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

Should you visit Funchal or Carcassonne?

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

Should I visit Funchal or Carcassonne? 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 Carcassonne?

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.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a hilltop town in southern France. Inhabited since the Neolithic period, Carcassonne is located in the Aude plain between historic trade routes, linking the Atlantic to the Mediterranean sea and the Massif Central to the Pyrenees. The Romans recognized its strategic importance and occupied its hilltop until the demise of the Western Roman Empire and was later taken over in the fifth century by the Visigoths who founded the city. Its desirable location led successive rulers to expand its fortifications until the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659. It is famous for its medieval citadel, La Cite, which has numerous watchtowers and double-walled fortifications. The first walls were built in Gallo-Roman times, with major additions made in the 13th and 14th centuries. With its position on a rocky hilltop, zigzag battlements, stout walls and spiky turrets, the fortified city of Carcassonne looks like something out of a children's storybook when it's seen from afar. A Unesco World Heritage Site since 1997, it's most people's idea of the perfect medieval castle. It attracts over four million visitors every year, peaking in high summer. Time your visit for late in the day (or even better in spring or fall) to truly appreciate the old town's medieval charm.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne is €106. 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 Carcassonne in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Carcassonne? 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 Carcassonne


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 Carcassonne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Funchal 9.94
    Carcassonne 7.14

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Carcassonne?

Prices for flights to both Carcassonne 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
    Carcassonne 39
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
    Carcassonne 14

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 Carcassonne

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

  • A Self-Guided Tour of Carcassonne’s Ancient Basilica: $20
  • Best of Cathar Country: Full-Day Private Tour.: $207
  • Carcassonne 's Medieval Walls: A Self-Guided Tour: $20
  • Carcassonne Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour : $201
  • Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket: $12
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Fortress Walking Tour: $171
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • Medieval Walls Self-Guided Smartphone App Tour: $20
  • Photoshoot Experience: $160
  • Private Walking Tour with Cité de Carcassonne: $187

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    Carcassonne 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

Sample the Local Flavors in Carcassonne

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Carcassonne:

  • Wine tour Cathar country: $471


When comparing the travel costs between Funchal and Carcassonne, we can see that Carcassonne is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Funchal Expensive? and Is Carcassonne Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Funchal or Carcassonne?

Funchal has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Carcassonne, 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 Carcassonne?

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 Carcassonne in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Carcassonne. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Funchal is generally around the same temperature as Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 22°C (72°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Carcassonne this time of the year. In Funchal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Funchal 22°C (72°F) 
    Carcassonne 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Carcassonne. Additionally, the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

Funchal is a little warmer than Carcassonne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Carcassonne. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun.

Funchal receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Funchal usually gets more rain in October than Carcassonne. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Funchal 21°C (70°F) 
    Carcassonne 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Carcassonne in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Funchal is much warmer than Carcassonne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Funchal in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Carcassonne during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Funchal. In January, Funchal usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Funchal 16°C (61°F) 
    Carcassonne 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Carcassonne in the Spring?

Both Carcassonne and Funchal during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Carcassonne in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 17°C (63°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the spring, Funchal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Carcassonne. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun.

Funchal usually gets more rain in April than Carcassonne. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Funchal 17°C (63°F) 
    Carcassonne 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Funchal

Funchal Carcassonne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (74°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 21°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)