Faro Or Lagos: Which Is Better Town To Visit (2024)
Are you planning a trip to the Algarve and wondering if you should stay in Faro or Lagos?
I’m here to help!
I stayed in both Faro and Lagos while traveling in Portugal, as I wanted to explore different areas of the Algarve region.
Despite being just 90 km from each other, these two cities are quite different.
Faro is more of a local city, while Lagos is more of a beach town. Still, both are close to great beaches and offer plenty of things to do.
Let’s see which is better, Lagos or Faro!
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Overview: Lagos vs Faro
So, is Lagos or Faro better?
The best answer is that they are different. Depending on what kind of trip you’re after you might like one more than the other.
If you have more than 3 days in the Algarve, I’d consider staying in both cities.
I spent 1 day in Faro and 2 days in Lagos (also I spent 3 days in Albufeira, but you don’t have to move around that much).
I prefer Lagos, but Faro has certain advantages too!
Let’s do a quick comparison!
Lagos is the best for you if you…
- Want to stay in a charming coastal town
- Like Algarve beaches with dramatic cliffs
- Explore the west coast of the Algarve
Faro is the best for you if you…
- You’re on a short trip and want to stay close to the airport
- Explore the east coast of the Algarve
- You’re interested in nature and active holiday
Getting There
Faro has an airport, so it is easier to reach if flying.
If you’re taking a bus or a train, both cities are equally easy to get to.
Getting To Faro
Reaching Faro is as easy as taking a flight to Faro Airport.
The city is about 5km from the airport, and you can take a bus or grab a taxi to the city center.
If you’re already in Portugal, you can take a bus or train to Faro from anywhere along the Algarve coast or from Lisbon.
Getting To Lagos
Lagos is slightly more complicated to reach by plane but it is nothing dramatic.
The closest airport to Lagos is Faro Airport, about 90km distance, so you’ll have to get from Faro to Lagos.
You can take a bus from the airport – Aerobus line 56, or go to the city center and catch a bus or a train.
If you’re already in Portugal, Lagos is easy to reach by bus or train from all over the country.
If you want to rent a car, I use this website to compare offers from all companies available at Faro Airport!
Theoretically, you can also book a private transfer if you are feeling spendy or if you arrive late with a lot of luggage.
Accommodation
There is no shortage of places to stay in either city, especially if you’re backpacking Portugal on a budget.
Faro has more hotels, while Lagos has more private accommodation options, but you can find fantastic properties in both.
Also, both are a great place to stay in the Algarve if you don’t have a car!
Where To Stay In Lagos
I think Lagos is overall the best place to stay in the Algarve for most travelers.
Budget Pick
Lagos is the backpacker hub of the Algarve, so there are many hostels to choose from.
Olive Hostel Lagos is a great option for those who want a comfortable hostel with a social atmosphere but with a more chill vibe than the party hostels in the Old Town.
🤩 Check rates and availability!
Mid-Range Pick
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that is not a hostel, Lagos offers a large selection of guest houses run by locals.
Indigo Guest House is a beautiful property, just a short walk from the best beaches in Lagos. Also, it has a rooftop deck with a stunning view!
🤩 Check rates and availability!
Luxury On A Budget
Baluarte da Vila Apartments has an excellent location in the city center and is close to the beaches.
They also have a fantastic pool if you come early in the season and the sea is too cold for a swim!
🤩 Check rates and availability!
Where To Stay In Faro
Budget Pick
There are many hostels in Faro, but Casa da Madalena Backpackers Hostel is the best-rated one.
It is situated in the city center, beautifully decorated, and offers a fantastic atmosphere for solo travelers visiting Faro!
🤩 Check rates and availability!
Mid-Range Pick
Amália Boutique Suites & Studios is a beautifully decorated property in the heart of Faro.
It is a perfect place to stay for coastal vibes and boho living. You also get access to an outside hot tub!
🤩 Check rates and availability!
Luxury On A Budget
If you want an upscale place to stay, while still staying on a budget, Lemon Tree Stay is my favorite property in Faro.
This charming bed and breakfast also includes a delicious and rich breakfast to prepare you for a day of exploring.
🤩 Check rates and availability!
Most Unique
Lemon Tree Urban Camping caught my eye as one of the most unique properties I saw when researching where to stay in the Algarve.
It is exactly what it sounds like. You’ll get a private tent with a patio and you get to sleep in the fresh air!
🤩 Check rates and availability!
Beaches
Both cities have beautiful sandy beaches, but if you’re looking for the dramatic cliffs Algarve is known for, you’ll have to go to Lagos.
Beaches In Lagos
Lagos beaches are some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
These sandy beaches are usually coves surrounded by dramatic cliffs Algarve is known for.
Also, beaches in Lagos are basically in the city center. You can simply walk to some of the most beautiful beaches from your accommodation.
- Praia de Dona Ana – the largest beach along the Ponta da Piedade coastline
- Praia do Camilo – a smaller scenic beach along the Ponta da Piedade coastline
- Praia dos Estudantes – a small photogenic cove, with a bridge between the cliffs
- Praia do Pinhão – a popular “hidden gem” beach because it is harder to reach
- Meia Praia – long, sandy beach on the eastern coast of Lagos
Beaches In Faro
Unlike Lagos beaches which are in the city center, beaches in Faro are about 10 km from the city center.
