Which place is cheaper, Cefalu or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Cefalu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Cefalu? 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 Cefalu?
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.
Cefalu
Cefalu is a fishing village and beach resort that is located on the northern coast of Sicily, Italy. It sits on the Tyerrhenian Sea and is just 70 kilometers from Palermo and 185 kilometers from Messina. The town has a small population of under 14,000 residents but is a significant tourist destination on the island of Sicily. The city is flooded with millions of tourists every year from around Sicily, elsewhere in Italy, and abroad. During the summer months it is not uncommon for the city's population to triple, putting a lot of pressure on the main streets and roads around town. The city is popular as a beach resort with a youthful vibe and an active nightlife.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Cefalu €119
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Cefalu is €119. 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 Cefalu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Cefalu €87
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Cefalu €174
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Cefalu
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Cefalu? 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 Cefalu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Cefalu €4.29
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 Cefalu
Also for Cefalu, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Palermo Airport - Cefalù and vice versa: $174
- Departure Private Transfer Cefalù to Palermo Airport PMO by Business Car or Van: $156
- Club Med Cefalù to Palermo airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $109
- Le Calette, Cefalù to Palermo airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $109
- Hotel Kalura, Cefalù for Palermo airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $109
- Private transfer from Palermo airport to Cefalù or vice versa: $104
- Alberi del Paradiso, Cefalù for APT Palermo or vice versa, Private Transfer: $98
- Costa Verde HOTEL Cefalù, for Palermo airport, Private Transfer: $87
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Cefalu?
Prices for flights to both Cefalu 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 €31Cefalu €28
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 Cefalu
For Cefalu, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Class in a Sicilian countryhouse: $251
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Cefalu €5.71
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 Cefalu
For Cefalu, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Nebrodi and Halaesa valley jeep tours: $125
- Safari Jeep Wild Adventure: $136
- Cefalu Etna wild jeep experience: $272
- Etna tour from Cefalù: $62
- High Madonie wild jeep adventure: $163
- Madonie wild adventure: $224
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Cefalu €11
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 Cefalu
Also in Cefalu, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Castelbuono Tour and Wine Tasting in a Medieval Abbey: $49
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Cefalu, we can see that Cefalu 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 Cefalu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cefalu 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 Cefalu Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Cefalu?
Funchal has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Cefalu, 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 Cefalu?
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 Cefalu in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Cefalu. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
Funchal is cooler than Cefalu in the summer. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Cefalu fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cefalu this time of the year. In Funchal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Cefalu during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 325 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Funchal usually receives more rain than Cefalu. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Cefalu 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Cefalu in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Cefalu. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cefalu this time of year.
In the autumn, Funchal is around the same temperature as Cefalu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Funchal in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Cefalu averages at about 19°C (67°F).
In the autumn, Funchal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cefalu. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 189 hours of full sun.
Funchal receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Funchal usually gets more rain in October than Cefalu. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Cefalu 19°C (67°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Cefalu in the Winter?
Both Cefalu and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Cefalu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Funchal is generally much warmer than Cefalu. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 16°C (61°F), and Cefalu fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).
Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Cefalu during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Funchal. In January, Funchal usually receives more rain than Cefalu. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Cefalu 10°C (51°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Cefalu in the Spring?
Both Cefalu and Funchal during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Cefalu in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
Funchal is a little warmer than Cefalu in the spring. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Cefalu fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
In Cefalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Cefalu. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 204 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets more rain in April than Cefalu. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Cefalu 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Cefalu and Funchal
| Funchal | Cefalu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 14 mm (0.5 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 75 mm (2.9 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 68 mm (2.7 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.