Which place is cheaper, Alicante or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Alicante?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Alicante? 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 Alicante?
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.
Alicante
Alicante is a gorgeous coastal city in the Costa Blanca region, on the east coast of Spain. The region is famous for its white sandy beaches, the party-haven of Benidorm and the stunning palm tree-lined boulevard in the city of Alicante. I have been visiting Alicante for close to 20 years, so, it has become almost a second home to me. Here are my top tips to have the best vacation in Alicante.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Alicante €127
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Alicante is €127. 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 Alicante in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Alicante €42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Alicante €84
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Alicante
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Alicante? 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 Alicante Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Alicante -
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
- Funchal Private Transfers Service to Madeira Airport: $29
- Madeira Airport (FNC) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Funchal Hotels or Address): $54
- Madeira Airport (FNC) Departure Transfer (Funchal Hotels to Madeira Airport): $54
- Madeira Airport Private Transfers Service To Funchal: $33
- Madeira Airport Round Trip Shuttle Transfers Service: $49
- Madeira Airport Shuttle Transfer one way: $9.81
- 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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alicante
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alicante:
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Puerto Lumbreras : $281
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to La Azohia: $269
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to La Drova (urbanisation): $254
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Bolnuevo: $254
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to la Manga Puerto Maestre: $245
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Cehegin: $245
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to La Manga strip dos Mares: $237
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Cabo de Palos: $237
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Gandia: $237
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Campo sol Golf Resort : $226
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Orba: $218
- Private Transfer from Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport to Oliva: $218
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Alicante?
Prices for flights to both Alicante 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
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Food Meals for one dayFunchal €31Alicante €72
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alicante
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alicante.
- Secret Flavors Food Tour: $31
- Paella and Sangria Cooking Workshop: $60
- Paella and Sangría Cooking Workshop: $64
- Central Market Guided Food Tour with Tapas Bars: $70
- Alicante Food Tour: $71
- Fuse Spanish With Italian For Dinner In Mutxamel: $89
- Alicante PRIVATE Food Tour With Locals: 10 Food & Drink Tastings Included: $136
- Cooking Class with Private Chef and Local Wine: $176
- Alicante cooking class with a private chef: $180
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Alicante €53
Tours and Activities in Funchal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Funchal.
- Portugal eSIM Tourist Data Plan: $4.81
- 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
- Christmas Lights in Funchal Tuk Tuk Tour: $27
- São Vicente Caves and Volcano Center Half-Day Tour: $27
- Majestic West Tour : $31
- Amazing East Tour : $31
- Magnificent East Tour: $33
- Exorbitant West Tour: $33
- Santana / Typical Houses Tour: $33
Typical Entertainment Prices in Alicante
Here are a few typical costs in Alicante for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Food and Tapas Tour (for 2)€54
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Catamaran Cruise (for 2)€67
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Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)€120
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Walking Tour (for 2)€60
Tours and Activities in Alicante
Here are a few actual costs in Alicante for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Alcoy Walking Tour on the Modernist Route: $202
- Alicante - Old Town Private Walking Tour: $385
- Alicante : E-Bike Coast Tour, Román Fishpond and Snorkeling: $37
- Alicante : Private Custom Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $49
- Alicante Charming Villages Tour: Villajoyosa and Altea: $75
- Alicante City & Beach Bike Tour : $33
- Alicante Discovery Tour from Benidorm: $28
- Alicante Evening Tapas tour: $82
- Alicante Food and Tapas Tour with a Local Guide : $32
- Alicante Highlights Bike Tour(min 2p) MEDIUM CYCLE LEVEL REQUIRED: $35
- Alicante Highlights Private Tour with Castle : $76
- Alicante Historic Small Group Tour with Tapas Tasting: $32
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Alicante -
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Alicante
Also in Alicante, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Santa Bárbara Castle Wine Tasting with Cold Cuts: $28
- Vineyards of Wine Tasting Tour: $73
- Alicante Wine Tour with Wine Tasting : $74
- Private Tour of Vinalopó Castles and Wine Tasting: $82
- Food Walking Tour with Wine Tasting and Tapas: $144
- Alicante Wine Tasting and Tapas for Foodies: $147
- Total Alicante walking tour, tapas and wine tasting: $267
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Alicante, we can see that Alicante 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 Alicante would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alicante 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 Alicante Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Alicante?
Alicante has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Alicante, 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 Alicante?
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 Alicante in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Alicante. Additionally, many travelers come to Alicante for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
Funchal is cooler than Alicante in the summer. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Alicante fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Funchal this time of the year. In the summer, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Alicante. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 341 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets more rain in July than Alicante. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Alicante 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Alicante in the Autumn?
Both Alicante and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Alicante in the autumn for the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Funchal is around the same temperature as Alicante. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Funchal in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Alicante averages at about 20°C (68°F).
It's quite sunny in Alicante. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Alicante during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 225 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Funchal. In October, Funchal usually receives more rain than Alicante. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Alicante 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Alicante in the Winter?
Both Alicante and Funchal during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Alicante for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In January, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Alicante. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 16°C (61°F), and Alicante fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
In the winter, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Alicante. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 178 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets more rain in January than Alicante. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Alicante 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Alicante in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Alicante. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Alicante because of the beaches.
Funchal is around the same temperature as Alicante in the spring. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Alicante fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alicante this time of the year. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Alicante during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Funchal usually receives more rain than Alicante. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Alicante 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Alicante and Funchal
| Funchal | Alicante | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 34 mm (1.3 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.