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

Should you visit Santorini or Faro?

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

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

Santorini

Santorini is a stunning, historic, and romantic island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come to Santorini because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Santorini travel costs.

Faro

Faro is a busy, active, and popular resort town. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Faro travel costs.

Santorini 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
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Santorini or Faro?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santorini. Although Santorini and Faro are popular destinations, Santorini has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santorini is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Faro attracts visitors for its nightlife. Santorini is more touristy than Faro and is known for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. It is also well known for The Caldera and Volcano of Santorini. Faro is famous for its historical sights and rich culture.

How is Santorini different from Faro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Santorini
Faro

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

Santorini is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. One of the most impressive historical sights is Akrotiri Archaeological Site. The island has many archeological sites as well as the Archeological Museum in Fira.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Santorini
Faro

Santorini 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 Santorini. Popular foods on this island include fava, Greek salad, and kofta.

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 Santorini or Faro Better for Nightlife?

Santorini
Faro

Faro is a great resort town for nightlife and partying. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Santorini. It is one of the calmer, more romantic islands in Greece. For the best nightlife, you'll want to stay near Fira.

Is Santorini or Faro Better for Resorts?

Santorini
Faro

With a similar set of options, amazing resorts can be found in both Santorini and Faro.

Santorini offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The resorts range from all-inclusive options to resorts with a more local feel. The island is one of the most romantic of the Greek Islands, and the resorts are no exception.

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


Is Santorini or Faro Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini
Faro

You'll find nice snorkeling or scuba diving in both Santorini and Faro.

Santorini has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Some of the best snorkeling places are found at Red Beach, White Beach, and the less accessible Kambia. One of the island's best diving spots is Caldera Beach.

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 Santorini or Faro Better for Beaches?

Santorini
Faro

Both Santorini and Faro have nice beaches worth visiting.

Santorini has a beach worth visiting. The island has many beaches, most of which are made of black pebbly sand that are a result of the island's volcanic history. Popular beaches include Perissa Beach, Kamari Beach, and Perivolos Beach.

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 Santorini or Faro Better for its Old Town?

Santorini
Faro

Santorini and Faro both have nice historical old towns that attract visitors.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Santorini. The historic towns of Fira and Oia are the two most popular with visitors, although they have become more built up and less historic over the past few decades. Historical areas are still found within these towns mixed in with restaurants, shops, and hotels set among the beautiful cliff-side views.

Faro offers a nice historic old town area. 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 Santorini or Faro Better for Hiking?

Santorini
Faro

Santorini is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Faro is not a hiking destination.

Santorini has hiking trails worth exploring. The best hiking trails on the island pass by quaint villages and offers stunning ocean views. You can also hike along the edge of a volcano.

Faro is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Faro?

Santorini
Faro

Santorini 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 Santorini. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.

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 Santorini or Faro More Beautiful?

Santorini
Faro

Santorini 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 Santorini because of it's amazing beauty. It has striking blue water and contrasting white buildings. It is the place many travelers dream of visiting for its picturesque setting.

Faro is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Santorini or Faro Better for Families?

Santorini
Faro

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

Santorini offers lots of family activities. It is a calmer destination than many of the Greek Islands. While it's a great place to relax with kids, the beaches aren't as good as they are on some of the other islands. Most families hang out in Kamari and Perissa Beach.

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 Santorini or Faro Better for Couples?

Santorini
Faro

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

Santorini has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It is a dream honeymoon destination that is famous for its picturesque setting and luxury resorts. For many couples, this is a top pick for a romantic trip to the Greek Isles.

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 Santorini or Faro Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santorini
Faro

For backpackers, both Santorini and Faro are nice places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Santorini. The island has its share of 5 star resorts, but if you head a few streets in you'll find some surprisingly affordable accommodation. Backpackers are welcomed on the island and beaches are free, so it's possible to get by on a relatively low budget.

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


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

Santorini
Faro

Santorini and Faro both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Santorini offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system, KTEL Santorini Buses, that runs 23 buses during the summer months but only a small fraction of that operate during the winter months.

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

Is Santorini or Faro a more walkable city?

Santorini
Faro

Santorini and Faro are nice when it comes to walkability.

Santorini is a somewhat walkable place. Many towns on the island are walkable, including Fira, but the actual island is too large to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Faro or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Faro?

In either Santorini or Faro, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Santorini than Faro because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Santorini, and 2-5 days is enough time in Faro.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Santorini or Faro? Ideal Length of Stay
    Santorini 3-7 
    Faro 2-5

One day in Santorini or Faro?

Santorini is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the resort town of Faro. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Santorini or Faro?

Santorini 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.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the active destination of Faro. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this resort town has to offer. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Santorini or Faro?

Santorini might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This island offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the busy resort town of Faro. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this resort town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this resort town has to offer.

A week in Santorini or Faro?

Even though Santorini is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Faro is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.


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


Which place is cheaper, Faro or Santorini?

