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

Should you visit Funchal or Imperia?

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

Should I visit Funchal or Imperia? 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 Imperia?

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.

Imperia

Located in the region of Liguria, Imperia is a coastal city on Italy's northwest shoreline. Formed in 1923 by Mussolini with the combining of two major ports and several villages, Imperia today exists as a popular summer destination for visitors. It is known for its cultivation of flowers and olives as well as number of historic churches.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Imperia 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 Imperia is €108. 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 Imperia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    Imperia 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    Imperia 102
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Imperia

Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Imperia? 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 Imperia


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 Imperia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Funchal 9.94
    Imperia 36

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Imperia?

Prices for flights to both Imperia 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
    Imperia 35
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
    Imperia 13

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 Imperia

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

  • Imperia - Old Town Private Historic Walking Tour: $428

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    Imperia 7.50

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


Which is Bigger, Funchal or Imperia?

Funchal has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Imperia. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Imperia, 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 Imperia?

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 Imperia in the Summer?

Both Imperia and Funchal during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Imperia this time of year.

In the summer, Funchal is cooler than Imperia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Funchal in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Imperia averages at about 25°C (76°F).

In Imperia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Funchal. In the summer, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Imperia. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 295 hours of full sun.

Funchal usually gets less rain in July than Imperia. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Funchal 22°C (72°F) 
    Imperia 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Imperia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Imperia. Also, many travelers come to Imperia for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Funchal is generally around the same temperature as Imperia. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 21°C (70°F), and Imperia fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Funchal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Imperia during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Funchal usually receives around the same amount of rain as Imperia. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Funchal 21°C (70°F) 
    Imperia 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Imperia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Imperia. Also, many visitors come to Imperia in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Funchal is much warmer than Imperia in the winter. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and Imperia fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Imperia. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 127 hours of full sun.

Funchal receives a lot of rain in the winter. Funchal usually gets more rain in January than Imperia. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Funchal 16°C (61°F) 
    Imperia 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Imperia in the Spring?

Both Imperia and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Imperia for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Funchal is a little warmer than Imperia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Funchal in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Imperia averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Imperia during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Funchal usually receives around the same amount of rain as Imperia. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Funchal 17°C (63°F) 
    Imperia 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Imperia and Funchal

Funchal Imperia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (58°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (71°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)