Which place is cheaper, Faro or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Funchal or Faro?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Faro? 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 Faro?
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.
Faro
Faro (or sometimes Faros) is the capital city of the scenic Algarve Region of Portugal, located at the edge of the Ria Formosa National Park. This is a fantastic place to experience the beauty, culture, and traditions of Portugal in laid back atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities. Faro offers everything from ancient architecture to beautiful beaches all while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the Algarve Region.
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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Funchal Prices
Portugal PricesFaro Prices
Portugal Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €116Faro €160
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €116, while the average daily cost in Faro is €160. 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 Faro in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Faro €75
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Faro €150
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Faro
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Faro? 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 Faro Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Faro €9.52
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal
Also for Funchal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer to Porto Moniz Lava Natural Pools: $238
- Ponta de São Lourenço Trail with a Geologist (With Transfer): $114
- Private airport transfer to Funchal 8 people more return: $107
- Private Transfer from Funchal Airport to Madeira Island: $94
- Private Transfer from Madeira North area resorts to Madeira Funchal airport: $91
- Madeira Airport(FNC) to Funchal Cruise Port - Round-Trip Transfer: $83
- Private Transfer from Cristiano Ronaldo Airport (FNC) to Funchal: $75
- Private Transfer from Funchal airport to Madeira south area: $73
- Madeira Airport Transfers Round Trip (FNC): $71
- Premium Transfer Funchal - Madeira Airport: $64
- Madeira Airport Round Trip Private Transfers Services: $63
- Minibus Transfer: Funchal - Madeira Airport: $61
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro
Also for Faro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Algarve to Seville Private Transfer Up To 4 Stops: $298
- Private transfers between Seville and Tavira/Cabanas de Tavira: $286
- Seville Airport - Private Transfers (Vehicle up to 4pax): $286
- Seville Private Transfers (Vehicles up to 4 pax): $286
- Private transfers between Faro airport and Alcácer do Sal: $276
- Private transfer: Faro to Seville: $262
- Algarve to Lisbon Private Transfer Up to 4 Stops: $238
- Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Huelva: $219
- Private transfers between Faro and Aljustrel: $219
- Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Vila do Bispo: $215
- Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Quinta Falzina: $215
- Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Sagres: $215
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Faro?
Prices for flights to both Faro 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 €54Faro €62
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:
- Madeira Nights Tour - Dinner and Show: $57
- Madeira Sunset by 4x4 with Dinner from Funchal: $67
- Madeiran Traditional Dinner: $107
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Faro
For Faro, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Olhão Fish Market & Food Tour: $112
- 3 Hours Classic Food Tour in Faro: $117
- Faro Food Tour & Drinks and City highlights 10 Tastings: $118
- Algarve Private Wine and Food Tour From Faro: $238
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Faro €9.41
Tours and Activities in Funchal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Funchal.
- 25 Fountains Levada: Hiking Tour in Madeira Rabaçal Valley (PR6): $57
- Achada do Teixeira to Pico Ruivo in Madeira (PR1.2) - Hiking Tour: $57
- Agriculture Green Tour: $107
- Amazing East Tour: $42
- Amazing West - Jeep Safari Tour - Full Day - Shared Tour: $77
- Arieiro Peak and Cristo Rei 4x4 Experience + Dolphins Watching: $106
- Arieiro Peak, Santana & Ponta São Lourenço in Open Roof 4X4 Tour: $80
- Around The Island - Two Days Tour From 9am To 5pm (Each Day): $72
- Around the island - Two days tour: $89
- Cabo Girão & mountains 4x4 tour: $191
- Cabriolet Private Sightseeing Tour in Camara De Lobos Cabo Girao: $167
- Canyoning Madeira Private/Small group tour: $95
Tours and Activities in Faro
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Faro.
- 1 or 2 Hour Speed Boat Tour - Ria Formosa: $33
- Algarve Dolphin Watching & Marine Life Eco Tour: $69
- Algarve Uncovered: Coast, Culture, and Villages Tour: $3.56
- Algarve and Tavira East Coast Private Tour From Faro: $238
- Algarve, Sagres and Lagos Coastal Landscapes Private Tour: $238
- Algarve: 4x4 Adventure, Flamingos, Salt Pans & Local Tasting: $82
- Amoreira River Stand Up Paddle Tour: $60
- Benagil Cave Tour From Faro - Discover The Algarve Coast: $60
- Benagil Caves, Carvoeiro and Algar Seco Private Tour From Algarve: $238
- Birdwatching in Ria Formosa - Eco Boat Tour from Faro: $48
- Boat Tour of 2 Ria Formosa Islands: Culatra and Armona: $42
- Boat Tour to Desert Island at The Ria Formosa: $54
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Faro €3.13
Sample the Local Flavors in Funchal
Also in Funchal, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Skywalk, Amazing Views & Wine Tasting in Open Roof 4x4 Adventure: $56
- Half day jeep Wine tour and tasting, & sea cliff adventure: $66
- Bestselling Wine Tour, Tasting Experience & Skywalk 4x4 Adventure: $66
- Wine tasting and Jeep Adventure in Madeira's Majestic Countryside: $66
- Half-Day Small-Group Wine Tour in Madeira: $83
- Shore Excursion: Private Madeira Tour & Wine Tasting: $94
- Signature Wine Tastings, Skywalk, Nature 4x4 Open Roof Expedition: $106
- Private Guided East Madeira Tour Waterfall and Distillery Visit: $107
- Guided Toboggan Ride and Madeira Wine Tasting Tour: $149
Sample the Local Flavors in Faro
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:
- Tour & Wine tasting - Authentic Algarve Flavours by Quinta da Tôr: $24
- Faro Pub Crawl Night of Drinks Games VIP Club Entry: $27
- Visit to a Family Brewery in Loulé with Tasting: $30
- Algarve Wine Tasting - Curated Wines & Pairings (Faro): $54
- Algarve Portugal Wine Tasting Activity with Pick Up: $190
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Faro, we can see that Faro 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 Faro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Faro 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 Faro Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Faro?
Funchal has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Faro, 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 Faro?
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 Faro in the Summer?
Both Faro and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Faro in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Funchal is generally cooler than Faro. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 22°C (72°F), and Faro fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).
It's quite sunny in Faro. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Faro during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Faro receives 374 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Funchal usually receives more rain than Faro. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Faro receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Faro 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Faro in the Autumn?
Both Faro and Funchal during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Faro for the shopping scene during these months.
Funchal is around the same temperature as Faro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Faro fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Faro. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Faro receives 222 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets more rain in October than Faro. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Faro receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Faro 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Faro in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Faro. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Faro because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In the winter, Funchal is a little warmer than Faro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Funchal in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Faro averages at about 12°C (54°F).
Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Faro during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Faro receives 161 hours of full sun in the winter.
Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Funchal usually receives more rain than Faro. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Faro receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Faro 12°C (54°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Faro in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Faro. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Faro this time of year.
In April, Funchal is generally around the same temperature as Faro. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 17°C (63°F), and Faro fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. In the spring, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Faro. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Faro receives 248 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets more rain in April than Faro. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Faro receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Faro 17°C (62°F)
Typical Weather for Faro and Funchal
| Funchal | Faro | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 94 mm (3.7 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.