A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Faro vs. Versailles for Couples and Food

Should you visit Faro or Versailles?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Versailles, 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. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Versailles

Versailles is a historic, extensive, and beautiful palace. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums.

Faro and Versailles: 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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Faro or Versailles?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Faro. Although Faro and Versailles are both popular with visitors, Faro has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Faro is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Versailles is known for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Faro and is known for its long running history and its grand architecture. Faro is popular for its historical sights and rich culture. It is also home to The Arco da Vila.

How is Faro different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Faro
Versailles

Versailles is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. However, Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Versailles from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The palace is filled with history and impressive items relating to the royal family. Within and near the palace you should make sure you see the Gardens of Versailles, Grand Trianon, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Royal Opera of Versailles.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Faro
Versailles

Both Faro and Versailles offer a number of decent 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 Versailles. There are a couple of restaurants and cafes on the grounds.

Is Faro or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

Faro
Versailles

Faro is a great resort town for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Faro has something for everybody. The city's bustling party scene thrives along Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Faro or Versailles Better for Resorts?

Faro
Versailles

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

Faro offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro.

Versailles is not a resort destination.


Is Faro or Versailles Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Faro
Versailles

Faro is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Versailles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Faro has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Versailles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Faro or Versailles Better for Beaches?

Faro
Versailles

Faro is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Versailles is not a beach destination.

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.

Versailles is not a beach destination.

Is Faro or Versailles Better for its Old Town?

Faro
Versailles

Faro is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Versailles does not have a historic old town.

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.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Faro or Versailles?

Faro
Versailles

Faro is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Faro or Versailles Better for Families?

Faro
Versailles

Faro is adequate for its kid-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not known for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Versailles does not offer many kid-friendly activities. While there are those unicorn children who fall in love with the grand setting, for most kids, a visit to Versailles can make for make for a long and draining day.

Is Faro or Versailles Better for Couples?

Faro
Versailles

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

Versailles is a great palace if you're traveling as a couple. It's opulence, grandeur, and history make this a wonderful place to explore as a couple. There are gardens and other unique settings that make Versailles very romantic.

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 Versailles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Faro
Versailles

Faro is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Faro
Versailles

Versailles is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its public transit.

Public transit in Versailles is fairly effecient and thorough. There are SNCF trains that travel from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers train station and additional trains that travel between Gare Saint Lazare and Versailles Rive Droite.

Faro has a few public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to the beach, the airport, and other outlying areas.

Is Faro or Versailles a more walkable city?

Faro
Versailles

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

Versailles is very walkable. It's approximately a 20 minute walk from the Versailles Chantiers train station to the entrance to the palace. Versailles Rive Droite is slightly closer.

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 Versailles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Faro?

How long in Faro or Versailles?

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

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

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

One day in Faro or Versailles?

With shopping and nightlife around the active resort town of Faro, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People enjoy relaxing 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 museums when visiting the destination of Versailles. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Faro or Versailles?

With nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the destination of Faro, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this resort town.

Versailles is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. 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 Versailles?

Faro, a popular resort town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this resort town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums around the beautiful destination of Versailles. This palace offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Faro or Versailles?

Faro is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The extensive palace of Versailles offers 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 Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Versailles 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 Versailles is €234. 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 Versailles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Faro 75
    Versailles 128
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Faro 150
    Versailles 256
Compare Hotels in Faro and Versailles

Looking for a hotel in Faro or Versailles? 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 Versailles


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 Versailles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Faro 9.52
    Versailles 53

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Faro or Versailles?

Prices for flights to both Versailles 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
    Versailles 67

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
    Versailles 45

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 Versailles

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

  • Versailles Palace Private Family Tour Designed for Kids: $261
  • Palace Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket: $67
  • Private Guided Tour of the Palace: $261

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Faro 3.13
    Versailles 18

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Faro and Versailles, we can see that Versailles is more expensive. And not only is Faro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Faro would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Faro 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 Versailles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Versailles than you might in Faro.

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


Which is Bigger, Faro or Versailles?

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

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 Versailles in the Summer?

Both Versailles and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Faro because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Faro is a little warmer than Versailles in the summer. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Versailles fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Versailles. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Versailles during summer. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Faro usually receives less rain than Versailles. Faro gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Faro 25°C (78°F) 
    Versailles 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Faro or Versailles in the Autumn?

Both Versailles and Faro during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Faro this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Versailles for the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Faro is much warmer than Versailles. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Faro in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Versailles averages at about 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Faro. In the autumn, Faro often gets more sunshine than Versailles. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets more rain in October than Versailles. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Faro 20°C (68°F) 
    Versailles 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Faro or Versailles in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Versailles. Many travelers come to Faro for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Versailles in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Versailles can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Faro is generally much warmer than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 12°C (54°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Faro usually receives more sunshine than Versailles during winter. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Faro usually receives more rain than Versailles. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Faro 12°C (54°F) 
    Versailles 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Faro or Versailles in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Faro as well as Versailles. Many visitors come to Faro in the spring for the beaches. Additionally, most visitors come to Versailles for the natural beauty during these months.

Faro is a little warmer than Versailles in the spring. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Versailles fluctuates around 11°C (52°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 Versailles. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets less rain in April than Versailles. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Faro 17°C (62°F) 
    Versailles 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Versailles and Faro

Faro Versailles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 13°C (56°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 15°C (58°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)