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

Should you visit Faro or Zaragoza?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Zaragoza, 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Zaragoza

Zaragoza is a authentic, cultural, and historical city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Faro and Zaragoza: 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
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Faro or Zaragoza?

Both Zaragoza and Faro have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Faro is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Zaragoza is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Faro is more touristy than Zaragoza and is popular for its historical sights and rich culture. Zaragoza is well known for its grand landmarks, local cuisine, and rich cultural scene.

How is Faro different from Zaragoza?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Faro
Zaragoza

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza can be an interesting and educational experience. For such a small city, it really has a large number of cultural and historical attractions. The Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar is the most recognizable sight, but there's also the Museum of the Roman Forum of Caesaraugusta, the cathedral of Zaragoza, and the Aljafería Palace, among others.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Faro
Zaragoza

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza. There are authentic restaurants that cater to locals and tourists alike. You'll also find some interesting food tours around town. Tapas are popular, as is chocolate and fresh, traditional recipes.

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 Zaragoza Better for Nightlife?

Faro
Zaragoza

Faro is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

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 Zaragoza. The nightlife is at its best on weekends, when students and young locals head out on the town. Many evenings start with tapas and wine, but there are nightclubs and dancing as well.

Is Faro or Zaragoza Better for Resorts?

Faro
Zaragoza

Faro is an amazing resort town to visit for its resorts. However, Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza is not a resort destination.


Is Faro or Zaragoza Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Faro
Zaragoza

Faro is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Faro or Zaragoza Better for Beaches?

Faro
Zaragoza

Faro is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza is not a beach destination.

Is Faro or Zaragoza Better for its Old Town?

Faro
Zaragoza

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza to see the historical old town. The old town is small but filled with monumental buildings and an authentic atmosphere.

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 Zaragoza?

Faro
Zaragoza

Zaragoza is great for shopping. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Zaragoza. The city has many local shops selling locally produced items and interesting souvenirs. There are also boutiques, markets, and vintage shops that are fun to browse though.

Faro offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Is Faro or Zaragoza Better for Families?

Faro
Zaragoza

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

Zaragoza offers lots of family activities. When your kids get their fill of architecture and history, you can head to the Zaragoza Aquarium. Also worth a visit is the Emoz Museum, which is an origami museum. And if you need a break from sightseeing, take a kayak out on the Ebro River.

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 Zaragoza Better for Couples?

Faro
Zaragoza

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

Zaragoza is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Filled with culture, beauty, and monumental buildings, this is a small and romantic city. It's particularly romantic at night when the streets are quiet and many of the buildings are lit up.

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 Zaragoza Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Faro
Zaragoza

For backpackers, both Faro and Zaragoza are notable 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.

Zaragoza is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. There are enough hostels around town to choose from, and while it's not the backpacker haven that some Spanish cities are, it still sees a good number of young travelers.

Is Faro or Zaragoza Better for Students?

Faro
Zaragoza

Zaragoza is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Faro is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Zaragoza. International students enjoy this small city because it has a local vibe where they can practice their Spanish and enjoy an authentic experience.

Faro is not popular with students.

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

Faro
Zaragoza

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza is fairly effecient and thorough. There are buses and trams around the city.

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 Zaragoza a more walkable city?

Faro
Zaragoza

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

Zaragoza is very walkable. The city center is very walkable.

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 Zaragoza Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Zaragoza or Faro?

How long in Faro or Zaragoza?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza.


  • How many days in Faro or Zaragoza? Ideal Length of Stay
    Faro 2-5 
    Zaragoza 1-3

One day in Faro or Zaragoza?

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 food and shopping when visiting the destination of Zaragoza. 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 Zaragoza?

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.

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza?

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 museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Zaragoza. 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 Zaragoza?

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 compact city of Zaragoza 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 2-Week Tours from Barcelona, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza is €126. 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 Zaragoza in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Faro 75
    Zaragoza 65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Faro 150
    Zaragoza 130
Compare Hotels in Faro and Zaragoza

Looking for a hotel in Faro or Zaragoza? 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 Zaragoza


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 Zaragoza Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Faro 9.52
    Zaragoza 23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro

