Which place is cheaper, Cinque Terre or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Funchal or Cinque Terre?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Cinque Terre? 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 Cinque Terre?
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.
Cinque Terre
Located on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline, Cinque Terra consists of five seaside villages exuding a charm that dates back to medieval times. Fishing boats bob in the harbors, bringing fresh seafood to the tables of the region, while age old vineyards make for fragrant signature wines. Cinque Terre is considered to be a National Park, with its five villages earning a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List for their beauty and timelessness.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Cinque Terre €140
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Cinque Terre is €140. 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 Cinque Terre in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Cinque Terre €72
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Cinque Terre €144
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Cinque Terre
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Cinque Terre? 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 Cinque Terre Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Cinque Terre €16
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cinque Terre
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Cinque Terre:
-
Ferry Day Pass€15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cinque Terre
Also for Cinque Terre, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Cinque Terre to La Spezia by car or van: $142
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Cinque Terre?
Prices for flights to both Cinque Terre 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 dayFunchal €31Cinque Terre €41
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
Typical Food Prices in Cinque Terre
For Cinque Terre, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Whole Pizza€9.50
-
Panini€3.75
-
Sitdown Dinner (for Two)€52
-
Fresh Focaccia€2.12
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cinque Terre
For Cinque Terre, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Riomaggiore: $195
- Cinque Terre Food Tour (half day): $273
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Cinque Terre €13
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cinque Terre
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cinque Terre's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Double Kayak Rental (One Hour)€10
-
Bagni Eden Beach Club Umbrella€16
-
Cinque Terre Card (One Day)€5.00
-
Cinque Terre Card (Three Days)€12
Tours and Activities in Cinque Terre
For Cinque Terre, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Hour Cinque Terre Sunset Cruise with Swim Stop: $163
- 2-Hour Boat Tour at sunset in the Cinque Terre with Pesto tasting and focaccia: $104
- 3-Hour Private Boat Tour of the Cinque Terre: $251
- Cinque Terre Hybrid Boat Tour: $109
- Cinque Terre Kayak Adventure from Riomaggiore: $98
- Cinque Terre Lunch boat tour: $218
- Cinque Terre Morning Tour: $131
- Cinque Terre Night Tour: $191
- Cinque Terre Paddleboarding cruise at sunrise or sunset: $218
- Cinque Terre Pesto experience in Riomaggiore: $49
- Cinque Terre Private Boat Tour: $218
- Cinque Terre Private half day tour with Official Tour Guide: $269
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Cinque Terre €6.71
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
Typical Alcohol Prices in Cinque Terre
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Cinque Terre:
-
Glass of Local Wine€2.90
Sample the Local Flavors in Cinque Terre
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cinque Terre:
- BarCa Winery Cinqueterre Tour with Wine Tasting & Pesto Class: $60
- Cinque terre wine tour and tasting with the somelier: $74
- Eco Hiking and Wine Tasting in Cinque Terre : $97
- Cinque Terre Walking Tour with Food and Wine Tastings: $169
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Cinque Terre, we can see that Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Cinque Terre?
Funchal has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Cinque Terre, 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 Cinque Terre?
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 Cinque Terre in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Cinque Terre. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Funchal is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Typically, the summer temperatures in Funchal in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 24°C (75°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cinque Terre this time of the year. In Funchal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Cinque Terre 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Cinque Terre. Additionally, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 21°C (70°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
In the autumn, Funchal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. Funchal receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Funchal usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Cinque Terre 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Cinque Terre in the Winter?
Both Cinque Terre and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
Funchal is much warmer than Cinque Terre in the winter. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Cinque Terre during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. It's quite rainy in Funchal. In January, Funchal usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Cinque Terre 8°C (46°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Cinque Terre in the Spring?
Both Cinque Terre and Funchal during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.
In the spring, Funchal is a little warmer than Cinque Terre. Typically, the spring temperatures in Funchal in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 14°C (57°F).
In the spring, Funchal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Cinque Terre 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Funchal
| Funchal | Cinque Terre | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 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.