Which place is cheaper, Lugo or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Lugo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Lugo? 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 Lugo?
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.
Lugo
Located in northwestern Spain, Lugo is a city of the Galicia region best known for its old city, completely surrounded by Roman walls. Within these walls are some of Lugo's most impressive sights including a striking city hall, elaborate cathedral, and many beautiful city squares and plazas. The city is also known for its festivals and is the capital of a province of the same name.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Lugo €98
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Lugo is €98. 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 Lugo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Lugo €50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Lugo €100
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Lugo
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Lugo? 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 Lugo Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Lugo €20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal
Also for Funchal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Funchal Airport(FNC) to Funchal hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
- Funchal Airport(FNC) to Madeira Island - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
- Funchal Private Transfers Service to Madeira Airport: $29
- Madeira Airport (FNC) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Funchal Hotels or Address): $54
- Madeira Airport (FNC) Departure Transfer (Funchal Hotels to Madeira Airport): $54
- Madeira Airport Private Transfers Service To Funchal: $33
- Madeira Airport Round Trip Shuttle Transfers Service: $49
- Madeira Airport Shuttle Transfer one way: $9.81
- Madeira Airport Transfers Round Trip (FNC): $65
- Madeira Island Transfers: $53
- Madeira airport transfer for up to 8 people: $49
- Minibus Transfer: Funchal - Madeira Airport: $38
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Lugo?
Prices for flights to both Lugo 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 €31Lugo €34
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:
- 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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Lugo €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 Lugo
Here are a few actual costs in Lugo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Private Guided Walking Tour: $80
- ¡¡NEW!! Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $80
- Cathedral of Santa Maria Entry Ticket and Audio Guide: $6.42
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Lugo €16
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 Lugo, we can see that Lugo 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 Lugo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Lugo?
Funchal has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Lugo. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Lugo, 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 Lugo?
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 Lugo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Lugo.
Funchal is a little warmer than Lugo in the summer. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Lugo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lugo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Funchal this time of the year. In the summer, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Lugo. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lugo receives 248 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets less rain in July than Lugo. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Lugo receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Lugo 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Lugo in the Autumn?
Both Lugo and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
In the autumn, Funchal is a little warmer than Lugo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Funchal in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Lugo averages at about 16°C (61°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Lugo during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Lugo receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Lugo. It's quite rainy in Funchal. In October, Funchal usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lugo. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Lugo receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Lugo 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Lugo in the Winter?
Both Lugo and Funchal during the winter are popular places to visit.
In January, Funchal is generally much warmer than Lugo. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 16°C (61°F), and Lugo fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the winter, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Lugo. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lugo receives 103 hours of full sun.
Lugo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets less rain in January than Lugo. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Lugo receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Lugo 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Lugo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Lugo.
Funchal is a little warmer than Lugo in the spring. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Lugo fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Lugo during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Lugo receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Funchal usually receives less rain than Lugo. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Lugo receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Lugo 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Lugo and Funchal
| Funchal | Lugo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 128 mm (5 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.