Which place is cheaper, Calais or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Calais?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Calais? 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 Calais?
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.
Calais
Calais is a port city in northern France located across the English Channel from the clifftop town of Dover It's the principal ferry crossing point between France and England. Its old town, Calais-Nord, sits on an artificial island surrounded by canals.
Calais is a Cultural Link to Europe, just a hop, skip and a jump away from Belgium and England, on the Opal Coast in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. The city of Calais is exceptionally located between sea and countryside. Calais is renowned for its lace, which can be found in haute-couture designs. Preserved natural spaces abound with its 23 km of coastline, rugged cliffs, breathtakingly diverse terrain, and coastal villages. Whether on foot, bike or horseback, and even in the water along the coast, there is plenty to do to make this a great option for a visit!
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Calais €139
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Calais is €139. 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 Calais in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Calais €77
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Calais €154
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Calais
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Calais? 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 Calais Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Calais €47
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Calais?
Prices for flights to both Calais 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 €31Calais €35
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Calais €8.92
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Calais €12
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 Calais, we can see that Calais 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 Calais would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Calais 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 Calais Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Calais?
Funchal has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Calais, 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 Calais?
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 Calais in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Calais. Additionally, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Calais this time of year.
In the summer, Funchal is a little warmer than Calais. Typically, the summer temperatures in Funchal in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Calais averages at about 17°C (63°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Calais. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Funchal this time of the year. In the summer, Funchal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Calais. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets less rain in July than Calais. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Calais 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Calais in the Autumn?
Both Calais and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Calais for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Funchal is generally much warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 21°C (70°F), and Calais fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Calais during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Funchal. In October, Funchal usually receives more rain than Calais. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Calais 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Calais in the Winter?
Both Calais and Funchal during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Calais in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Calais can get quite cold in the winter. Funchal is much warmer than Calais in the winter. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and Calais fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
In the winter, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Calais. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets more rain in January than Calais. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Calais 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Calais in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Calais. Also, most visitors come to Calais for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.
In the spring, Funchal is much warmer than Calais. Typically, the spring temperatures in Funchal in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Calais averages at about 9°C (47°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Calais during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Funchal usually receives more rain than Calais. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Calais 9°C (47°F)
Typical Weather for Calais and Funchal
| Funchal | Calais | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.