Which place is cheaper, Funchal or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Athens or Funchal?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Funchal. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Athens or Funchal?
Athens
Athens is the capital city of Greece and is home to a population of over 3.7 million people. It's most famous as the birthplace of Classical Greece and the history in the city is incomparable to that found anywhere. It became the national capital of the modern Greek State in the 1830s, before which it was just a small village with a very impressive history. The city was redesigned by architects and city planners and incorporated large public squares, lots of green space, and wide avenues. The city has had its ups and downs both economically and politically, but it remains a beautiful and impressive place to explore.
Funchal
Funchal is the capital city of the autonomous region of Madeira on the island of Madeira. The city is located to the south between the cities of Santa Cruz and Camara de Lobos. It is actually named for the fennel plant which grows liberally on the island. The city was most significant as a shipping center between the 15th and 17th centuries. Today it has a population of over 100,000 people and is, arguably, one of the most picturesque cities in Portugal. It's appeal as a tourist destination has made it the leading Portuguese port for cruise line dockings.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAthens €127Funchal €93
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is €127, while the average daily cost in Funchal is €93. 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 Athens and Funchal in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens €63Funchal €52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens €126Funchal €104
Compare Hotels in Athens and Funchal
Looking for a hotel in Athens or Funchal? 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.
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: Athens Hotel Prices and Funchal Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens €27Funchal €9.94
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
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Airport Bus for Two€6.40
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Metro€1.50
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Metro€2.00
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Metro from Airport to City Center€8.00
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Taxi from Airport€35
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Paros: Helicopter Transfer to Greek Islands or Athens: $2,695
- From Meteora Private Day Trip with Transfer: $1,048
- From Ancient Corinth Day Trip with Private Transfer: $461
- Private Transfer to/from Volos: $449
- From Private Cape Sounion Sunset Tour with Transfer: $299
- Transfer from Athens airport to Epidavros up to 4 customers: $298
- Athens Airport to Kyllini Transfer or from Kyllini to Athens: $291
- Private Transfer From Athens To Lefkada: $284
- Private Transfer From Athens To Meteora - Kalabaka: $273
- Private Transfer through Athens Attractions at Night: $273
- Vip Transfer From/To Athens Center - Lavrio Port: $273
- Private Transfer From Athens To Ancient Olympia: $262
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal
Also for Funchal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Funchal Airport to Madeira Island: $123
- PR18 Levada do Rei Private transfer: $71
- Sunrise Transfer to Hike Pico Areeiro to Pico Ruivo: $71
- Private Transfer from Cristiano Ronaldo Airport to Funchal Hotels: $69
- Madeira Airport Transfers Round Trip (FNC): $65
- Private Transfer from Funchal airport to Madeira south area: $59
- Madeira Airport (FNC) Departure Transfer (Funchal Hotels to Madeira Airport): $54
- Madeira Airport (FNC) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Funchal Hotels or Address): $54
- Madeira Island Transfers: $53
- Funchal Airport(FNC) to Madeira Island - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
- Madeira Airport Round Trip Shuttle Transfers Service: $49
- Madeira airport transfer for up to 8 people: $49
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or Funchal?
Prices for flights to both Funchal and Athens 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
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Food Meals for one dayAthens €37Funchal €31
Typical Food Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
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Ice cream€3.00
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Souvlaki€2.20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens
For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $24
- Street Food Tour Market & City Centre: $42
- Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $46
- Greek Street Food Tour: $51
- Athens Street Food Tour: Explore City's Iconic Eateries: $52
- Middle-eastern Cuisine Cooking Class with Meal: $52
- Street Food Tour with Local Guide and 7 Tastings: $57
- Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $60
- Alternative, truly authentic food tour in secret Athens: $63
- Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Class with Meal: $63
- Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Classes in Athina: $64
- Light Lunch Tasting & Cooking Demo: $67
Typical Food Prices in Funchal
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Funchal:
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Coffee€1.40
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Funchal
For Funchal, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Private Walking Food Tour Around Funchal: $31
- Madeira Nights Tour - Dinner and Show: $41
- Sunset Tour to Pico do Arieiro with Dinner and Drinks included: $76
- Gourmet Wine & Food Tour: $112
- Gourmet Wine & Food Tour: $112
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Athens €36Funchal €15
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- Acropolis/Athens Highlights Private Evening Tour (5 hours) from Athens, Piraeus: $87
- Ancient Corinth Canal Epidavrous Nafplio Private Tour 8Hours: $180
- Apostle Paul's Footsteps in Athens Christian Private Tour 5Hours: $142
- Delphi full day V.R audio guided tour with entry ticket: $48
- EPIDAURUS & NAFPLIO : Private Full Day Tour From Athens 6 Hours : $173
- Full Day Tour in Athens with Lunch: $147
- Half Day Private Tour on Highlights of Classical Athens: $158
- Layover Private Tour in Athens: $245
- Mycenae Lions Gate Epidaurus & Nafplio Full Day Private Tour 8H : $191
- Self-Guided Tour at the Romantic Island of Hydra from Athens: $284
- Traditional Villages Full day Tour in Santorini: $59
- "Acropolis Half-day Tour and City Visit": $168
Tours and Activities in Funchal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Funchal.
