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

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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. Many visitors also come here 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.

Faro

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

How is Santorini different from Faro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Santorini or Faro better for Food?

Dining out in both Santorini and Faro can be an enjoyable experience.

Santorini has a delicious food scene that relies on local flavors. Popular foods on this island include fava, Greek salad, and kofta.

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.


Is Santorini or Faro better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find comparable options between Santorini and Faro.

If you're looking for night time activities Santorini has a few options to choose from. It is one of the calmer, more romantic islands in Greece. For the best nightlife, you'll want to stay near Fira.

Many people head to Faro for the nightlife scene. The city's bustling party scene thrives along Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior.

Is Santorini or Faro better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, 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 offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro.

Is Santorini or Faro better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find 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.

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.

Is Santorini or Faro better for Beaches?

Both Santorini and Faro have 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.

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.


Is Santorini or Faro better for Shopping?

If you're looking to go shopping, Santorini and Faro both offer plenty of spots.

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

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.

Is Santorini or Faro better for Families?

Santorini and Faro are both fun destinations for the whole family.

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.

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.

Is Santorini or Faro better for Couples?

Couples will find a longer list of romantic activities in Santorini than Faro.

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 is a nice destination for couples. 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?

For backpackers, both Santorini and Faro are fairly comparable 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.

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.


Is Santorini or Faro better for Public Transit?

Santorini and Faro both offer 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.

While Faro offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that connect the city to the beach, the airport, and other outlying areas.

Is Santorini or Faro a more walkable city?

Santorini and Faro are similar 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 somewhat walkable. The city's old town is particularly walkable.

Santorini and Faro: Pros and Cons

Santorini
Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Faro
Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Cons
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples


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.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Santorini is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Faro is 2-5 days.


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

One day in Santorini or Faro?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Santorini. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered around the area. 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 area has lots to do.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the popular 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?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the historic destination of Santorini. This island offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Plenty of people spend five days here when traveling. Five days is often enough time to spend here.

You'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the active 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?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic island of Santorini. 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.

Which city is cheaper, Faro or Santorini?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €131, while the average daily cost in Faro is €107. 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 city. 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 €66
    Faro €60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santorini €132
    Faro €120

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santorini €23
    Faro €7.62

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini

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

  • Helicopter Transfer between Mykonos & Santorini: $2,839
  • Premium Santorini Private Day Tour Lagoon 450, BBQ, drinks, transfer: $933
  • Tour of Caldera on Sailing Boat & Bus Transfer:Volcano-Hot springs-Thirassia-Oia: $75
  • Santorini Taxi Service & Airport, Hotel and Port Transfers: $62
  • Private Transfer to/from Santorini Airport (JTR): $50
  • Santorini Airport to Hotel: Private Arrival Transfer: $45
  • Transfer from Santorini Airport&Port all destination except OIA up to 4 customer: $37
  • Santorini Airport Hotels Transfer Shuttle Bus Service: $27
  • Private Airport Transfer: $25
  • Oia Sunset: Evening Shuttle Transfer and Free Time: $23
  • Santorini transfer service: $17
  • Shared Transfer Service: $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro

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

  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Braga: $1,769
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Madrid: $1,407
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Sierra Nevada: $1,061
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Málaga: $909
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Cádiz: $761
  • Chauffeur ALGARVE ALL CITIES Private Transfer to LISBON (1 to 8 passengers): $498
  • Chauffeur ALGARVE ALL CITIES Private Transfer to SEVILLE (5 to 8 passengers): $498
  • Private Transfer Lisbon - Eastern Algarve: $460
  • Faro Airport Private Transfer to SEVILLE (5 to 8 passengers): $440
  • Private Transfer Lisbon - Pine Cliffs Algarve (5 to 8 passangers): $435
  • Chauffeur ALGARVE ALL CITIES Private Transfer to SEVILLE (1 to 4 passengers): $435
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Lisbon: $424

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 €38
    Faro €29

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini

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

  • Live Virtual Cooking Class: $26
  • A taste of Mediterranean Cuisine Dinner: $90
  • Hands on Cooking Class with a Chef: $90
  • Fira: 4-Hour Walking Food Tour With Tastings: $108
  • Sunset Sea Kayak and Snorkel with Dinner: $108
  • Santorini : Sunset Sea Kayak & Snorkel with Dinner: $118
  • Santorini : Cooking Class, Easy Hike, and Snorkeling: $131
  • Cooking Class with Santorini’s Aroma: $506
  • Full-Day Royalty Private Cooking Class and Tour in Santorini: $506
  • Cooking Class with Santorini’s Aroma: $546
  • Santorini Private Sunset Sailing Cruise with Dinner, Drinks &Transfer included: $1,350

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santorini €29
    Faro €7.53

Tours and Activities in Santorini

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

  • 3 Hour Santorini Walking Tour with Hotel Pickup: $50
  • 5-Hour Santorini Photography Day Tour: $606
  • Discover Prehistoric Akrotiri & Winery Tour: $182
  • Explore Akrotiri GroupTour: $583
  • Exploring the Myth of Santorini - Full Day Tour: $133
  • From Athens: Overnight Tour to Santorini: $373
  • From Folegandros Private Rib Boat Tour: $2,725
  • Full-Day Royalty Private Wine Walking Tour in Santorini: $428
  • Full-Day Santorini Southeastern Side Tour with Drink Tasting: $127
  • Half-Day Private Santorini Tour with Hidden Beaches: $323
  • Half-Day Walking Tour in Santorini with Canava Ouzo Visit: $413
  • Highlits Of Santorini Private Tour: $560

Tours and Activities in Faro

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

  • 3 Days in BMW R nineT Scrambler Tour: $523
  • 7 Fountains Walking Tour from Faro: $118
  • 7-Day Off The Beaten Track Algarve Walk Tour: $2,687
  • 8 Days Tour - North & South of Portugal: $1,896
  • Albufeira: MiniGolf Adventure Park Entry Ticket: $11
  • Algarve Beauties cave Tour - Benagil cave and Marinha beach from Faro: $64
  • Algarve Dolphin Watching & Marine Life Eco Tour: $56
  • Algarve Private & CustomTour: $93
  • Algarve Tour: $435
  • Algarve: 2-Hour Ria Formosa Kayak Tour from Faro: $57
  • Amoreira River Kayak Tour: $50
  • Amoreira River Stand Up Paddle Tour: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santorini €21
    Faro €2.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini

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

  • 4-Hours Santorini Vothonas Village Tour with Wine Tasting: $89
  • Authentic Santorinian Tour at Vothonas Village with Wine Tasting: $93
  • Half-Day Santorini Tour Vothonas Village with Wine Tasting: $93
  • Santorini-Wine Tour Αround Megalochori Village: $111
  • Sunset and Wine Tasting Tour by Electric Bike: $114
  • Santorini-Wine Tour Around Megalochori Village: $117
  • Santorini-Wine Tour Around Megalochori Village: $124
  • Santorini-Sunset Caldera’s View from Megalochori with Wine Tasting: $134
  • Santorini-Sunset Caldera’s View from Megalochori with Wine Tasting: $140
  • Half-Day Sunset Wine Tasting Tour in Santorini with Pick Up: $141
  • Santorini Wine Tasting and History Small Group Tour: $153
  • 4-Hour Sunset Wine Tour: $159

Sample the Local Flavors in Faro

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:

  • Traditional Portuguese Guitar performance with Exhibition Museum & Wine Tasting: $21

About these numbers

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.

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Santorini vs. Faro Travel Comparison

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