A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Varna vs. Faro for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Varna or Faro?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Varna and Faro can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Varna or Faro?

Varna

Varna is a coastal city on the Black Sea. It's the third largest city in Bulgaria and many people consider it the summer capital of the country. It's a major tourist destination and it can make for a relaxing escape at the beach if you're in Bulgaria during the summer. It is the only city in Bulgaria that cruises visit, and as such, it's tourist infrastructure has grown. In addition to being a tourist destination, Varna is also a business and university center, seaport, and the headquarters of the Bulgarian Navy and merchant marine.

Faro

Faro (or sometimes Faros) is the capital city of the scenic Algarve Region of Portugal, located at the edge of the Ria Formosa National Park. This is a fantastic place to experience the beauty, culture, and traditions of Portugal in laid back atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities. Faro offers everything from ancient architecture to beautiful beaches all while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the Algarve Region.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Faro or Varna?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Varna is $65, while the average daily cost in Faro is $143. 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 Varna and Faro in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varna $35
    Faro $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varna $70
    Faro $160
Compare Hotels in Varna and Faro

Looking for a hotel in Varna 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 Varna


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: Varna Hotel Prices and Faro Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varna $9.33
    Faro $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:

  • Varna to Bucharest - Private Transfer: $644
  • Bucharest to Varna - Private Transfer: $451
  • Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Sofia (SOF) Airport : $300
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sunny Beach: $219
  • Private Transfer from Albena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $155
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sozopol: $155
  • Varna Airport - Ravda | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $136
  • Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $131
  • Varna Airport - Nessebar | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $131
  • Private Transfer from Varna to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $128
  • Private Transfer from Saints Constantine and Helena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $123
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Pomorie: $118

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro

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

  • ) Transfers airport Faro X Sevilla: $91
  • Aiport Transfer from FARO to TAVIRA or CABANAS: $72
  • Airport Transfer to Albufeira: $62
  • Airport Transfer to Armação da Pera: $81
  • Airport Transfer to Burgau: $143
  • Airport Transfer to Cadiz: $669
  • Airport Transfer to Carvoeiro: $87
  • Airport Transfer to Evora: $414
  • Airport Transfer to Gale: $67
  • Airport Transfer to Huelva: $155
  • Airport Transfer to Isla Antilla: $129
  • Airport Transfer to Lagos: $118

Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Faro?

Prices for flights to both Faro and Varna 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
    Varna $23
    Faro $39

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.
    Varna $8.55
    Faro $10

Tours and Activities in Varna

Here are a few actual costs in Varna for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Action Aqua Park Entrance Ticket: $25
  • Audio Guide for All Varna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $15
  • Bulgaria Day Bike & E-bike Tours - country & sea: $63
  • E-Motorcycle Tour in Old Rock Monastery and Old Roman Fortress : $114
  • From Hiking and Climbing Day Tour: $74
  • From Rock Sanctuaries Hiking Tour: $74
  • Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the North of Varna: $206
  • Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the South of Varna: $206
  • Full-Day Small-Group Tour of Bulgaria by Minivan with Lunch: $87
  • GPS & Video guided Tour to The North Coast Of The Black Sea: $183
  • Guided Nessebar Sightseeing Tour with Pick Up: $108
  • Half Day Private Bicycle Tour in Varna: $29

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varna $8.52
    Faro $3.35

Sample the Local Flavors in Varna

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

  • Private Exploration: French Influence in Varna + Walking + Wine tasting tour: $53
  • Bulgarian Wine Tasting & Art Gallery Experience in Varna: $53
  • Varna Exquisite Wine Tasting: $64
  • Private Varna Gourmet Tour with Superb Wine Tasting: $64
  • The Ultimate Private Varna Walking, Culture & Wine Tasting Tour: $75
  • E-bike & Wine Tour to the Bulgarian Coast: $104
  • Varna Gourmet Tour including Wine Tasting: $127

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

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


Which is Bigger, Varna or Faro?

Varna has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Varna 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.


When is the best time to visit Varna or Faro?

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 Varna or Faro in the Summer?

Both Faro and Varna during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Faro because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Varna is around the same temperature as Faro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Varna in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Faro averages at about 25°C (78°F).

In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Varna. In the summer, Varna often gets less sunshine than Faro. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Faro receives 374 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets more rain in July than Faro. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Faro receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Varna 23°C (73°F) 
    Faro 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Varna or Faro in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Faro. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Faro this time of year.

In October, Varna is generally cooler than Faro. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 14°C (57°F), and Faro fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Faro this time of the year. Varna usually receives less sunshine than Faro during autumn. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Faro receives 222 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Varna usually receives less rain than Faro. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Faro receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Varna 14°C (57°F) 
    Faro 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Varna or Faro in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Varna as well as Faro. Also, many travelers come to Faro for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Varna in the winter. Varna is much colder than Faro in the winter. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Faro fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the winter, Varna often gets less sunshine than Faro. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Faro receives 161 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets less rain in January than Faro. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Faro receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Varna 3°C (37°F) 
    Faro 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Varna or Faro in the Spring?

Both Faro and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Faro in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Varna is much colder than Faro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Varna in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Faro averages at about 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Faro. Varna usually receives less sunshine than Faro during spring. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Faro receives 248 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Varna usually receives more rain than Faro. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Faro receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Faro and Varna

Varna Faro
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 15°C (58°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)