Which place is cheaper, Ericeira or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lisbon, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Lisbon.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Ericeira €100
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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Funchal and Ericeira in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Ericeira €51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Ericeira €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.
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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Ericeira €25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal
Also for Funchal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Funchal Airport to Madeira Island: $123
- PR18 Levada do Rei Private transfer: $71
- Sunrise Transfer to Hike Pico Areeiro to Pico Ruivo: $71
- Private Transfer from Cristiano Ronaldo Airport to Funchal Hotels: $69
- Madeira Airport Transfers Round Trip (FNC): $65
- Private Transfer from Funchal airport to Madeira south area: $59
- Madeira Airport (FNC) Departure Transfer (Funchal Hotels to Madeira Airport): $54
- Madeira Airport (FNC) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Funchal Hotels or Address): $54
- Madeira Island Transfers: $53
- Funchal Airport(FNC) to Madeira Island - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
- Madeira Airport Round Trip Shuttle Transfers Service: $49
- Madeira airport transfer for up to 8 people: $49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ericeira
Also for Ericeira, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer To or From Ericeira: $91
- Transfer from Lisbon Airport to Ericeira: $91
- Lisbon Airport Private Transfer: $80
- Lisbon: Private Transfer between the Airport & Ericeira Area: $75
- Transfer Privado de/para Aeroporto de Lisboa para Ericeira: $47
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
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Food Meals for one dayFunchal €31Ericeira €25
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Ericeira €26
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
- Agriculture Green Tour : $92
- Amazing East Tour : $30
- 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
Tours and Activities in Ericeira
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ericeira.
- Custom-Tailored Immersive Photo Experiences: $48
- Ericeira Private Tour: Hidden Gastronomic Gems with lunch: $106
- Highlights & Culinary Kickstart of Ericeira | PRIVATE Tour: $71
- Lisbon: Wellington's Defensive Lines Tour: $385
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Ericeira €17
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 Ericeira
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ericeira:
- Portuguese Wine Tasting - 4 Wines: $43
- Private Portuguese Wine Tasting - 4 Wines & Snacks: $61
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.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Funchal Expensive? and Is Ericeira Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Ericeira?
Funchal has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Ericeira. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Ericeira, 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 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 average around 22°C (72°F), and Ericeira averages at 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.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 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. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 21°C (70°F), and Ericeira fluctuates 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 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 daily temperature in Funchal averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and Ericeira fluctuates 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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 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 average around 17°C (63°F), and Ericeira averages at 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 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) |
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.