- Low Cost Wheelchair Handicap Half Day Tour, Fully Accessible Tour : $76
- “Le tour de Churchill” - From Funchal to Câmara de Lobos: $58
- Magnificent East Tour: $33
- 4 Hours Adventure Jeep Tour in Central Madeira Portugal: $47
- 4x4 Jeep Safari Porto Moniz - the "Farowest" tour - Full Day Small Groups : $71
- Accessible Half Day Tour Cabo Girão: $120
- Adventure Trikes Private Tour in Madeira : $158
- Amazing East Tour : $31
- Amazing West - Jeep Safari Tour - Full Day: $60
- Arieiro Peak, Santo da Serra and Cristo Rei 4x4 Experience: $49
- Around The Island - Two Days Tour From 9am To 5pm (Each Day): $65
- Around the island - Two days tour: $82
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens €23Funchal €16
Sample the Local Flavors in Athens
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
- Liquer tasting in Polykala's Distillery Show Room in Athens: $17
- Greek Wine Tasting: $23
- Premium Wine Tastings: $35
- Greek Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $43
- Athens Wine Tasting: $44
- Old Town Athens Wine Tasting: $52
- Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $52
- 2 Hours Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $53
- Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $53
- Greek food and wine tasting: $53
- Rare Greek Wine Tasting w/Sommelier by the Acropolis: $59
- Wine Tasting and Storytelling in a Historical Square in Athina: $60
Sample the Local Flavors in Funchal
Also in Funchal, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Skywalk and 4x4 Adventure with Amazing Views and Wine Tasting: $49
- Half day jeep Wine tour and tasting, & sea cliff adventure: $53
- Bestselling Wine Tour, Tasting Experience & Skywalk 4x4 Adventure: $53
- Wine tasting and Jeep Adventure in Madeira's Majestic Countryside: $56
- Pub Crawl: $59
- Shore Excursion: Private Madeira Tour & Wine Tasting: $86
- Amazing Skywalk, Wine Tasting & 4x4 Adventure + Dolphin Watching: $97
- Guided Toboggan Ride and Madeira Wine Tasting Tour: $98
- Tuk Tuk Wine Tour - Madeira Island: $102
- Weekends Madeira Wine Tasting São Vicente: $109
- Wine Tour by Overland Madeira: $150
- Visiting local Vineyard With Wine Tasting & Lunch included: $158
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Funchal, we can see that Athens is more expensive. And not only is Funchal much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Funchal would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Funchal 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 Athens would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Athens than you might in Funchal.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Athens Expensive? and Is Funchal Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Athens or Funchal?
Athens has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Funchal, 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 Athens or Funchal?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Athens or Funchal in the Summer?
Both Funchal and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Athens this time of year.
In July, Athens is generally a little warmer than Funchal. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Funchal fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
It's quite sunny in Funchal. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Funchal during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Funchal receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Funchal. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAthens 27°C (81°F)Funchal 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Athens or Funchal in the Autumn?
Both Funchal and Athens during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Athens is around the same temperature as Funchal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Funchal fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
It's quite sunny in Athens. In the autumn, Athens often gets more sunshine than Funchal. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Funchal receives 183 hours of full sun.
Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Athens usually gets less rain in October than Funchal. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAthens 19°C (67°F)Funchal 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Athens or Funchal in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Funchal. Many visitors come to Athens in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Athens is much colder than Funchal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Funchal averages at about 16°C (61°F).
Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Funchal during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Funchal receives 141 hours of full sun in the winter.
Funchal receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Funchal. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAthens 10°C (51°F)Funchal 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Athens or Funchal in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Athens as well as Funchal. Most visitors come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Athens is generally around the same temperature as Funchal. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Funchal fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the spring, Athens often gets more sunshine than Funchal. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Funchal receives 182 hours of full sun.
Athens usually gets less rain in April than Funchal. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAthens 16°C (60°F)Funchal 17°C (63°F)
Typical Weather for Funchal and Athens
| Athens | Funchal | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.