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

Should you visit Funchal or Hondarribia?

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

Should I visit Funchal or Hondarribia? 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 Hondarribia?

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.

Hondarribia

The characteristic Spanish buildings painted in the brightest, most vibrant of colors only match the true spirit of the town, Hondarribia, Spain. Hondarribia is located on the west shore of Bidasoa river's mouth in Gipuzkoa of Basque Country. The town is rich in its Spanish history, holding both an ancient old quarter with walls and a castle within. Hondarribia is also known for its gorgeous beach of bright blue water across the Bidasoa alongside the fertile, roaming mountain of Jaizkibel. What's more, Hondarribia faces the border of Hendaye, France, so if you are yearning to expand your cultural learning, take a service boat over to Spain's friendly neighbor! No matter if you want to explore the ancient architecture or enjoy the cooling waters of the bay, Hondarribia is definitely a location known for its beauty and activity!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Hondarribia 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 Hondarribia is €132. 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 Hondarribia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    Hondarribia 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    Hondarribia 140
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Hondarribia

Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Hondarribia? 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 Hondarribia


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 Hondarribia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Funchal 9.94
    Hondarribia 32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal

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

  • Transfer and Hiking PR8 Sao Lourenço : $44
  • Transfer Madeira Airport - Funchal: $35
  • Sunrise Transfer to Hike Pico Areeiro to Pico Ruivo: $71
  • Private Transfer from Madeira Airport(FNC) to Madeira Cruise Port: $26
  • Private Transfer from Funchal airport to Madeira south area: $59
  • Private Transfer from Funchal Airport to Madeira Island: $123
  • Private Transfer from Cristiano Ronaldo Airport to Funchal Hotels: $69
  • Private One way Transfer Madeira Airport to or from Funchal: $22
  • Premium Transfer Madeira Airport - Funchal: $44
  • PR18 Levada do Rei Private transfer: $71
  • Minibus Transfer: Funchal - Madeira Airport: $38
  • Madeira airport transfer for up to 8 people: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Hondarribia?

Prices for flights to both Hondarribia 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
    Hondarribia 41
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:

  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Funchal 15
    Hondarribia 22

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
  • Amazing East Tour : $31
  • 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
  • Around the island - Two days tour: $82

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    Hondarribia 18

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


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


Which is Bigger, Funchal or Hondarribia?

Funchal has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Hondarribia. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Hondarribia, 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 Hondarribia?

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 Hondarribia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Hondarribia.

In July, Funchal is generally around the same temperature as Hondarribia. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 22°C (72°F), and Hondarribia fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hondarribia this time of the year. In Funchal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Hondarribia during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Hondarribia receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than Hondarribia. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Funchal 22°C (72°F) 
    Hondarribia 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Hondarribia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Hondarribia.

Funchal is a little warmer than Hondarribia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Hondarribia fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Hondarribia. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hondarribia receives 144 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hondarribia. Funchal receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Funchal usually gets less rain in October than Hondarribia. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Funchal 21°C (70°F) 
    Hondarribia 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Hondarribia in the Winter?

Both Hondarribia and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

In the winter, Funchal is much warmer than Hondarribia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Funchal in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Hondarribia averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Hondarribia during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Hondarribia receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hondarribia. It's quite rainy in Funchal. In January, Funchal usually receives less rain than Hondarribia. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Funchal 16°C (61°F) 
    Hondarribia 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Hondarribia in the Spring?

Both Hondarribia and Funchal during the spring are popular places to visit.

In April, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Hondarribia. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 17°C (63°F), and Hondarribia fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Hondarribia. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hondarribia receives 141 hours of full sun.

Hondarribia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Funchal usually gets less rain in April than Hondarribia. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Funchal 17°C (63°F) 
    Hondarribia 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Hondarribia and Funchal

Funchal Hondarribia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)