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

  • Lisbon Oriente Station: Transfer to/from Faro City Center: $4.23
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Quarteira & Vilamoura: $19
  • Faro Airport: Private transfer to Vilamoura & Quarteira: $19
  • Private Transfer from Faro Airport to Albufeira: $26
  • Private Transfer: Faro to Faro International Airport (FAO): $28
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Faro Airport to Algarve Hotels: $29
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Almancil: $30
  • Private Car or Van Transfer Faro Airport FAO to Albufeira Area: $36
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Faro HTL-APT (FAO): $36
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Olhao: $37
  • Private Transfer from Loulé to Faro (FAO) Airport: $37
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Vilamoura: $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zaragoza

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zaragoza:

  • Private transfers Airport-hotel Zaragoza.: $66
  • Zaragoza Private Transfer from Zaragoza Airport to City centre: $66
  • Zaragoza Private Transfer from the city centre to Zaragoza Airport: $66
  • Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ) to Zaragoza Downtown hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $55
  • Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ) to Zaragoza Downtown hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Zaragoza Downtown hotels to Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ) - Departure Private Transfer: $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Faro or Zaragoza?

Prices for flights to both Zaragoza 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
    Zaragoza 41

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zaragoza

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zaragoza.

  • Midday Market Tour and Spanish Cooking Class: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Faro 9.41
    Zaragoza 35

Tours and Activities in Faro

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

  • Camera Obscura - Tavira Eye - Admission Ticket: $5.45
  • Faro Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
  • Lagos Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.65
  • Tavira Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $7.84
  • Faro Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
  • Algarve Life Sciences Center Museum Family Ticket: $13
  • Cork Factory Tour & Cork Shop: $18
  • Ria Formosa Sunset Boat Tour: $21
  • Eco Boat Tour in the Ria Formosa Lagoon from Faro: $22
  • 1 or 2 Hour Speed Boat Tour - Ria Formosa: $26
  • 2 Hours Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $27
  • Tavira Route Boat Tour: $27

Tours and Activities in Zaragoza

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zaragoza are as follows:

  • Complete tour + wine and tapas: $202
  • Evening traditional tapas walking tour in old Zaragoza center: $104
  • Haft-day Winery tour from Zaragoza: $158
  • Kayaking in Fluvial EcoTourism with ebroNAUTAS: $44
  • Midday Olive Oil Tour and Visit to Old Town of Belchite: $102
  • Midday market and tapas tour of Zaragoza: $104
  • Monumental Walking Tour in Old Town of Zaragoza: $93
  • Olive Oil Tour and Visit to Belchite Old Town: $104
  • Olive Oil and Winery Tour from Zaragoza City: $164
  • Private custom tour with a local guide Zaragoza: $49
  • Zaragoza - Historic Walking Tour: $320
  • Zaragoza : Aquarium entry ticket: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Faro 3.13
    Zaragoza 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

Sample the Local Flavors in Zaragoza

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Zaragoza:

  • Wine Tasting and Tapas: $102
  • Wine Tasting and Tapas in the ancient Town of Zaragoza: $104


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


Which is Bigger, Faro or Zaragoza?

Zaragoza has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Faro and Zaragoza, 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 Zaragoza?

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 Zaragoza in the Summer?

Both Zaragoza and Faro during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Faro because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zaragoza this time of year.

In July, Faro is generally around the same temperature as Zaragoza. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 25°C (78°F), and Zaragoza fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Zaragoza, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Faro. In the summer, Faro often gets more sunshine than Zaragoza. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zaragoza receives 344 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets less rain in July than Zaragoza. Faro gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Faro 25°C (78°F) 
    Zaragoza 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Faro or Zaragoza in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Zaragoza. The shopping scene are the main draw to Faro this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Zaragoza for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Zaragoza during autumn. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Zaragoza receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Faro usually receives more rain than Zaragoza. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Faro or Zaragoza in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Faro as well as Zaragoza. Many travelers come to Faro for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Zaragoza in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Faro is much warmer than Zaragoza. Typically, the winter temperatures in Faro in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Zaragoza averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Faro often gets more sunshine than Zaragoza. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zaragoza receives 131 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets more rain in January than Zaragoza. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Faro 12°C (54°F) 
    Zaragoza 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Faro or Zaragoza in the Spring?

Both Zaragoza and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Faro in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Zaragoza for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Faro is generally a little warmer than Zaragoza. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 17°C (62°F), and Zaragoza fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Zaragoza. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Zaragoza during spring. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Zaragoza receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Faro usually receives more rain than Zaragoza. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Faro 17°C (62°F) 
    Zaragoza 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Zaragoza and Faro

Faro Zaragoza
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Feb 13°C (56°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 15°C (58°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 19°C (65°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 39 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 8°C (47°F) 26 mm (1 in)