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

Should you visit Mykonos or Faro?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Mykonos and Faro. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Mykonos

Mykonos is a opulent, picturesque, and postcard perfect Greek island. Many visitors also come to Mykonos because of it's amazing beauty. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Mykonos travel costs.

Faro

Faro is a busy, active, and popular resort town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Faro travel costs.

Mykonos and Faro: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular old town
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Mykonos or Faro?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Mykonos. Although Mykonos and Faro are popular destinations, Mykonos has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mykonos is more touristy than Faro and is popular for its active party scene, luxury accommodation, and picturesque villages. It is also well known for the traditional windmills near Chora. Faro is famous for its historical sights and rich culture.

How is Mykonos different from Faro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mykonos or Faro?

Mykonos
Faro

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

Mykonos is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Visitors enjoy checking out the windmills and churches around the island. You can also hop over to Delos to see its archeological sites.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Mykonos
Faro

Mykonos is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Faro is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Mykonos is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Like most things on the island, food is expensive, but its also very good. Make sure you try the louza sausage, kopanisti cheese, and melopita pie.

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 Mykonos or Faro Better for Nightlife?

Mykonos
Faro

Mykonos is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for nightlife and partying.

Mykonos is a world class party destination. With many exclusive clubs and bars, this island is among the best for nightlife in Greece. Popular options include Tropicana Club, Scarpa, and Super Paradise Beach Club.

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.

Is Mykonos or Faro Better for Resorts?

Mykonos
Faro

There are world-class resorts to choose from in both Mykonos and Faro.

Vacationers flock to Mykonos for its luxury resorts. There are many world class luxury resorts on the island that offer a variety of amenities including pools, restaurants, and spas. Popular options include Myconian Avaton Resort, Myconian Imperial Resort and Villas, and Myconian Utopia Resort.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Faro is a great choice. Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro.


Is Mykonos or Faro Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mykonos
Faro

Mykonos is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its diving and snorkeling.

Many visitors go to Mykonos to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. There are many good diving and snorkeling spots around the island include shipwrecks and reefs with good visibility.

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.

Is Mykonos or Faro Better for Beaches?

Mykonos
Faro

Mykonos is great for its beaches. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for the beach.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Mykonos. This island has become popular for its sandy beaches, but these days they come with a high price. Many are lined with umbrellas and sunbeds that you can rent. They often have bars that bring high energy and loud music. The water is often calm enough to enjoy swimming or water sports. Most of the best beaches are on the southern side of the island, but there are less crowds on the northern side, although the weather may not be as good.

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.

Is Mykonos or Faro Better for its Old Town?

Mykonos
Faro

Mykonos 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 Mykonos can be explored in its historical center. Chora, the old town and largest town on the island, is filled with windmills, cafes, churches, and charming streets. It's a scenic area that has long been popular for its beautiful setting.

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 Mykonos or Faro Better for Hiking?

Mykonos
Faro

Mykonos is mediocre for hiking. However, Faro is not a hiking destination.

Mykonos has hiking trails for those that seek them out. This island doesn't have any real hiking but you can walk to the beach along the road. The island is mostly flat.

Faro is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mykonos or Faro?

Mykonos
Faro

Mykonos is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Mykonos. This island has become the playground for celebrities and the wealthy, so there are plenty of shopping opportunities in town.

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 Mykonos or Faro More Beautiful?

Mykonos
Faro

Mykonos is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Faro is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Mykonos because of it's amazing beauty. With its stunning blue waters and postcard perfect towns, this island is filled with beauty.

Faro is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Mykonos or Faro Better for Families?

Mykonos
Faro

Most people don't think of either Mykonos or Faro as a family destination.

Mykonos is not the most family-friendly destination. This island is a bit of a party destination, so many people choose alternative islands when visiting Greece with their kids. If you do head to Mykonos, you'll find nice beaches and some good museums.

Faro is not always a place people visit with their families. There are some nice nature reserves in the area so kids who love wildlife will enjoy a visit.

Is Mykonos or Faro Better for Couples?