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 Santorini is €250, 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 Santorini and Faro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santorini 118
    Faro 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santorini 236
    Faro 150
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Faro

Looking for a hotel in Santorini 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 Santorini


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: Santorini Hotel Prices and Faro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santorini 35
    Faro 9.52

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini

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

  • Helicopter Transfer between Mykonos & Santorini: $3,988
  • Santorini to Folegandros Fast and Scenic Helicopter Transfer: $223
  • Santorini Luxury Catamaran Day Cruise with BBQ,drinks,transfer: $192
  • Luxury Small-Group Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Open bar & Transfer: $174
  • Santorini to Ios Quick and Scenic Air Transfer: $172
  • Caldera Cruise with Greek Meal and Transfer: $171
  • Premium Small-Group Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Open Bar, Transfer: $145
  • Private Sunset Tour with Picnic & Transfer: $137
  • Santorini to Mykonos: Ferry Ticket & Hotel Transfer: $133
  • Santorini Sunset Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, drinks, transfer: $128
  • Santorini Catamaran Day Cruise: Lunch, BBQ, Open Bar, Transfers: $128
  • Santorini Luxury Sailing Catamaran Cruise with BBQ, Drinks and Transfer: $128

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro

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

  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Porto City: $855
  • Private Transfer from Lisbon Aeroport to Albufeira: $365
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Sevilla: $319
  • Transfer From Faro Algarve To Lisbon: $290
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Praia da Luz: $223
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Huelva: $214
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Quinta Falzina: $210
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Vila do Bispo: $210
  • Private Transfer Algarve to Seville (or return): $203
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Burgau: $199
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Budens: $199
  • Private transfers between Faro and Aljezur: $186

Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Faro?

Prices for flights to both Faro and Santorini 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
    Santorini 96
    Faro 62

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini

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

  • Santorini Caldera: Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $74
  • Romantic Sunset Caldera Cruise with Dinner: $74
  • Volcanic Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $85
  • Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music: $90
  • Cooking Class with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $91
  • Santorini Cooking Class with Wine Tasting: $92
  • Volcano and Hot Springs Sunset Dinner Cruise: $103
  • The Aegean Cooking Class: $116
  • Cooking Class with Private Chef - prepare & enjoy local menu: $128
  • Cooking Class in Traditional cave house in Santorini!: $128
  • Greek Cuisine Cooking Class in Santorini: $128
  • Hands on Cooking Class with a Chef: $136

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: $103
  • Faro food tour (with drinks) & city highlights - 10 tastings: $112
  • Faro Food Tour & Drinks and City highlights 10 Tastings: $115
  • Authentic Portuguese Cooking Experience in Algarve: $173

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

Tours and Activities in Santorini

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

  • Santorini Panoramic Blue Shade Tour-Firostefani, Imerovigli, Oia: $66
  • Santorini Private HIGHLIGHTS TOUR: $46
  • 2-hour Private Wooden E-Bike Tour in Emporio Castle, Santorini: $81
  • 3 Hour Sightseeing Tour in the Magical Santorini: $79
  • 3 Islands Caldera Cruise in Santorini with Wooden Boat: $41
  • 4 Hours Private Custom Tour in Santorini: $174
  • 4 Hours Private Sightseeing Tour in Santorini: $139
  • 4 Hours Santorini Private Tour: $197
  • 4h private tour of Santorini's sights: $232
  • 5 Hour Santorini Shore Excursion for Cruise Passengers: $80
  • 5 Hours Private Guided Tour of Santorini: $180
  • 5-h My Santorini Private Tailor Made Tour: $199

Tours and Activities in Faro

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

  • 2 Hours Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $29
  • 3-Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa on Olhão Algarve: $35
  • 3-hour tour by Buggy or Quad in the Algarve: $102
  • 4 hour Kayak & Snorkeling Tour in Ria Formosa Natural park : $87
  • 5 Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $46
  • 6 hour boat tour navegating through the Islands of Ria Formosa National Park : $70
  • 7 Valleys Hiking, Benagil Cave and Snorkeling Tour from Olhao: $64
  • Benagil Cave Marinha Carvoeiro From Faro Full day Tour: $58
  • Benagil Cave Tour From Faro - Discover The Algarve Coast: $58
  • Best of Faro - Guided Bike Tour (3h): $51
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $47
  • Boat Tour to Desert Island at The Ria Formosa: $52

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santorini 25
    Faro 3.13

Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini

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

  • Top Sights Day Trip, Wine Tasting, & Oia Sunset: $53
  • Half Day Simply Santorini Tour with Wine Tasting: $71
  • Fira Town Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $80
  • Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting option: $85
  • Santorini Highlights Tour with Wine Tasting option: $87
  • Visit to a Wine Museum and Wine Tasting in Santorini : $89
  • Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia: $107
  • Santorini Wine Tour with sunset in Oia: $128
  • Santorini Private Wine Tasting Tour in two or three Wineries : $128
  • Wine Tasting and Cave Settlement Tour: $142
  • Santorini wine tasting and Traditional Cave Settlement Tour: $151
  • Santorini Private Highlights Tour & Wine Tasting with local guide: $157

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: $83
  • Portuguese Wine Tasting in the heart of Faro: $87
  • City Segway Tour with Wine Tasting Experience: $100
  • Algarve Portugal Wine Tasting Activity with Pick Up: $185
  • Premium Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $209


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


Which is Bigger, Santorini or Faro?

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