Which place is cheaper, Biarritz or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Biarritz?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Biarritz? 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 Biarritz?
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.
Biarritz
Biarritz is an elegant seaside town on southwestern France's Basque coast that has been a popular resort since European royalty started visiting the area in the 1800s. It is located on France's Atlantic Coast in the Bay of Biscay. Half ritzy coastal resort, half summer surfer's hang-out, the seaside resort of Biarritz has been a favorite seaside getaway ever since Napoleon III and his Spanish-born wife Eugenie arrived during the mid-19th century. To entertain her court, the empress built a grand palace, which is now a luxurious hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant. Other than this exquisite villa by the sea, the names of the streets in Biarritz also hint at the city's royal past: Avenue de l'Imperatrice, Avenue de la Reine Victoria, and Esplanade Elizabeth II. Mansions decked with steeples and spectacular windows recall the city's 19th-century splendors. Though the royal influence of Biarritz has faded, the city is still a popular tourist destination for those looking for a classic summer holiday. Pristine sandy beaches, beautiful coastal villas, and stylish restaurants offer a sophisticated ambience. Wide seafront promenades and well-placed benches allow visitors to soak up the stunning natural landscape. Biarritz is also the capital of surfing in Europe.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Biarritz €131
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Biarritz is €131. 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 Biarritz in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Biarritz €74
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Biarritz €148
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Biarritz
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Biarritz? 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 Biarritz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Biarritz €39
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Biarritz
Also for Biarritz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Biarritz : Optimized transfer to/from Bordeaux: $749
- San Sebastian: Optimized transfer to Biarritz & surroundings: $262
- Private transfer from Biarritz BIQ airport to San Sebastian: $229
- Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian : $167
- Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian Airport: $167
- Arrival Private Transfer BIQ Airport to Biarritz by Luxury Vehicle: $85
- Chauffeured Transfer between Biarritz Airport, Train Station and City Center: $71
- Biarritz : Private transfer to/from airport & train Station: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Biarritz?
Prices for flights to both Biarritz 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 €31Biarritz €34
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 Biarritz
For Biarritz, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Biarritz Food Tour Gastronomique- Taste 10 Basque specialties: $76
- Bayonne Food Tour: Journey Through Flavors (with food and drinks): $97
- Traditional Bayonne Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
- Basque Country Food Tour: $240
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Biarritz €16
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 Biarritz
For Biarritz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Basque tour of Biarritz: $49
- Bayonne Food Gastronomic Tour - Taste 10 Basque specialties: $97
- Bayonne Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $279
- Biarritz guided walking & gourmet tour: $74
- Biarritz, Bayonne, and Basque Country: Private Driving Tour: $957
- 2-Hour Private Guided Walking Tour: $187
- City Exploration Game & Tour on your Phone: $6.36
- Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.45
- E-bike Guided Tour With Sunset local Aperitif Ride: $32
- E-bike Guided Tour to Small California: $37
- French Basque Country Coastline tour in a 70'sVW Van: $457
- French Basque Country Private Day Tour in an 70's VW Combi: $599
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Biarritz €8.05
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 Funchal and Biarritz, we can see that Biarritz 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 Biarritz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Biarritz 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 Biarritz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Biarritz?
Funchal has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Biarritz, 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 Biarritz?
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 Biarritz in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Biarritz. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year.
Funchal is around the same temperature as Biarritz in the summer. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Biarritz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Biarritz this time of the year. In Funchal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Biarritz 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Biarritz in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Biarritz. Also, many travelers come to Biarritz for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.
In the autumn, Funchal is a little warmer than Biarritz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Funchal in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Biarritz averages at about 16°C (60°F).
In the autumn, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Biarritz. Funchal receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Funchal usually gets less rain in October than Biarritz. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Biarritz 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Biarritz in the Winter?
Both Biarritz and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Biarritz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Funchal is generally much warmer than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 16°C (61°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. It's quite rainy in Funchal. In January, Funchal usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Biarritz 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Biarritz in the Spring?
Both Biarritz and Funchal during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.
Funchal is a little warmer than Biarritz in the spring. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Biarritz fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
In the spring, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun.
Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Funchal usually gets less rain in April than Biarritz. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Biarritz 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Biarritz and Funchal
| Funchal | Biarritz | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 184 mm (7.2 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.