Also, there are no cliffs in this part of the Algarve, and beaches are similar to Atlantic beaches close to Bordeaux.
- Praia de Faro – the largest beach on the Ilha de Faro, known for its expansive sandy shores
- Praia da Ilha da Culatra – a long sandy beach on Ilha da Culatra island
- Praia da Barreta (Mar) – southernmost beach in Portugal, accessible by boat
Sightseeing
Both Faro and Lagos are small cities, so you can easily visit all the tourist attractions in a day and spend some time on the beach.
However, I think you can add more activities to your Lagos itinerary, without having to go on day trips to nearby towns.
Things To Do In Lagos
- See The Medieval Lagos Castle And The City Wall
- Get inside Igreja De Santo Antônio
- Go on a kayak tour along the Lagos coastline
- Hike The Lagos Coastal Walk
Things To Do In Faro
- Stroll the picturesque Old Town and find all the historic entrances
- See Sé de Faro Cathedral
- Visit the unique Igreja do Carmo and its bone chapel
- Watch the birds in Ria Formosa Natural Park
Day Trips
The Algarve is not a huge region. The length of the Algarve coast from east to west is roughly 155 km.
So, you can do the same type of day trips from both cities even if you visit the Algarve without a car!
Naturally, Lagos is a better base for day trips on the west coast, while Faro is a better base for day trips on the east coast of the Algarve.
If you have a car, I don’t think any of the places along the coast will be hard to reach from either of the cities.
But if you’re using public transport, you should consider whether you are more interested in the West Coast or the East Coast when deciding whether to stay in Lagos or Faro.
So, here are some of the best Algarve day trips, from the West to the East:
- Sagres – the westernmost point of Algarve, and a popular surfing destination.
- Portimao – a popular resort town, with long sandy beaches
- Ferragudo – charming fishing village that looks like it belongs in the Cyclades
- Silves – the historic capital of Algavre, a hilltop town in continental Algarve
- Benagil Cave – the most famous sea cave in the Algarve, and you can visit Benagil Cave on a tour from both cities
- 7 Hanging Valleys Hike – a popular hike along the coastline, especially if you’re visiting in the low season and you can’t swim
- Ria Formosa – nature park close to Faro, popular for bird-watching
- Tavira – the most beautiful town on the East Coast, situated on the Gilão River delta
Nightlife
Neither Lagos nor Faro are known for the nightlife like Albufeira. If you like loud and hectic nightlife, Albufeira is worth visiting.
That is not to say that there is no nightlife in those cities, it is just not as large scale.
I don’t think you can go wrong with either for casual nightlife, grabbing a drink in a bar, or going out for a nice meal.
Lagos has several bars that are popular with backpackers, as it is the best place to stay if you’re backpacking Algarve.
Faro is the biggest city in the region and a University town, so there is always something going on.
Is Faro Or Lagos Cheaper?
Finally, if you’re traveling on a budget you might be wondering which one of the cities is cheaper.
However, I didn’t see much difference in price while I was traveling in the Algarve.
The prices of activities, food, and drinks are quite comparable. Also, they greatly depend on the place, as you can find cheap fast food and expensive fine dining restaurants in both towns.
The category where you can see the biggest impact on your travel budget is accommodation.
Accommodation was slightly cheaper in Lagos for budget options – hostels and rooms with shared bathrooms. However, the prices of mid-range accommodation – private rooms, are pretty much the same.
All that being said, Algarve is not cheap. It can be affordable in the low season, but don’t expect Eastern Europe prices in the summer!
Europe gets expensive in the summer, especially popular coastal destinations like the Algarve.
FAQ: Lagos Or Faro
Lagos is a more touristy town, while Faro is the region’s capital. Lagos is a better choice if you’re not renting a car, and want to enjoy the beaches within walking distance from your accommodation.
Yes, Faro is a good place to stay for a couple of nights as a base to explore the eastern Algarve. However, most travelers will prefer staying in Lagos, Albufeira, or another coastal town that is closer to the beach than Faro.
Yes, there is about 90 km from Faro to Lagos, and you can easily visit the city on a day trip by car or by public transport. It takes about an hour and a half from one city to another by bus or train making it a great option for a day trip.
The distance from Faro to Lagos is about 90 km. It takes roughly an hour and 30 minutes from one city to another by local bus and about an hour by car. You can also take a train from Faro to Lagos, and it takes about 2 hours, depending on the route it takes.
Final Thoughts: Faro vs Lagos
And there you have it, the comparison of Faro and Lagos you need to decide where to stay for your next trip to the Algarve.
Personally, I liked Lagos better than Faro. I loved the beaches surrounded by dramatic cliffs within walking distance of the city center.
I also felt like Lagos had more activities for backpackers and younger travelers, from kayak tours to pub crawls.
Still, Faro is a cool place to visit, and you can have a fantastic holiday if you pick it as your base.
Algarve is a fantastic region, with so much to offer!
If you can’t decide between Lagos or Faro or Albufeira, consider comparing Lagos and Albufeira. Another popular town along the Algarve coastline, well known for its nightlife!
