A Travel Price Comparison for Portugal Funchal vs. Ericeira for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Funchal or Ericeira?

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

Should I visit Funchal or Ericeira? 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 Ericeira?

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.

Ericeira

Beneath an indigo sky, a city perches at the edge of sandstone cliffs that overlook the vast expanse of the Atlantic. A seaside resort and fishing community, Ericeira is located in western Portugal within the municipality of Mafra. A picturesque village, Ericeira is quaint, quiet, and absolutely breathtaking with a population of no more than 10,260. Because of its blue waters and pristine coastlines, it has been named the Surfing Mecca of Europe. The town was a famous summer retreat for the families of Lisbon during the 1940s and 1950s and still remains so today for families beyond Lisbon's borders. Ericeira also has a World Surfing Reserve, the first in Europe and second in the world. Besides the many beaches on Ericeira, including Ribeira d'Ilhas, Pescadores, and Mataduoro, the town also has a park called Parque de Santa Maria as well as an old town center that has a collection of cafes, shops, restaurants, and bars. There are also some important landmarks that can be explored as no more than a brief visit, such as Forte Mil Regos and Casa De Cultura Jaime Lobo E. Silvs. Whether you are a surfer, fisher, or simply a lover of the beach, Ericeira is the perfect place for those who wish to experience the Atlantic like never before.

Which city is cheaper, Ericeira 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 Ericeira is €100. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Funchal and Ericeira in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    Ericeira 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    Ericeira 102
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Ericeira

Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Ericeira? 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 Ericeira


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Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Funchal Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Funchal 9.94
    Ericeira 25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal

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

  • Madeira Airport (FNC) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Funchal Hotels or Address): $41
  • Madeira Airport (FNC) Departure Transfer (Funchal Hotels to Madeira Airport): $41
  • Madeira Funchal Airport FNC Arrival Private Transfer by Business Car: $34
  • Madeira Airport Round Trip Private Transfers Services: $34
  • Madeira Private Arrival Transfer: $32
  • Private Service Airport Transfer: $25
  • Funchal Private Transfers Service to Madeira Airport: $22
  • Madeira Airport Private Transfers Service To Funchal: $21
  • Madeira Airport Round Trip Shuttle Transfers Service: $19
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Funchal to Madeira Airport (FNC): $19
  • Funchal Shared Arrival Transfer: $18
  • Madeira Private Transfer: To/From Funchal Airport: $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ericeira

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

  • Ericeira Private Transfer to Lisbon: $38
  • Lisbon Private Transfer to or from Ericeira: $34

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Ericeira?

Prices for flights to both Ericeira 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
    Ericeira 25
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 Evening Tour with Dinner and Performance: $44
  • Madeira Nights Tour - Dinner and Show: $45
  • “Petiscos” cooking experience & Market Tour: $70
  • Madeira Sunset by 4x4 with Dinner from Funchal: $70

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Funchal 15
    Ericeira 26

Tours and Activities in Funchal

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

  • 3-Hour Madeira Scenic Island Tour (Price per Sidecar - 1 or 2 passengers): $143
  • 3d Fun Art Museum Ticket: $11
  • 4x4 Full-Day Tour to Explore Portugal's Scents and Flavors: $51
  • Amazing Skywalk and more... Half day Tour in Open Roof 4x4: $40
  • Arieiro Peak & Nun´s Valley in Open Roof 4x4 Tour + Dolphins Watching: $81
  • Arieiro Peak and Nun´s Valley Half day Tour in Open Roof 4x4: $40
  • Ariero Peak, Santana "Biosphere Reserve" & more...Full day Tour in Open Roof 4x4: $49
  • Best of Funchal Private Tour: $243
  • Best of Funchal private walking tour with local specialities tasting: $467
  • Best of Madeira Private Tour Half Day: $54
  • Boat and Open Roof 4x4 Tour: $1,595
  • Botanic Garden Tour: $50

Tours and Activities in Ericeira

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

  • ERICEIRA | LIZANDRO RIVER AND SEA BTT TOUR 2h30 HOURS: $44
  • Ericeira to Cabo da Roca Bike Tour: $93
  • 2h Sunset BTT tour: $41
  • 2h30 Hours E-Bike Tour To Mafra: $56
  • 2h30 World Surf Reserve BTT tour: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    Ericeira 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Funchal

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

  • Funchal City Tour with Madeira Wine Tasting: $15
  • Half Day Traditions and Enchanting Valleys - Eira do Serrado, Curral das Freiras, Monte, Madeira Wine Tasting: $49
  • Skywalk & Professional Wine Tasting and Vineyards Tour in Open Roof 4x4: $60
  • Shore Excursion: Private Madeira Tour & Wine Tasting: $94
  • Cabo Girão Skywalk+Vineyards+Wine Tasting Tour in Open Roof 4x4+Dolphin Watching: $98
  • Full-Day Madeira Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $166
  • Madeira wine tasting and sightseeing private tour from Funchal: $534


When comparing the travel costs between Funchal and Ericeira, we can see that Ericeira 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.


When is the best time to visit Funchal or Ericeira?

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 Ericeira in the Summer?

Both Ericeira and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In the summer, Funchal is around the same temperature as Ericeira. Typically, the summer temperatures in Funchal in July are around 22°C (72°F), and Ericeira is about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Ericeira. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Ericeira during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Ericeira receives 352 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Funchal usually receives more rain than Ericeira. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Ericeira receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Funchal 22°C (72°F) 
    Ericeira 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Ericeira in the Autumn?

Both Ericeira and Funchal during the autumn are popular places to visit.

In October, Funchal is generally around the same temperature as Ericeira. Temperatures in Funchal average around 21°C (70°F), and Ericeira stays around 19°C (66°F).

In Ericeira, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Ericeira. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ericeira receives 213 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets more rain in October than Ericeira. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Ericeira receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Funchal or Ericeira in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Ericeira.

Funchal is a little warmer than Ericeira in the winter. The temperature in Funchal is usually 16°C (61°F) in January, and Ericeira stays around 12°C (53°F).

Funchal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ericeira during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Ericeira receives 144 hours of full sun in the winter.

Ericeira receives a lot of rain in the winter. Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Funchal usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ericeira. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Ericeira receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Funchal 16°C (61°F) 
    Ericeira 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Ericeira in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Ericeira.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ericeira. In the spring, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Ericeira. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ericeira receives 235 hours of full sun.

Funchal usually gets more rain in April than Ericeira. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ericeira receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Ericeira and Funchal

Funchal Ericeira
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 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) 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)


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Funchal vs. Ericeira Travel Comparison

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