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

Should you visit Funchal or Granada?

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

Should I visit Funchal or Granada? 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 Granada?

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.

Granada

Granada is a city of southern Spain located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the autonomous community of Andalucia. Perhaps the most notable feature of the city is its medieval architecture that dates to the Moorish occupation of Spain. Each example stands from another time and place, strong fortresses and castles against the backdrop of lumbering mountains. Yet they are surrounded by a city thriving with modern day quirks. From castles and fortresses to bars, restaurants, and cafes, Granada is a unique setting for an otherworldly getaway.

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 Madrid, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona.


Which place is cheaper, Granada 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 Granada is €123. 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 Granada in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    Granada 59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    Granada 118
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Granada

Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Granada? 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 Granada


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 Granada Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Funchal 9.94
    Granada 22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal

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

  • Transfers Wheelchair Scooter Transfers Airport / Funchal: $88
  • Transfer to Hiking Achada Teixeira - Pico Ruivo: $61
  • Private Transfer from Madeira North area resorts to Madeira Funchal airport: $89
  • Private Transfer from Funchal airport to Madeira south area: $60
  • Private Transfer from Funchal Airport to Madeira Island: $124
  • Private Transfer from Cristiano Ronaldo Airport to Funchal Hotels: $69
  • Private One way Transfer Madeira Airport to or from Funchal: $22
  • PR18 Levada do Rei Private transfer: $72
  • Morning Self-Guided Hike Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo w/ Transfers: $33
  • Minibus Transfer: Funchal - Madeira Airport: $39
  • Madeira: Private Monte Tour By Cable Car with Transfer: $110
  • Madeira airport transfer for up to 8 people: $50

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Granada

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Granada are as follows:


  • 7 Trip Bus Pass
    5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Granada

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

  • Private Transfer from Granada Hotels to Seville : $276
  • Cordoba and its Mosque from Granada with Private Transfer: $264
  • Private Transfer from Granada to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $244
  • Seville Airport (SVQ) to Granada - Round Trip Private Transfer: $243
  • Granada airport private arrival transfer, Mercedes minivan: $221
  • Private Transfer from Playa Granada to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $211
  • Private Transfer from Motril to Malaga (AGP) airport : $211
  • Private Transfer from Carchuna to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $210
  • Granada Private Intercity Transfer to Malaga: $176
  • Granada airport private arrival transfer, Mercedes Sedan: $143
  • Private Transfer IN or OUT in Upscale Vehicle with Professional Driver: $133
  • Granada to Seville Airport (SVQ) - Departure Private Transfer: $121

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Granada?

Prices for flights to both Granada 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
    Granada 37
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: $42
  • Sunset Tour to Pico do Arieiro with Dinner and Drinks included: $77
  • Gourmet Wine & Food Tour: $114
  • Gourmet Wine & Food Tour: $114

Typical Food Prices in Granada

For Granada, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Sangria
    2.50
  • Sandwich to go
    3.00
  • Bocadillo & Drink
    6.25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Granada

For Granada, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Dinner and Show flamenco in the Albayzin Granada: $56
  • 2-Day Geopark Desert, Ancient Culture and Food Tour: $171

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Funchal 15
    Granada 28

Tours and Activities in Funchal

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

  • Wheelchair Handicap Full Day East Tour Santana Tour : $193
  •  Magnificent East Tour: $33
  • 4 hours Unique Classic Jeep Tour to Pico do Arieiro, Madeira: $63
  • 4-Hour Private Outdoor Tour in Madeira: $176
  • 4x4 Full-Day Tour to Explore Portugal's Scents and Flavors: $64
  • 4x4 Jeep Safari Porto Moniz - the "Farowest" tour - Full Day Small Groups : $72
  • 4x4 Jeep Tour to the West & Northwest of Madeira: $66
  • 4x4 tour Porto Moniz & Cabo Girão 7 hours: $77
  • Agriculture Green Tour : $94
  • All Madeira In 2 Days Tour: $72
  • Amazing East Tour : $31
  • Arieiro Peak, Santo da Serra and Cristo Rei 4x4 Experience: $50

Tours and Activities in Granada

For Granada, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A Private experience in Alhambra: $187
  • 3-Hours Tapas Tour in Granada, Spain: $38
  • 4 Hour Hiking Tour Albaicín, Sacromonte and San Miguel: $29
  • 4 neighborhoods 4 cultures. Half day private tour in Granada: $143
  • 4-hour tour Hiking with Legends Río Genil and Cenes Vega: $29
  • Albaicín and Sacromonte Walking Tour and Flamenco Show: $35
  • Albaicín and Sacromonte sunset tour: $24
  • Albaicín and Sacromonte’s Iconic Sights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Albaicin & Sacramonte Electric Bike Tour in Granada : $38
  • Albaicin and Sacromonte Private Tour : $93
  • Albaicin guided tour with dogs: $25
  • Albayzin Express Electric Bike Tour with Play Granada: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    Granada 24

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: $50
  • Half-Day Wine Tour in Madeira: $77
  • Shore Excursion: Private Madeira Tour & Wine Tasting: $87
  • Amazing Skywalk, Wine Tasting & 4x4 Adventure + Dolphin Watching: $98
  • Guided Toboggan Ride and Madeira Wine Tasting Tour: $99
  • Tuk Tuk Wine Tour - Madeira Island: $103
  • Weekends Madeira Wine Tasting São Vicente: $110
  • Visiting local Vineyard With Wine Tasting & Lunch included: $160
  • Full Day Private Madeira Wine Tour from Funchal: $173
  • Full-Day Madeira Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $193

Sample the Local Flavors in Granada

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Granada:

  • Wine Tasting in Granada: $51
  • Granada Tapas and wine tour!: $72
  • Spanish Food & Wine Tasting: $73
  • Granada Traditional Tapas and Wine Tour - by Oh My Good Guide!: $77
  • BEST OF Flamenco, Tapas and Wine Tour: $101


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


Which is Bigger, Funchal or Granada?

Granada has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Granada, 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 Granada?

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 Granada in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Granada. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Granada this time of year.

In July, Funchal is generally cooler than Granada. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 22°C (72°F), and Granada fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Granada this time of the year. In Funchal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Granada during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Granada receives 348 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Funchal usually receives more rain than Granada. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Granada receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Funchal 22°C (72°F) 
    Granada 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Granada in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Granada. Also, many travelers come to Granada for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Funchal is around the same temperature as Granada in the autumn. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Granada fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Granada. In the autumn, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Granada. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Granada receives 213 hours of full sun.

Funchal receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Funchal usually gets more rain in October than Granada. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Granada receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Funchal 21°C (70°F) 
    Granada 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Granada in the Winter?

Both Granada and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Granada in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Funchal is a little warmer than Granada. Typically, the winter temperatures in Funchal in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Granada averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Granada during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Granada receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Funchal. In January, Funchal usually receives more rain than Granada. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Granada receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Funchal 16°C (61°F) 
    Granada 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Granada in the Spring?

Both Granada and Funchal during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Granada for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Funchal is generally around the same temperature as Granada. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 17°C (63°F), and Granada fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Granada. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Granada receives 220 hours of full sun.

Funchal usually gets more rain in April than Granada. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Granada receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Granada and Funchal

Funchal Granada
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in)