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

Should you visit Funchal or Cordoba?

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

Should I visit Funchal or Cordoba? 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 Cordoba?

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.

Cordoba

Cordoba is a Spanish city located in the southern province of Andalusia. With a culture embedded in Islamic heritage, the city is home to many architectural gems, the most significant being La Mezquita. AndalucĂ­a's major river, the Guadalquivir, flows just below the Mezquita, and the riverfront streets are bustling with lively restaurants and bars. Other popular centers of activity include the Jewish Quarter, Muslim Quarter, and the Old City.

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 from Madrid, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona.


Which place is cheaper, Cordoba 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 Cordoba is €127. 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 Cordoba in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    Cordoba 68
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    Cordoba 136
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Cordoba

Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Cordoba? 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 Cordoba


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 Cordoba Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Funchal 9.94
    Cordoba 28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal

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

  • Madeira Airport Shuttle Transfer one way: $9.77
  • Private One way Transfer Madeira Airport to or from Funchal: $22
  • Funchal Airport(FNC) to Funchal hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • Private Transfer from Madeira Airport(FNC) to Madeira Cruise Port: $26
  • Transfer Madeira Airport - Funchal: $35
  • Minibus Transfer: Madeira Airport - Funchal: $38
  • Minibus Transfer: Funchal - Madeira Airport: $38
  • Premium Transfer Madeira Airport - Funchal: $43
  • Madeira airport transfer for up to 8 people: $49
  • Transfer and Hiking PR8 Sao Lourenço : $49
  • Madeira Airport Round Trip Shuttle Transfers Service: $49
  • Funchal Airport(FNC) to Madeira Island - Arrival Private Transfer: $51

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cordoba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cordoba:

  • Cordoba to Granada Private Transfer: $240
  • Private Transfer IN or OUT in Upscale Vehicle with Professional Driver: $131
  • Private transfer in Cordoba from Airport or Train Station: $72
  • Medina Azahara Córdoba with Bus Transfer: $65
  • Guided tour of Medina Azahara with transfer from Córdoba: $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Cordoba?

Prices for flights to both Cordoba 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
    Cordoba 34
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:

  • Madeira Nights Tour - Dinner and Show: $41
  • Afternoon Taste of Traditions Drinks & Food Tour: $48
  • Madeeira: Sunset dinner cruise: $59
  • Sunset Tour to Pico do Arieiro with Dinner and Drinks included: $76
  • Funchal Walking Food Tour: $81
  • Madeiran Traditional Dinner: $87
  • Gourmet Wine & Food Tour: $112
  • Gourmet Wine & Food Tour: $112

Typical Food Prices in Cordoba

Some typical examples of dining costs in Cordoba are as follows:


  • Ice Cream
    1.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cordoba

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cordoba.

  • Paella and Salmorejo 2-Hour Cooking Class in Córdoba: $49
  • Feed the Fire Cordoba Cooking Class & Market Tour: $152

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Funchal 15
    Cordoba 25

Tours and Activities in Funchal

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Funchal.

  • Portugal eSIM Tourist Data Plan: $4.79
  • MAMMA Museum Entry ticket: $11
  • Sacred Art Museum of Funchal Entry Ticket: $11
  • Old Funchal Walking Tour: $15
  • Nuns Valley(:), Tour:easy walk, unique mountain surround.: $21
  • Funchal Hop-On Hop-Off Tour 3 in 1: $27
  • Christmas Lights in Funchal Tour: $27
  • São Vicente Caves and Volcano Center Half-Day Tour: $27
  • Nuns Valley Tour: $28
  • Amazing East Tour : $30
  • Majestic West Tour : $30
  • Santana / Typical Houses Tour: $33

Typical Entertainment Prices in Cordoba

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Cordoba are as follows:


  • Garden Entrance Fee
    6.00

Tours and Activities in Cordoba

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cordoba are as follows:

  • 2-Night Cordoba Experience: City Tour and Arabian Spa Entrance: $196
  • 3-Hour Tour from Cordoba to the Site of Medina Azahara: $31
  • Alcazar Skip the Line Guided Tour: $20
  • Alcazar of Cordoba Small Group Tour with Skip the Line Ticket: $20
  • Arabian Baths Experience at Cordoba’s Hammam Al Ándalus: $65
  • Authentic Patios of Cordoba Guided Tour: $20
  • Best of Cordoba Guided Tour : $46
  • Bike Tour Córdoba: $32
  • Córdoba Highlight Walking Tour: $31
  • Córdoba Rooftop and Terraces Experience: $102
  • Córdoba: Medina Azahara Guided Tour : $21
  • CATHEDRAL MOSQUE + BELL TOWER + AUDIOGUIDE Tickets: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    Cordoba 37

Sample the Local Flavors in Funchal

Also in Funchal, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • H.M. Borges Winery Guided Tour with Wine Tasting: $16
  • 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: $55
  • 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: $101
  • Weekends Madeira Wine Tasting São Vicente: $108
  • Visiting local Vineyard With Wine Tasting & Lunch included: $157
  • Full Day Private Madeira Wine Tour from Funchal: $170
  • Full-Day Madeira Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $190

Sample the Local Flavors in Cordoba

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cordoba:

  • Evening Wine Tasting Córdoba: $26
  • Evening Local Wine Tasting Córdoba: $39


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Cordoba, we can see that Cordoba 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 Cordoba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cordoba 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 Cordoba Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Funchal or Cordoba?

Cordoba has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Cordoba, 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 Cordoba?

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 Cordoba in the Summer?

Both Cordoba and Funchal during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cordoba for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Funchal is cooler than Cordoba. Typically, the summer temperatures in Funchal in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Cordoba averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In Cordoba, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Funchal. In the summer, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Cordoba. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 358 hours of full sun.

Funchal usually gets more rain in July than Cordoba. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Funchal 22°C (72°F) 
    Cordoba 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Cordoba in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Cordoba. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Cordoba because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Cordoba. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 21°C (70°F), and Cordoba fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cordoba this time of the year. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Cordoba during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 202 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Funchal usually receives more rain than Cordoba. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Funchal 21°C (70°F) 
    Cordoba 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Cordoba in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Cordoba. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cordoba this time of year.

Funchal is much warmer than Cordoba in the winter. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and Cordoba fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the winter, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Cordoba. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cordoba receives 162 hours of full sun.

Funchal receives a lot of rain in the winter. Funchal usually gets more rain in January than Cordoba. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Funchal 16°C (61°F) 
    Cordoba 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Cordoba in the Spring?

Both Cordoba and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Cordoba for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Funchal is around the same temperature as Cordoba. Typically, the spring temperatures in Funchal in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Cordoba averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Cordoba. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Cordoba during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Cordoba receives 203 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Funchal usually receives more rain than Cordoba. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cordoba receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Funchal 17°C (63°F) 
    Cordoba 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Cordoba and Funchal

Funchal Cordoba
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 20°C (67°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (74°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 24°C (76°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)