The Algarve region, located on the south coast of Portugal is famous for its golden sandy beaches, charming portuguese towns, traditional cuisine and relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.
Among its many destinations, Lagos and Faro stand out as the two most popular cities, but if you take a closer look, I think you will see that they both offer very different experiences.
In general, I recommend choosing Faro if you’re after a laid-back destination that is less tourist-centric. Conversely, choose Lagos if you’re looking for easy beach access and are after a thumping nightlife.
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Faro
Faro is the capital of the Algarve region and I find it feels like a true, working Portuguese city. It has an authentic feel to it that you can often miss in the more touristy destinations such as Lagos.
Whilst it may seem a little quieter with a slower pace of life, Faro’s cultural scene is on the rise, there is plenty to do here beyond exploring the beautiful natural surroundings.
Accessibility
If convenience is at the forefront of your mind when considering Faro vs Lagos, Faro has the advantage. It is home to the Algarve’s main international airport (FAO) and has plenty of connections to other parts of the region with a reliable, affordable network of trains and buses.
If time is of the essence and you want to make the most of a shorter trip or perhaps have plans for onward travel, Faro is more convenient.
You can hire a car from the airport if you prefer to have the freedom of 4 wheels to explore but this is not a necessity in a city as well connected as Faro. For longer trips or if you prefer to have the freedom to explore at your own pace, you can easily hire a car from the airport.
Faro is a very walkable city and the nearby beaches and national parks are easily accessible via water taxi.
Affordability
Generally speaking, I’ve found Faro to be more budget-friendly than Lagos. This is largely due to the fact Faro is less of a tourist hub than Lagos, especially during the summer months.
The largest expenses tend to be accommodation and dining out, both of which you can do on a budget in Faro. There are plenty of hotels, B&B’s, hostels and apartments available to rent in and around the city centre to suit a wide range of budgets.
The same goes for dining out, with options ranging from a Michelin starred restaurant to the cheaper, traditional tabernas serving up local dishes.
When it comes to activities, many of the must see and do things are free or cost very little. You can wander through the old town, visit the chapel of bones, marvel at the cathedral and learn about the city’s history in the Municipal Museum all for under €10.
Taking a day trip out to the Ria Formosa national park or the Benagil Sea Caves does cost a little more however but overall, Faro is a very affordable city.
Things to do in Faro
Faro boasts a lot of cultural events and has a summer timetable packed with festivals and other interesting happenings. You can explore independently or join a walking tour.
But if you’re sightseeing, I recommend starting in the charming old town district. Enter through the Arco da Vila, a grand neoclassical archway, and wander through cobbled streets with whitewashed buildings, artisan shops, and cafes.
Here you will also find the Faro Cathedral, where you can climb the bell tower and get incredible views over the Ria Formosa lagoon.
It’s also super popular to visit the Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos), which is tucked away behind the Igreja do Carmo church, a small baroque church decorated with the bones of over 1,000 monks.
Lovers of art and history can explore the Faro Municipal Museum, housed in a 16th-century convent, featuring Roman artefacts and religious art from across the ages.
Unlike Lagos, Faro doesn’t have beaches directly accessible from the city centre, but a short boat ride away, you will find the Ria Formosa Natural Park. This is a protected lagoon system with small islands and it’s absolutely stunning.
Hop between the islands on an organised boat trip or hire kayaks and paddle your way along the shores. The most popular islands are Ilha de Faro or the more secluded Ilha Deserta. I think both are great to visit.
By hiring a kayak, you have the added benefit of more freedom to visit lesser-known islands like Ilha da Culatra, a fishing village with no cars, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and quiet beaches.
In terms of nightly, Faro has a more laid back approach than Lagos, and whilst there are several bars and late night tabernas, the party scene is not so prevalent here. This is perfect for those seeking a relaxing, quiet holiday.
Where to Stay in Faro
Lemon Tree Stay – This comfortable hotel has lots of double rooms available (some with balconies and terraces) along with a great location for exploring Faro.
3HB Faro – A gorgeous luxe option, this hotel features swimming pools, 2 on-site restaurants, an airport shuttle and plenty of bright, clean and comfortable rooms.
Casa da Madalena Backpackers Hostel – This highly-rated hostel in a classic house is perfect for budget travellers and those after a social atmosphere. They have both dorms and private rooms available.
Lagos
Lagos is Faro’s lively younger sibling. Especially popular with younger travellers, digital nomads and surfers, this city has a slightly more bohemian and international vibe.
You can still find pockets of charm and traditional Algarve life here amongst the tourism and vibrant nightlife scene, but it is a much more energetic city when compared with Faro.
