Which place is cheaper, Faro or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Faro €133
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Faro is €133. 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 from Funchal Airport to Madeira Island: $123
- Transfers Wheelchair Scooter Transfers Airport / Funchal: $87
- PR18 Levada do Rei Private transfer: $71
- Madeira Airport Transfers Round Trip (FNC): $65
- Transfer to Hiking Achada Teixeira - Pico Ruivo: $60
- 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
- Minibus Transfer: Madeira Airport - Funchal: $38
- Minibus Transfer: Funchal - Madeira Airport: $38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro
Also for Faro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Lisbon airport transfers (up to 8pax): $480
- Private Seville airport transfers (up to 8pax): $479
- Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Lisboa: $464
- From Faro Airport: Private 1-Way Transfer to Lisbon: $384
- Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Sevilha: $378
- Private Lisbon airport transfers (up to 4pax cars): $373
- Private Airport Transfer - Faro Airport to Lisbon Airport: $259
- Private Transfer From Faro To Lisbon With a 2 Hour Stop: $256
- Transfer From Tavira Algarve To Lisbon: $255
- Transfer Faro airport - Zambujeira do Mar: $228
- From Faro Airport: Private 1-Way Transfer to Sagres: $192
- Airport Transfer from Faro to Sagres: $175
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 €31Faro €36
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: $41
- Sunset Tour to Pico do Arieiro with Dinner and Drinks included: $76
- Gourmet Wine & Food Tour: $112
- Gourmet Wine & Food Tour: $112
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Faro
For Faro, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- The Most Delicious Private Food Tour of 6 or 10 Tastings: $83
- 3 Hours Classic Food Tour in Faro: $97
- Authentic Portuguese Cooking Experience in Algarve: $162
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.
- Wheelchair Full Day Tour Porto Moniz E Sao Vicente : $190
- Wheelchair Handicap Full Day East Tour Santana Tour : $190
- “Le tour de Churchill” - From Funchal to Câmara de Lobos: $58
- Magnificent East Tour: $33
- 4 Days Tour Discovering Madeira: $279
- 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 : $157
- Agriculture Green Tour : $92
- Amazing East Tour : $30
- Around The Island - Two Days Tour From 9am To 5pm (Each Day): $65
Tours and Activities in Faro
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Faro.
- Faro to Benagil Hiking Tour and Marinha beach: $60
- 1 Hour Private Speed Boat Tour: $49
- 1 or 2 Hour Speed Boat Tour - Ria Formosa: $26
- 2 Hours Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $27
- 2:30 Hours Tour: $272
- 3 Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $33
- 3-Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa on Olhão Algarve: $33
- 30-minute Jet Ski experience through Punta del Moral: $108
- 4 hour Kayak & Snorkeling Tour in Ria Formosa Natural park : $81
- 5-hour island hopping tour: $60
- 6 hour boat tour navegating through the Islands of Ria Formosa National Park : $65
- Algarve Buggy Tours: $201
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:
- 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
- Pub Crawl: $59
- Shore Excursion: Private Madeira Tour & Wine Tasting: $86
- Guided Toboggan Ride and Madeira Wine Tasting Tour: $98
- Tuk Tuk Wine Tour - Madeira Island: $101
- Exclusive Wine Tasting in the Wine Region of Boaventura: $103
- Weekends Madeira Wine Tasting São Vicente: $109
- Visiting local Vineyard With Wine Tasting & Lunch included: $158
- Full Day Private Madeira Wine Tour from Funchal: $171
- Full-Day Madeira Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $190
Sample the Local Flavors in Faro
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:
- Wine tastings, with Tour option - Authentic Algarve Flavours by Quinta da Tôr: $18
- Visit to a Family Brewery in Loulé with Tasting: $27
- Algarve Traditional Food and Wine Tasting: $48
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.