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

Should you visit Funchal or Bari?

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

Should I visit Funchal or Bari? 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 Bari?

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.

Bari

Off the lustrous, aquamarine waters of the Adriatic Sea, a bustling city hums to life as the sun sets. Though an ancient city, Bari still attains its youthful air, with a thriving nightlife and breathtaking boulevards. The capital city of Apulia region, Bari is the second most important economic center of mainland Southern Italy, as well as a significant port and university city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Bari or Funchal?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Bari is €113. 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 Bari in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    Bari 73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    Bari 146
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Bari

Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Bari? 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 Funchal


Hotels in Bari


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 Bari Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Funchal 9.94
    Bari 11

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bari

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Bari:


  • Train to Lecce
    44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bari

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

  • Transfer:From BARI CENTER to ROME AIRPORTS or reverse: $1,068
  • Bari or Naples: Private Transfer Service: $541
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Monte Sant'Angelo: $492
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to San Giovanni Rotondo: $492
  • Private 24-seat Coach Transfer: From Bari Airport to Matera: $417
  • Private transfert from Bari to Naples: $401
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Matera: $310
  • Private Transfer from Bari to Amalfi with 2 hours for sightseeing: $296
  • Private Transfer from Bari (BRI) Airport to Mesagne: $284
  • Vineyard Wine Tasting & soft lunch & transfer included: $273
  • Private Transfer from Bari to Naples with 2 hours for sightseeing: $270
  • Private Transfer from Bari (BRI) Airport to Valle d'Itria: $268

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Bari?

Prices for flights to both Bari 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 day
    Funchal 31
    Bari 32
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

Typical Food Prices in Bari

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


  • Dinner
    44
  • Coffee
    2.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bari

For Bari, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Street food tour of Polignano a Mare: $39
  • Bari Walking Street Food Tour: $48
  • Bari Street Food Tour by Bike: $70
  • Italian Street Food Tour with Tastings and Drinks: $70
  • Puglia Plates - Bari Food Tour: $76
  • Street Food Tour in Bari old town - Do Eat Better Experience: $78
  • Rickshaw Street Food Tour: $80
  • Conversano: Apulian cooking lesson with dinner included: $82
  • Bari Street Food Tour by Rickshaw: $82
  • Bari Street Food Tour on Segway: $86
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Barletta with Show Cooking: $93
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Margherita di Savoia with Show Cooking: $93

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Funchal 15
    Bari 8.61

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

Tours and Activities in Bari

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

  • Bari tour with a local tour guide.: $219
  • Private Experience - day of fishing on the Bari coast: $219
  •  Guided tour and tasting at La Cantina Frrud - Wine Museum: $38
  • 1.5 Hour Cave's Tour Polignano a Mare: $38
  • 2 Hour Guided Walking Tour of Altamura the Lioness of Puglia: $38
  • 2 Hours Private Guided Tour in the Historic Centre of Altamura: $229
  • 2-Hour Bari City Tour: $241
  • 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour of Bari with Street Food: $49
  • Alberobello Private Tour with Pick Up: $175
  • Alberobello, Monopoli Polignano Small-Group Guided Tour from Bari: $152
  • Altamura walking tour: $229
  • Apulia: Bike Tour through the Treasures of Bari: $37

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    Bari 13

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Bari

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Bari:


  • Beer
    2.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Bari

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bari:

  • Afternoon Tour Secrets of Alberobello incl. Food & Wine tasting: $79
  • Private Tour: Trani walking tour with Moscato wine tasting: $115
  • Wine tasting experience in the Apulian countryside : $235


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Bari, we can see that Bari 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 Bari would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bari 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 Bari Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Funchal or Bari?

Bari has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Bari, 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 Bari?

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 Funchal or Bari in the Summer?

Both Bari and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bari because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Funchal is cooler than Bari. Typically, the summer temperatures in Funchal in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Bari averages at about 25°C (76°F).

It's quite sunny in Bari. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Bari during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Funchal usually receives more rain than Bari. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Funchal 22°C (72°F) 
    Bari 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Bari in the Autumn?

Both Bari and Funchal during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

In October, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Bari. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 21°C (70°F), and Bari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Funchal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bari. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets more rain in October than Bari. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Funchal 21°C (70°F) 
    Bari 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Bari in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Bari. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bari for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Funchal is much warmer than Bari in the winter. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and Bari fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Bari during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun in the winter.

Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Funchal usually receives more rain than Bari. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Funchal 16°C (61°F) 
    Bari 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Bari in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Bari. Additionally, many visitors come to Bari in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Funchal is a little warmer than Bari. Typically, the spring temperatures in Funchal in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Bari averages at about 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bari. In the spring, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Bari. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun.

Funchal usually gets more rain in April than Bari. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Funchal 17°C (63°F) 
    Bari 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Bari and Funchal

Funchal Bari
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 10°C (49°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (76°F) 9 mm (0.3 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (76°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 70 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 11°C (52°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)