Accessibility
Lagos, although well connected by public transport, is about 90 minutes by car or train from Faro Airport. If you are planning a longer trip, this fairly short transfer time may seem insignificant, but if you only have a few days, every hour counts.
It may require more planning to reach, but once you have arrived, it is compact and easy to navigate on foot. Lagos also has the added benefit of having direct access from the city centre to the beach.
In fact, there are several beaches to choose from, all within walking distance so you don’t have to plan your beach visits or pay for a boat trip to reach them like you do when visiting Faro.
You can also access nearby attractions such as the Benagil Sea Caves just as easily from Lagos as there are boat trips departing from both cities.
Affordability
I’ve already established Lagos as the more touristy destination, which does have an effect on the overall cost of a holiday. During the summer months, prices in this city tend to be inflated due to the demand, especially when it comes to accommodation.
Whilst you may be able to find cheaper options on the city outskirts, the holiday rentals and hotels in the city centre are more expensive than the equivalent in Faro.
Dining out is also affected, and although you can still find plenty of local tabernas offering budget-friendly meals, there’s a much higher concentration of tourist traps charging over the odds based on their location.
With all this in mind, there is one advantage Lagos has over Faro when it comes to affordability. If you are planning your visit to the Algarve, dreaming of spending as much time as possible lounging on the sand and swimming in the Mediterranean sea, Lagos does offer direct access to several beaches without the added cost of public transport.
Whilst there are plenty of beaches around Faro, you either have to pay for a water taxi to reach them (Ria Formosa National Park) or head off along the coastline in a hire car or bus. These costs can easily add up over the course of a week so this is something to bear in mind when deciding between Lagos and Faro.
Things to do in Lagos
Lagos is famed for being a party town, but beyond the vibrant ‘strip’ in the city centre, there are plenty of sightseeing opportunities, endless sandy beaches and dramatic sea cliffs.
Whilst Lagos is a more modern city, there is still a charming old town complete with cobblestone streets, traditional tiled buildings, bustling markets, and cute cafes.
Don’t miss the Church of St. Anthony, a beautiful example of baroque architecture, and the nearby Museu Municipal.
For those looking for some museums, I recommend visiting the Slave Market Museum. This is a thought-provoking experience about Lagos’ role in the transatlantic slave trade.
You can also visit the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira, a 17th-century fortress over the harbour.
Lagos is renowned for its coastline and there are several must see beaches just a short walk from the city centre. Visit Ponta da Piedade, which is definitely the most iconic and well-known.
Praia Dona Ana, Praia do Camilo, and Meia Praia are also just a stone’s throw away and are perfect for sunbathing, sea swims and picnics.
Beyond sightseeing, Lagos has a vibrant nightlife along its iconic ‘strip’, with rooftop bars, nightclubs, live music, and street performances.
Where to Stay in Lagos
3 Marias Garden House B&B – This centrally-located bed and breakfast has a handful of double rooms to choose from, a great breakfast, friendly owners and free parking for guests.
Lagos Avenida Hotel – An expansive luxury option, this seafront hotel has a beautiful swimming pool, an exceptional breakfast, a restaurant/bar, room service and private parking.
Apartamentos Pinhão – Boasting studios, apartments and suites, many rooms have sea views and balconies. The property is well-located and a great option for families.
Olive Hostel Lagos – A chilled-out hostel in the centre of Lagos, they have both private rooms and dorm beds to choose from, kitchen facilities and comfortable common areas.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Lagos hotels!
Lagos vs Faro: The Verdict
I recommend Faro for those looking for an authentic, laid-back Portuguese adventure. It is packed full of charm and traditional experiences, endless nature beyond the city itself and deserted islands.
If you like escaping the hustle and bustle and using your holiday to recharge, Faro is the city to visit. Faro is also an excellent option for those who only have one or two days as the transport time from the airport is minimal, giving you more time to enjoy your stay.
Lagos, on the other hand, is a vibrant, energetic city. If you want to let your hair down and dance the night away, Lagos is a better option.
Lagos is also the city of choice for those who want to spend their hours lounging on the beaches from dusk till dawn.
Whilst Faro also has access to beaches, it takes a little more planning to reach them and you are restricted by ferry timetables.
There is certainly more variety when it comes to the coastline in Lagos, with a couple of open sandy beaches and dramatic sea stacks, caves and grottos just a short walk away.
If budget is a major deciding factor when deciding on which city to visit, you may want to consider visiting Faro if you plan to stay during the summer months or, alternatively, visit during the off-season where accommodation is much cheaper.
Both Lagos & Faro are wonderful to visit, but they will each offer a different experience of the Algarve!
Are you deciding where to stay in the Algarve? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!
