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

Should you visit Funchal or Caen?

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

Should I visit Funchal or Caen? 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 Caen?

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.

Caen

Caen is a city in France on the coast in the Calvados department of Lower Normandy. Caen is known for its historical buildings built during the reign of William the Conqueror, who was buried there. The town was destroyed almost completely in 1944 during WWII and it is a remarkable achievement that Caen has kept so many of its historical monuments given the terrible battle that besieged the town following the Normandy beach landings. After the war the town passed through 15 years of reconstruction, and continued to improve afterwards. In recent years the town has made further significant efforts and Caen now has an attractive, carefully restored, historic center. The city has also preserved the memory of its past by erecting a memorial and a museum dedicated to peace, the Memorial de Caen. The city is often considered the archetype of Normandy.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Caen 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 Caen is €123. 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 Caen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    Caen 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    Caen 122
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Caen

Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Caen? 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 Caen


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 Caen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Funchal 9.94
    Caen 35

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 Caen

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

  • Private Transfer Round-Trip from Caen Airport (CFR) to Caen: $63
  • Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR) to Caen - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
  • Caen to Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR) - Departure Private Transfer: $32

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Caen?

Prices for flights to both Caen 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
    Caen 40
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Funchal 15
    Caen 19

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 Caen

For Caen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Caen Like a Local: Customized Guided Walking Tour: $51
  • Guided D-Day Sites Tour & Caen Memorial Museum Ticket: $127
  • Memorial Museum Entrance Ticket: $21
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $307
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $160
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $59
  • D-Day private tour Juno Beach departing Caen with audio guide. 2Pers. minimum: $268
  • D-Day private tour Omaha Beach from Caen with audio guide.: $268
  • From Caen or Bayeux: Normandy History Private Full-Day Tour: $1,283
  • Guided Tour in an Old Convertible Car on the Côte de Nacre: $93
  • Guided Tour of the Landing Sites and the Memorial of Caen: $191
  • Mémorial de Caen Museum Admission and Guided Tour of D-Day Sites: $133

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    Caen 17

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 Caen, we can see that Caen 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 Caen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Caen 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 Caen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Funchal or Caen?

Caen has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Caen, 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 Caen?

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 Caen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Caen. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Caen because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Caen. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 22°C (72°F), and Caen fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Caen this time of the year. In Funchal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Funchal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Caen during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than Caen. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Funchal 22°C (72°F) 
    Caen 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Caen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Caen. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions are the main draw to Caen this time of year.

Funchal is much warmer than Caen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Caen fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Caen. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun.

Funchal receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Funchal usually gets more rain in October than Caen. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Funchal 21°C (70°F) 
    Caen 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Caen in the Winter?

Both Caen and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Caen for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Caen. In the winter, Funchal is much warmer than Caen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Funchal in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Caen averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Caen during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Funchal. In January, Funchal usually receives more rain than Caen. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Funchal 16°C (61°F) 
    Caen 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Caen in the Spring?

Both Caen and Funchal during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Caen in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Funchal is generally much warmer than Caen. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 17°C (63°F), and Caen fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In the spring, Funchal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Caen. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun.

Funchal usually gets more rain in April than Caen. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Funchal 17°C (63°F) 
    Caen 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Caen and Funchal

Funchal Caen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 5°C (42°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)