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

Should you visit Funchal or Hvar?

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

Should I visit Funchal or Hvar? 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 Hvar?

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.

Hvar

Hvar is a Croatian island full of mountains, vegetation, beaches, vineyards, shops, restaurants, and also people! Hvar Town is the main city on the island, but there are many other small villages throughout. The best time to visit Hvar is between May and September, although keep in mind it can get busy during this period.

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 in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Hvar 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 Hvar is €102. 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 Hvar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    Hvar 38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    Hvar 76
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Hvar

Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Hvar? 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 Hvar


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 Hvar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Funchal 9.94
    Hvar 47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal

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

  • Madeira Airport Shuttle Transfer one way: $9.81
  • Private One way Transfer Madeira Airport to or from Funchal: $22
  • Private Transfer from Madeira Airport(FNC) to Madeira Cruise Port: $26
  • Funchal Airport(FNC) to Funchal hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • Funchal Private Transfers Service to Madeira Airport: $29
  • Madeira Airport Private Transfers Service To Funchal: $33
  • Transfer Madeira Airport - Funchal: $35
  • Minibus Transfer: Funchal - Madeira Airport: $38
  • Premium Transfer Madeira Airport - Funchal: $44
  • Transfer and Hiking PR8 Sao Lourenço : $44
  • Madeira airport transfer for up to 8 people: $49
  • Madeira Airport Round Trip Shuttle Transfers Service: $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hvar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hvar:

  • Speedboat Transfer from Hvar Town to Split Airport: $535

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Hvar?

Prices for flights to both Hvar 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
    Hvar 38
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hvar

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hvar.

  • Hvar Charming Abandoned Village Small Group Tour and Local Dinner: $180
  • Hvar Hidden Gems Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $187
  • Hvar Hidden Gems Small Group Half Day Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $202
  • Hvar Abandoned Village Tour with Local Dinner: $214
  • Private Hvar Wine Tasting Tour with Traditional Dinner: $234
  • Food Tour: Traditional Flavours and Food Sampling on Hvar: $262
  • The Best of Hvar in a Day with Wine tasting and Local Dinner: $273
  • Hvar Small Group Wine Tour and Authentic Dalmatian Dinner: $273

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Funchal 15
    Hvar 7.48

Tours and Activities in Funchal

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

  • Portugal eSIM Tourist Data Plan: $4.81
  • Sacred Art Museum of Funchal Entry Ticket: $11
  • Old Funchal Walking Tour: $15
  • Scenic Route - Nuns Valley Tour: $25
  • Funchal Hop-On Hop-Off Tour 3 in 1: $27
  • Christmas Lights in Funchal Tuk Tuk Tour: $27
  • São Vicente Caves and Volcano Center Half-Day Tour: $27
  • Majestic West Tour : $31
  • Amazing East Tour : $31
  •  Magnificent East Tour: $33
  • Exorbitant West Tour: $33
  • Santana / Typical Houses Tour: $33

Tours and Activities in Hvar

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hvar are as follows:

  • BLUE CAVE & 5 islands tour from Hvar: $98
  • 1-Hour Battle Archery Game in Hvar Adventure Park: $22
  • 1-Hour Private Paintball Adventure in Park Hvar Jelsa: $23
  • 3-Hour Lavender Tour from Hvar: $150
  • Adventurous Blue and Green Cave group tour: $86
  • Back to the Roots - Ancient Island Interactive Experience: $141
  • Beach bar Laganini and Hula Hula half-day Private Boat Tour: $918
  • Blue & Green cave tour with yacht from town Hvar: $229
  • Blue Cave & Vis Island speedboat tour from Hvar: $109
  • Blue Cave and Pakleni Islands group Tour from Hvar: $107
  • Blue cave group tour with swimming and snorkelling from Hvar: $76
  • Blue cave tour with speed boat from town Hvar: $196

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    Hvar 9.18

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Hvar

Also in Hvar, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Hvar Wine Tasting Experience: $118
  • Hvar Wine tasting small group experience: $131
  • Private Hvar Wine Tasting Tour : $142
  • Wine Tasting Tour: $157
  • Chocolate and Wine Tasting Small Group Tour from Hvar: $175


When comparing the travel costs between Funchal and Hvar, we can see that Hvar 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 Hvar Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Funchal or Hvar?

Funchal has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Hvar, 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 Hvar?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Funchal or Hvar in the Summer?

Both Hvar and Funchal during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Hvar for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Funchal is cooler than Hvar in the summer. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Funchal. In the summer, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Funchal usually gets less rain in July than Hvar. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Funchal 22°C (72°F) 
    Hvar 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Hvar. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Hvar because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Funchal is a little warmer than Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Funchal in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Funchal usually receives more rain than Hvar. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Funchal 21°C (70°F) 
    Hvar 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Hvar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Hvar. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

In January, Funchal is generally much warmer than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 16°C (61°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Hvar. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Funchal receives a lot of rain in the winter. Funchal usually gets more rain in January than Hvar. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Funchal or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Funchal is a little warmer than Hvar in the spring. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Funchal usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hvar. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Funchal 17°C (63°F) 
    Hvar 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Hvar and Funchal

Funchal Hvar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)