A Travel Price Comparison for Portugal Faro vs. Madeira Islands for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Faro or Madeira Islands?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Madeira Islands, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Faro or Madeira Islands?

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.

Madeira Islands

Madeira, Portugal is an archipelago consisting of four islands, each covered with lush vegetation and mountainous landscapes. Madeira is famous for its fresh fish and namesake Madeira wine, which can be found throughout the main island. This area is the perfect blend of relaxing beaches and thrill-inducing activities such as paragliding and mountain biking. Portuguese is the main language here, although English is spoken widely by those in the tourism industry.

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


Which place is cheaper, Madeira Islands or Faro?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Faro is €133, while the average daily cost in Madeira Islands is €95. 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 Faro and Madeira Islands in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Faro 75
    Madeira Islands 52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Faro 150
    Madeira Islands 104
Compare Hotels in Faro and Madeira Islands

Looking for a hotel in Faro or Madeira Islands? 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 Faro


Hotels in Madeira Islands


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: Faro Hotel Prices and Madeira Islands Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Faro 9.52
    Madeira Islands 9.87

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro

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

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Faro APT-HTL (FAO): $36
  • Transfers taxi tours golf wedding: $56
  • Transfers airport Faro X Albufeira: $92
  • Transfers From Faro Airport to Muthu Club Praia da Oura: $72
  • Transfers From Faro Airport to Hotel Paraiso Albufeira: $71
  • Transfers Algarve: Airport Faro - Albufeira, 4 or 8 PAX: $56
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Hotel São Rafael Atlântico: $42
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Cabanas de Tavira: $57
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Almancil: $30
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Alcoutim: $165
  • Transfer from Faro Airport to Carvoeiro: $99
  • Transfer Vale do Lobo - Benamor Golf (Conceição): $79

Is it cheaper to fly into Faro or Madeira Islands?

Prices for flights to both Madeira Islands and Faro 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
    Faro 36
    Madeira Islands 33

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: $84
  • 3 Hours Classic Food Tour in Faro: $98
  • Olhão Fish Market & Food Tour: $104
  • Faro, Algarve: Cataplana Cooking Class: $125
  • Authentic Portuguese Cooking Experience in Algarve: $164

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Faro 9.41
    Madeira Islands 15

Tours and Activities in Faro

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Faro.

  • Faro to Benagil Hiking Tour: $61
  • 1 or 2 Hour Speed Boat Tour - Ria Formosa: $26
  • 2 Hours Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $28
  • 2 Hours Kayak Island Tour in the Natural Park of Ria Formosa: $61
  • 2:30 Hours Tour: $276
  • 3 Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $33
  • 3-Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa on Olhão Algarve: $33
  • 30-minute Jet Ski experience through Punta del Moral: $109
  • 3:30 hours Guided Tour on Classic boat in Ria Formosa, Olhão..: $39
  • 5 hours tour in Ria Formosa: $50
  • 5-hour island hopping tour: $61
  • 90-minute Buggy or Quad tour in the Algarve: $41

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Faro 3.13
    Madeira Islands 16

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: $28
  • Discover Tavira - Tapas and Wine Tour: $83


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Faro and Madeira Islands, we can see that Faro is more expensive. And not only is Madeira Islands much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Madeira Islands would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Madeira Islands 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 Madeira Islands.

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


Which has a larger population, Faro or Madeira Islands?

Madeira Islands has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Faro and Madeira Islands, 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.