Mykonos
Faro

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

Mykonos has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples who enjoy beautiful coastal settings with a great party scene will love a vacation or honeymoon to this Greek island.

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 Mykonos or Faro Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mykonos
Faro

Faro is a good destination for backpackers. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Mykonos is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The island appeals to the wealthy and glamourous, but for backpackers and budget travelers, there are a few budget-friendly hotels. It'll be a bit harder to find affordable food though, as restaurants can be quite expensive.


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

Mykonos
Faro

Both Mykonos and Faro offer nice public transit options.

Mykonos has a few public transit options. There is a bus system that connects the towns and beaches on the island. Both major bus stations are on the western side of the island.

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

Is Mykonos or Faro a more walkable city?

Mykonos
Faro

Mykonos 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.

Mykonos is a very easy Greek island to get around on foot. Walking is actually one of the only ways to get around town.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Faro or Mykonos?

How long in Mykonos or Faro?

In either Mykonos or Faro, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Mykonos has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Mykonos than Faro. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mykonos, and 2-5 days is enough time in Faro.

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

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

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


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

One day in Mykonos or Faro?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Mykonos. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Faro, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This resort town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


A weekend in Mykonos or Faro?

Mykonos is a fun place to experience. 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 a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Faro, you'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Faro has to offer.

Five days in Mykonos or Faro?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the picturesque destination of Mykonos. This Greek island offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Faro is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Faro has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Mykonos or Faro?

The opulent Greek island of Mykonos offers shopping and museums. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Faro. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Faro. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Faro or Mykonos?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Mykonos is €272, while the average daily cost in Faro is €160. 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 Mykonos and Faro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mykonos 74
    Faro 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mykonos 148
    Faro 150
Compare Hotels in Mykonos and Faro

Looking for a hotel in Mykonos or Faro? 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 Mykonos


Hotels in Faro


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: Mykonos Hotel Prices and Faro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mykonos 24
    Faro 9.52
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mykonos

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Mykonos:


  • Bus to Paradise Beach (for 2)
    5.60
  • Taxi to Kalafatis
    13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mykonos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mykonos:

  • From Helicopter Transfer to Athens or Greek Island: $2,766
  • Private Catamaran Cruise w/ Food, Drinks & Transfer: $864
  • Private Chauffeured Transfer in Mykonos: $238
  • Mykonos Private Island Tour with Transfers and Greek Meal: $238
  • Mykonos Airport or Port from/to Point to Point Private Transfers: $232
  • ❖ Private Island Tour with Transfers and Greek Meal: $230
  • Mykonos Private Long Distance Transfer Up To 12 Persons: $223
  • Private Transfer: From Scorpios to your hotel with mini bus: $219
  • Transfer in Mykonos : $214
  • Private Transfer: From Scorpios to your Villa with mini bus: $207
  • Private Transfer: Mykonos Town to your Villa with mini bus: $207
  • Mykonos Private Short Distance Transfer Up To 12 Persons: $206

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: $6.59
  • Faro Airport: Bus Transfer to/from Faro City Centre: $6.91
  • Faro Airport (FAO): Shared One-Way Albufeira Bus Transfer: $13
  • Faro Airport: Comfortable bus transfer to/from Portimão: $16
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Montenegro/Faro/Estoi: $17
  • Faro Airport: Comfortable bus transfer to/from Lagos: $20
  • Faro Airport: Private transfer to Vilamoura & Quarteira: $21
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Quarteira & Vilamoura: $26
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Faro Airport to Algarve Hotels: $28
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Santa Brabara/Olhão: $32
  • Faro Airport:Private Transfer to Quinta do Lago/Vale do Lobo: $35
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Faro HTL-APT (FAO): $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Mykonos or Faro?

