoy socializing in the evening and meeting friends at Piazza del Campo. There are often live performances which you can enjoy as well as many cafes and wine bars around town.

Is Faro or Siena Better for Resorts?

Faro is very popular for its resorts. However, Siena 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.

Siena is not a resort destination.

Is Faro or Siena Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Faro is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Siena 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.

Siena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Faro or Siena Better for Beaches?

Faro is very good for its beaches. However, Siena 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.

Siena is not a beach destination.

Is Faro or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Siena is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its old town.

The rich history of Siena can be explored in its historical center. The beautiful old town is filled with medieval brick buildings. At the heart of the city is Piazza del Campo, which is a lively square with many neighborhoods spreading out from there.

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 Siena?

If you're looking to go shopping, Faro and Siena both offer plenty of good 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.

Siena offers some nice shopping areas. The main shopping street in town is Via Banchi di Sopra, which has many boutiques that sell clothing, bags, and other items. The town also has many leather goods, ceramics, and other local items available.

Is Faro or Siena Better for Families?

Neither Faro nor Siena are considered to be the most family-friendly destination.

For families, Faro is not always the best place to visit. There are some nice nature reserves in the area so kids who love wildlife will enjoy a visit.

Siena is not the most family-friendly destination. The beauty and history may be lost to the little ones but there is a great atmosphere that even the young ones will appreciate. Kids will enjoy climbing to the top of Torre del Mangia or visiting one of the many playgrounds around town.

Is Faro or Siena Better for Couples?

Siena is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its romantic activities.

Siena has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its impressive beauty and long running history, this is a truly romantic city. The atmosphere is relaxed and there are plazas and neighborhoods that are great for exploring. There are also many great restaurants, superb wine, and world class sights that are not to be missed.

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 Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Faro and Siena are good places to visit.

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

Siena is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers visit Siena as a daytrip from nearby Florence. While there are some affordable places to stay here, the atmosphere isn't as backpacker friendly as nearby Florence.

Is Faro or Siena Better for Students?

Siena is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Faro is not popular with students.

Siena is a great city to visit as a student. It's home to one of the oldest universities in Italy, and it's a wonderful study abroad destination for any student who wants to spend some time in Italy.

Faro is not popular with students.

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

Faro and Siena both offer good 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.

Siena has a few public transit options. TIEMME is the bus service that runs in and around town. Many lines pass through the train station and provide service from there.

Is Faro or Siena a more walkable city?

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

Siena is very walkable. The compact town center is 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 Siena Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Siena or Faro?

How long in Faro or Siena?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Siena than Faro 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 Siena.

One day in Faro or Siena?

In Faro, many people enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling that this busy destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Siena. 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 Siena?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Faro. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Siena is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Siena?

Faro is a fun place to experience. In Faro, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Siena. This 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 Siena?

You'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the popular destination of Faro. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The history city of Siena offers nightlife and food. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Faro and Siena, 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 Siena Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Faro or Siena?

Siena has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Faro and Siena, 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 Siena?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Faro or Siena in the Summer?

Both Siena and Faro during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Faro for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Siena because of the family-friendly experiences.

Faro is around the same temperature as Siena in the summer. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Siena fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Siena, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Faro. In the summer, Faro often gets more sunshine than Siena. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets less rain in July than Siena. Faro gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Faro or Siena in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Siena. The autumn months attract visitors to Faro because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

In the autumn, Faro is a little warmer than Siena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Faro in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Siena averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Siena during autumn. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Faro usually receives less rain than Siena. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Faro or Siena in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Faro as well as Siena. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Faro this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Siena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Faro is generally much warmer than Siena. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 12°C (54°F), and Siena fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Faro often gets more sunshine than Siena. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets more rain in January than Siena. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Faro or Siena in the Spring?

Both Siena and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Faro for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Siena in the spring for the natural beauty.

Faro is a little warmer than Siena in the spring. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Siena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Siena during spring. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Faro usually receives less rain than Siena. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Siena and Faro