A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cape Sounion vs. Funchal for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Funchal?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Funchal? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Cape Sounion or Funchal?

Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion encompasses the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula of Greece with views of the sea wherever you go. The land of the mythological god Poseidon, Sounion's striking promontory houses his temple that still stands today. It overlooks the Aegean Sea, which was named for King Aegeus of Athens. Aegeus had leapt off of these very cliffs thinking his son Theseus had been killed by the Minotaur of Crete. The promontory and temple are very significant to Greek mythology and history, and was even referenced in Homer's poem, the Odyssey.

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 Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best Adventure Tours to Greece, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Funchal or Cape Sounion?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Sounion is €158, 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 Cape Sounion and Funchal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Sounion 99
    Funchal 52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Sounion 198
    Funchal 104
Compare Hotels in Cape Sounion and Funchal

Looking for a hotel in Cape Sounion 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.

Hotels in Cape Sounion


Hotels in Funchal


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: Funchal Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Sounion 26
    Funchal 9.94

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal

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

  • Transfer and Hiking PR8 Sao Lourenço : $44
  • Transfer Madeira Airport - Funchal: $35
  • Sunrise Transfer to Hike Pico Areeiro to Pico Ruivo: $71
  • Private Transfer from Madeira Airport(FNC) to Madeira Cruise Port: $26
  • Private Transfer from Funchal airport to Madeira south area: $59
  • Private Transfer from Funchal Airport to Madeira Island: $123
  • Private Transfer from Cristiano Ronaldo Airport to Funchal Hotels: $69
  • Private One way Transfer Madeira Airport to or from Funchal: $22
  • Premium Transfer Madeira Airport - Funchal: $44
  • PR18 Levada do Rei Private transfer: $71
  • Minibus Transfer: Funchal - Madeira Airport: $38
  • Madeira airport transfer for up to 8 people: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Sounion or Funchal?

Prices for flights to both Funchal and Cape Sounion 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
    Cape Sounion 41
    Funchal 31

Typical Food Prices in Funchal

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Funchal:


  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Sounion 19
    Funchal 15

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Sounion 23
    Funchal 16

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 Cape Sounion and Funchal, we can see that Cape Sounion 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 Cape Sounion would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cape Sounion 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 Cape Sounion Expensive? and Is Funchal Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Funchal?

Funchal has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion 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 Cape Sounion 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 Cape Sounion or Funchal in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Sounion and Funchal. The summer months attract visitors to Cape Sounion because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cape Sounion is generally a little warmer than Funchal. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 27°C (81°F), and Funchal fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Funchal this time of the year. In Cape Sounion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cape Sounion usually receives more sunshine than Funchal during summer. Cape Sounion gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Funchal receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Funchal. Cape Sounion gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Sounion 27°C (81°F) 
    Funchal 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Funchal in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cape Sounion as well as Funchal. The natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cape Sounion this time of year.

Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Funchal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Funchal fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cape Sounion this time of the year. In the autumn, Cape Sounion often gets more sunshine than Funchal. Cape Sounion gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Funchal receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Funchal. Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in October than Funchal. Cape Sounion gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Sounion 19°C (67°F) 
    Funchal 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Funchal in the Winter?

Both Funchal and Cape Sounion are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cape Sounion for the museums and the cuisine.

In the winter, Cape Sounion is much colder than Funchal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cape Sounion in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Funchal averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Cape Sounion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Funchal during winter. Cape Sounion gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Funchal receives 141 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. In January, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Funchal. Cape Sounion gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Sounion 10°C (51°F) 
    Funchal 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Funchal in the Spring?

Both Funchal and Cape Sounion during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cape Sounion in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Cape Sounion is generally around the same temperature as Funchal. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 16°C (60°F), and Funchal fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Cape Sounion. In the spring, Cape Sounion often gets more sunshine than Funchal. Cape Sounion gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Funchal receives 182 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in April than Funchal. Cape Sounion gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Sounion 16°C (60°F) 
    Funchal 17°C (63°F)

Typical Weather for Funchal and Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion 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)