Prices for flights to both Faro and Mykonos 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
    Mykonos 83
    Faro 62
Typical Food Prices in Mykonos

Some typical examples of dining costs in Mykonos are as follows:


  • Two Ice cream Cones
    4.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mykonos

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

  • Traditional Lunch or Dinner at the Mykonian Spiti: $75
  • Traditional Lunch or Dinner with Drinks in Mykonos: $77
  • Group Cooking Class at the Home of a Local Family: $86
  • Sunset Sail Cruise to Rhenia, Mykonos Beach Safari, Dinner&Drinks: $90
  • Food Tour: Aperitivo In Mykonos Town: $103
  • Sunset Sail Cruise to Rhenia with Beach and Dinner: $109
  • Mykonos Flavors Lunch Food Tour : $113
  • Food Tour in Mykonos - Famous Tastings : $118
  • Shared Group Cooking Class at Home of Mykonian Family in Mikonos: $119
  • Sunset Boat Cruise with Light Dinner & Drinks: $127
  • Mykonos Cooking Class Experience for Cruise Travelers: $138
  • Small Group Mykonian Cooking Class Experience: $143

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Faro

For Faro, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 3 Hours Classic Food Tour in Faro: $106
  • Faro food tour (with drinks) & city highlights - 10 tastings: $112
  • Faro Food Tour & Drinks and City highlights 10 Tastings: $118
  • Authentic Portuguese Cooking Experience in Algarve: $177

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mykonos 23
    Faro 9.41

Tours and Activities in Mykonos

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

  • All Inclusive Tour to Delos and Rhenia Islands with S/Y Olga M: $163
  • Mykonos Island Tour: $82
  • Μykonos Private 360 Photo and Video Tour Perfect for Social Media: $89
  • 2 Hour Private Tour Best of Mykonos: $107
  • 2 Hours Feel Like A Local Walking Tour in Mykonos Town: $42
  • 2 Hours private tour of Mykonos Island : $113
  • 2 hours Mykonos island private tour: $107
  • 2H Private Tour Visit in Mykonos Beaches: $161
  • 3 Hour Mykonos Tour: $179
  • 3 Hours Private Sunset Tour in Greece with Free Drinks & Snacks: $286
  • 3-Hour Private Mykonos Highlights Tour: $167
  • 3-Hours Private Mykonos Explorer Tour : $173

Tours and Activities in Faro

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

  • Flexible Walking Tour in Historic Center: $8.06
  • Faro Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.96
  • Tavira Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $8.96
  • Algarve Uncovered: Coast, Culture, and Villages Tour: $9.51
  • Gateway to Algarve: A Faro Walking Tour: $9.99
  • CCVAlgarve Family Ticket | 2 adults + Children: $14
  • Multimedia Museum and Restaurant Tour: $14
  • Faro Story Spot - Multimedia Museum&Restaurant: Tour&Tasting: $14
  • Parque da Mina Entrance Ticket: $15
  • Cork Factory Tour & Cork Shop: $20
  • Faro Story Spot - Multimedia Museum&Restaurant: Tour&Tasting: $23
  • Ria Formosa Sunset Boat Tour: $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mykonos 20
    Faro 3.13

Sample the Local Flavors in Mykonos

Also in Mykonos, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Mykonos Town & Brewery:2-Hour Walking Tour with Beer Tasting: $75
  • Mykonos Bar Crawl with a Local: $75
  • Winery Vineyard Experience with Food & Wine Tasting: $78
  • Tour and Wine Tasting in Mykonian Land : $81
  • Wine Tasting at a Mykonian Farm: $86
  • Ancient Greek Wine Tasting on the Beach with a Sommelier: $138
  • Half-Day Wine Tasting and Snack at a Local House: $207
  • Mykonos Highlights Private Tour with Optional Wine Tasting: $213

Sample the Local Flavors in Faro

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:

  • Tour & Wine tasting - Authentic Algarve Flavours by Quinta da Tôr: $23
  • PORTUGUESE WINE TASTING IN THE HEART OF FARO: $84
  • Tavira Tuk Tuk Tour: Historic Center & Wine Tasting: $99
  • City Segway Tour with Wine Tasting Experience: $101
  • Premium Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $211


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mykonos and Faro, we can see that Mykonos 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 Mykonos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mykonos 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 Mykonos Expensive? and Is Faro Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mykonos or Faro?

Mykonos has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Mykonos and Faro, 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.