Which place is cheaper, Albufeira or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Funchal or Albufeira?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Albufeira? 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: Funchal or Albufeira?
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.
Albufeira
Located in the Algarve region in the south of Portugal, Albufeira was once a small fishing village which has since evolved into a popular destination for tourists attracted by the area's beaches, pleasant climate, and fresh seafood.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lisbon, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Lisbon.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Albufeira €148
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Albufeira is €148. 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 Funchal and Albufeira in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Albufeira €74
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Albufeira €148
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Albufeira
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Albufeira? 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: Funchal Hotel Prices and Albufeira Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Albufeira €34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal
Also for Funchal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Funchal Airport(FNC) to Funchal hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
- Funchal Airport(FNC) to Madeira Island - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
- Madeira Airport (FNC) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Funchal Hotels or Address): $54
- Madeira Airport Round Trip Shuttle Transfers Service: $49
- Madeira Airport Shuttle Transfer one way: $9.82
- Madeira Airport Transfers Round Trip (FNC): $65
- Madeira Island Transfers: $53
- Madeira airport transfer for up to 8 people: $49
- Minibus Transfer: Funchal - Madeira Airport: $38
- Minibus Transfer: Madeira Airport - Funchal: $38
- Morning Self-Guided Hike Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo w/ Transfers: $33
- PR18 Levada do Rei Private transfer: $71
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Albufeira
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Albufeira:
- Private Transfer From Algarve to Sevilha By 8 Seats Minibus: $511
- Private transfer from Albufeira to Lisbon with 2 hours sightseeing: $282
- Transfer Vila Real de Santo Antonio - Alto Golf Pestana (Alvor): $163
- Transfer Vila Nova de Cacela - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $151
- Transfer Vila Nova de Cacela - Alto Golf Pestana (Alvor): $151
- Transfer Vila Real de Santo António - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $139
- Private Airport Transfer To Albufeira Area: $109
- Transfer Alcantarilha - Benamor Golf (Conceição): $98
- Private Airport Transfer To Albufeira Area: $98
- Faro Airport (Algarve) Departure Transfer (Vilamoura Hotels to Faro Airport): $88
- Private Transfer from Pera to Faro (FAO) Airport: $81
- Private Transfer from Alte to Faro (FAO) Airport: $81
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Albufeira?
Prices for flights to both Albufeira and Funchal 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 dayFunchal €31Albufeira €48
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:
- 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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Albufeira
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Albufeira.
- A Portuguese Dinner and Cocktail Experience with pick up: $49
- Portuguese Dinner and Cocktail Experience with Pick up: $52
- Dinner at the Vineyards in Lagoa: $60
- Algarve Bike and Food Tour with Sea Food and Wine Tasting: $61
- Sunset Safari with Traditional Dinner : $65
- 6-Hour Sunset Dinner Catamaran Cruise from Albufeira: $74
- Sunset Tour - Champagne and Traditional Dinner: $75
- Half-Day-Orange Picking &Jam Cooking/Lunch with the Orange Farmer: $109
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Albufeira €39
Tours and Activities in Funchal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Funchal.
- Portugal eSIM Tourist Data Plan: $4.79
- Sacred Art Museum of Funchal Entry Ticket: $11
- Old Funchal Walking Tour: $15
- Scenic Route - Nuns Valley Tour: $25
- Funchal Hop-On Hop-Off Tour 3 in 1: $27
- São Vicente Caves and Volcano Center Half-Day Tour: $27
- Christmas Lights in Funchal Tuk Tuk Tour: $27
- Amazing East Tour : $31
- Majestic West Tour : $31
- Santana / Typical Houses Tour: $33
- Exorbitant West Tour: $33
- Full Day Tour of Madeira West: $33
Tours and Activities in Albufeira
Here are a few actual costs in Albufeira for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Algarve Coast & Chapel of Bones ( Private Van Tour ): $52
- Safari Experience with Traditional Tapas: $76
- 3 Hour Benagil Sunset and Coastline Boat Tour in Albufeira: $36
- 3 Hour Cruise Experience from Vilamoura: $33
- 4 Hour Cruise along the Algarve Coastline: $92
- Albufeira 1 hour Off-Road Tour Buggy Adventure Tour: $33
- Albufeira 1.5-Hour Off-road Quad Tour: $43
- Albufeira 2 hour Off-Road Tour Quad Adventure Tour: $35
- Albufeira 3.5 hour Off-Road Tour Buggy Adventure Tour: $65
- Albufeira 3.5 hour Off-Road Tour Quad Adventure Tour: $46
- Albufeira 6-Hour Off-Road Quad Tour: $201
- Albufeira Algarve 4Hours Benagil Tasting Experience: $96
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Albufeira €26
Sample the Local Flavors in Funchal
Also in Funchal, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- 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: $55
- Pub Crawl: $59
- Shore Excursion: Private Madeira Tour & Wine Tasting: $86
- Guided Toboggan Ride and Madeira Wine Tasting Tour: $98
- Tuk Tuk Wine Tour - Madeira Island: $101
- Exclusive Wine Tasting in the Wine Region of Boaventura: $103
- Weekends Madeira Wine Tasting São Vicente: $109
- Visiting local Vineyard With Wine Tasting & Lunch included: $158
- Full Day Private Madeira Wine Tour from Funchal: $171
- Full-Day Madeira Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $190
Sample the Local Flavors in Albufeira
Also in Albufeira, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- 3 Hours Pub Crawl in Albufeira with Professional Party Makers: $32
- Sunset Wine Tasting With BBQ in Porches: $49
- Exclusive Wine Tasting Experience in Porches (Algarve): $49
- Porches Algarve Vineyard Tour and Wine Tasting Experience: $53
- Half Day Safari Tour with Wine Tasting: $58
- Winery Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas: $63
- Small-Group Wine Tour & Silves Exploration (from Albufeira): $67
- Wine Tour and Tasting - Semi-Private from Albufeira: $71
- Albufeira Coast Tour w/ Wine tasting & Chicken lunch: $74
- Albufeira Coast Tour with Wine Tasting and Chicken PiriPiri Lunch: $75
- From Private Lagos Tour Whith Wine Tasting: $92
- Lagos and Ponta Da Piedade Private Tour & Algarvian Wine Tasting: $106
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Albufeira, we can see that Albufeira 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 Albufeira would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Albufeira 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 Funchal Expensive? and Is Albufeira Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Albufeira?
Funchal has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Albufeira. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Albufeira, 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 Funchal or Albufeira?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Funchal or Albufeira in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Albufeira. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Albufeira this time of year.
Funchal is cooler than Albufeira in the summer. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Albufeira fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).
Funchal usually gets more rain in July than Albufeira. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Albufeira 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Albufeira in the Autumn?
Both Albufeira and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Albufeira for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Funchal is around the same temperature as Albufeira. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Funchal in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Albufeira averages at about 19°C (67°F).
It's quite rainy in Funchal. In October, Funchal usually receives more rain than Albufeira. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Albufeira 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Albufeira in the Winter?
Both Albufeira and Funchal during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Albufeira in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In January, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Albufeira. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 16°C (61°F), and Albufeira fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets more rain in January than Albufeira. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Albufeira 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Albufeira in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Albufeira. Furthermore, most visitors come to Albufeira for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.
Funchal is a little warmer than Albufeira in the spring. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Albufeira fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).
In April, Funchal usually receives more rain than Albufeira. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Albufeira receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Albufeira 15°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Albufeira and Funchal
| Funchal | Albufeira | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 94 mm (3.7 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.