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

Should you visit Funchal or Marbella?

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

Should I visit Funchal or Marbella? 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 Marbella?

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.

Marbella

Marbella is a city in southern Spain in the province of Malaga. It is part of the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) and is located on the Mediterranean Sea between Malaga and the Strait of Gibraltar. It is one of the most important tourist cities in the area and receives many national and international tourists year round due to its climate and tourism structures. Marbella is a bit of a glamorous city due to its beauty and resort-type environment. The old town with its narrow cobbled streets and flower-filled plazas is packed with shops and art galleries selling boutique clothes and accessories, and handmade wares. The city has significant archaeological and historical heritage and many events and performances throughout the year.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Marbella 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 Marbella is €117. 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 Marbella in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    Marbella 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    Marbella 122
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Marbella

Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Marbella? 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 Marbella


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 Marbella Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Funchal 9.94
    Marbella 24

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marbella

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

  • Private Transfer from Gaucín to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $225
  • Private Transfer from Benaoján to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $216
  • Private Transfer from La Alcaidesa to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $207
  • Private Transfer from Casares to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $176
  • Private Transfer from Sabinillas to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $176
  • Private Transfer from Manilva to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $176
  • Private Transfer from Cómpeta to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $139
  • Private Transfer from El Paraíso to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $137
  • Private Transfer from Cancelada to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $137
  • Private Transfer from Guadalmina to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $133
  • Private Transfer from Benahavís to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $133
  • Private Transfer from La Quinta Golf Resort to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $133

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Marbella?

Prices for flights to both Marbella 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
    Marbella 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:

  • 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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marbella

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

  • Food Tour: $88

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Funchal 15
    Marbella 19

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 Marbella

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

  • Taste of Marbella Food & Market Small Group Tour : $107
  • 2 hours Quad Tour in Marbella - 1 quad for 1/2 persons 160€: $176
  • 3-Hour Private Guided Bicycle Tour in Marbella: $54
  • Antequera Classic Winery Tour: $208
  • Authentic Andalusia - Jeep Eco Tour (pick up from Marbella - Estepona) : $99
  • Bike City Tour Marbella: $33
  • Buggy Adventure with Incredible Views of the Sea and the Reservoir: $110
  • Caminito del Rey and Ardales Guided Tour from Costa del Sol: $76
  • Canyoning Experience Near Marbella (Benahavís River Walk): $44
  • Discover Marbella's Old Town with five-star private tour: $99
  • Dolphin Watching Adventure in Estepona Bay: $39
  • Dolphin Watching Tour on Sailboat in Marbella: $105

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    Marbella 5.71

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 Marbella

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

  • Manilva & Gaucin Wine Tour from the Costa del Sol: $153
  • From Manilva Sunset Wine Tasting Tour with Tapas: $162
  • Ronda Full Day Wine Tour from Marbella: $197
  • From Antequera Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $216
  • From Axarquia Wine Tour with Wine Pairing Lunch: $238
  • Full-Day Private Ronda Wine Tour Experience from Marbella: $264
  • VIP Ronda Wine Tour and Tasting and Gourmet Lunch Experience with Winemaker: $274
  • Ronda Organic Wine Tour from Marbella: $275


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


Which is Bigger, Funchal or Marbella?

Marbella has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Marbella, 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 Marbella?

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 Marbella in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Marbella. Furthermore, many visitors come to Marbella in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Funchal is cooler than Marbella in the summer. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Marbella fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

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

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


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

Should I visit Funchal or Marbella in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Marbella. Additionally, most visitors come to Marbella for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Funchal is around the same temperature as Marbella. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Funchal in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Marbella averages at about 19°C (67°F).

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

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


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

Should I visit Funchal or Marbella in the Winter?

Both Marbella and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Marbella because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Marbella. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 16°C (61°F), and Marbella fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

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

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


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

Should I visit Funchal or Marbella in the Spring?

Both Marbella and Funchal during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marbella this time of year.

Funchal is around the same temperature as Marbella in the spring. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Marbella fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

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

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


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

Typical Weather for Marbella and Funchal

Funchal Marbella
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)