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

Should you visit Faro or Urbino?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Urbino, 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.

Urbino

Urbino is a historic, undiscovered, and authentic town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Faro and Urbino: 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 museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Faro or Urbino?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Faro than Urbino, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Faro is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Urbino is more popular for its museums, food, and impressive beauty. Faro is more touristy than Urbino and is known for its historical sights and rich culture. Also, Faro is famous for The Arco da Vila. Urbino is well known for its Renaissance walls, historic center, and authentic atmosphere.

How is Faro different from Urbino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Faro
Urbino

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

Urbino is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. At the heart of the city are its historical sights. The cathedral is worth a visit, as is The Ducal Palace, but for most visitors, simply soaking up the town's atmosphere is the best experience.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Faro
Urbino

Urbino 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 Urbino. The city's history has influenced its cuisine. Traditional foods include cornbread, truffles, and meat sausage. While these options aren't as common today, you can still find them if you seek them out.

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 Urbino Better for Nightlife?

Faro
Urbino

Faro is great for its evening party scene. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Urbino. Because of the large student population, there are usually some fun activities going on at night. You'll find some good bars around town that are fun to hang out at.

Is Faro or Urbino Better for Resorts?

Faro
Urbino

Faro is an amazing resort town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Urbino is not a resort destination.

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

Urbino is not a resort destination.


Is Faro or Urbino Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Faro
Urbino

Faro is a resort town with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Urbino 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.

Urbino is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Faro or Urbino Better for Beaches?

Faro
Urbino

Faro is a resort town with good options for the beach. However, Urbino is not a beach destination.

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.

Urbino is not a beach destination.

Is Faro or Urbino Better for its Old Town?

Faro
Urbino

Faro and Urbino both have notable historical old towns that attract visitors.

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.

Many people head to Urbino to see the old town. The historic center feels a bit undiscovered by Italian standards. There are stone houses and the town is built on a steep hill, giving it a beautiful setting.


Is the Shopping Better in Faro or Urbino?

Faro
Urbino

If you're looking to go shopping, Faro and Urbino 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.

Urbino offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find galleries, book shops, and jewelry stores around town that are fun to pop into.

Is Faro or Urbino Better for Families?

Faro
Urbino

Neither Faro nor Urbino 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.

Urbino is not the most family-friendly destination. The city is filled with history and architecture, which may be lost on the kids. There are the classic Italian restaurants which is a favorite among kids and adults alike.

Is Faro or Urbino Better for Couples?

Faro
Urbino

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

Urbino is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. This walled city is fun to explore and can make for a great romantic stop. The city is walled and has many historical buildings which couples will enjoy learning about together.

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 Urbino Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Faro
Urbino

Faro is a resort town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Urbino 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.

Urbino is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not well known by backpackers and there are a very limited number of hostels in the area.

Is Faro or Urbino Better for Students?

Faro
Urbino

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

Urbino is a great town to visit as a student. The student population is a large part of this small city. University students are usually happy and enjoy many activities and outings into the surrounding area.

Faro is not popular with students.

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

Faro
Urbino

Faro is a resort town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Urbino 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 Urbino. The town is accessible by bus but not by train.


Is Faro or Urbino a more walkable city?

Faro
Urbino

Faro and Urbino are notable when it comes to walkability.

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

Urbino is a somewhat walkable place. Many parts of the city are easy to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Faro Worth Visiting? and Is Urbino Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Urbino or Faro?

How long in Faro or Urbino?

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

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

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

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

One day in Faro or Urbino?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Faro. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Urbino. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Faro or Urbino?

Faro is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Urbino 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 Urbino?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Faro. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid back destination of Urbino. This 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 Urbino?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the popular destination of Faro. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The undiscovered town of Urbino offers nightlife and food. 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Urbino 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 Urbino is €118. 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 Urbino in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Faro 75
    Urbino 53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Faro 150
    Urbino 106
Compare Hotels in Faro and Urbino

Looking for a hotel in Faro or Urbino? 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 Urbino


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 Urbino Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Faro 9.52
    Urbino 44

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 Urbino

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

  • Private Transfer from Borgo Maggiore to Rimini (RMI) Airport: $108

Is it cheaper to fly into Faro or Urbino?

Prices for flights to both Urbino 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
    Urbino 39

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
    Urbino 15

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 Urbino

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

  • E-BIKE Tour San Marino for couples: $114
  • Entrance Ticket - Titanus Museum: Multimedia Experience: $8.68
  • From Montefeltro Tour with Truffle Lunch: $396
  • Guided Tour of San Marino at Sunset with aperitif included: $184
  • Guided group tour of Ducal Palace and National Gallery: $94
  • Private Guided Tour with Aperitif in Winebar in San Marino: $92
  • Private Tour of San Marino: UNESCO World Heritage Site: $172
  • Private tour with Welcome KIT in San Marino: $136
  • San Marino Scavenger Hunt and Sightseeing Tour: $8.97
  • San Marino’s Starlit Stroll: A Christmas Walking Tour: $153
  • San Marino: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • San Marino: Food Tasting Tour: $195

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Faro 3.13
    Urbino 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 Urbino, 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 Urbino Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Faro or Urbino?

Faro has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Urbino. When comparing the sizes of Faro and Urbino, 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 Urbino?

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 Urbino in the Summer?

Both Urbino and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Faro this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Urbino for the family-friendly experiences.

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

In July, Faro usually receives less rain than Urbino. Faro gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Faro or Urbino in the Autumn?

Both Urbino and Faro during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Faro for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Urbino in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Faro is a little warmer than Urbino in the autumn. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Urbino fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Faro usually gets less rain in October than Urbino. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Faro 20°C (68°F) 
    Urbino 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Faro or Urbino in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Urbino. Many visitors come to Faro in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Urbino for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Urbino can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Faro is much warmer than Urbino. Typically, the winter temperatures in Faro in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Urbino averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In January, Faro usually receives more rain than Urbino. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Faro 12°C (54°F) 
    Urbino 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Faro or Urbino in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Faro as well as Urbino. Most visitors come to Faro for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Urbino because of the natural beauty.

In April, Faro is generally a little warmer than Urbino. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 17°C (62°F), and Urbino fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Faro usually gets less rain in April than Urbino. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Faro 17°C (62°F) 
    Urbino 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Urbino and Faro

Faro Urbino
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 13°C (56°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 15°C (58°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)