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

Should you visit Funchal or Nantes?

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

Should I visit Funchal or Nantes? 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 Nantes?

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.

Nantes

Nantes is a city in western France, located on the Loire River, 31 miles from the Atlantic coast. The city is the sixth largest in France, with almost 600,000 inhabitants within the Urban area. Together with Saint-Nazaire, a seaport located on the Loire estuary, Nantes forms the main metropolis of north-western France. The city has a unique architectural heritage with its magnificent Chateau des ducs de Bretagne - a Renaissance-style castle nestled in a fortress, a medieval quarter and one of the highest cathedrals of France. It has been transformed in the last 20 years probably more than any other city in France. It is not only a vibrant and young metropolis often rewarded for its top-quality of life, but a city where art has literally been integrated in all possible aspects, making it a true example of how artists can turn a city upside down.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Nantes 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 Nantes 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 Nantes in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    Nantes 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    Nantes 120
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Nantes

Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Nantes? 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 Nantes


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 Nantes Hotel Prices.

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nantes

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

  • Private Transfer from Nantes Atlantique Airport NTE to Puy du Fou Park: $174
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Hotels to La Rochelle Cruise Port: $88
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Airport (NTE) to La Rochelle Port: $88
  • Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes city centre to Nantes Airport: $65
  • Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes Airport to City centre: $65
  • Nantes Airport (NTE) to Nantes - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52
  • Private Transfer from Airports to Nantes: $33
  • Nantes Airport (NTE) to Nantes hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • Nantes to Nantes Airport (NTE) - Departure Private Transfer: $26

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Nantes?

Prices for flights to both Nantes 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
    Nantes 27
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 Nantes

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

  • Nantes Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $104
  • All Inclusive Food Tour of Nantes Old Town with Local Guide: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Funchal 15
    Nantes 13

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

Tours and Activities in Nantes

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

  • Exploring London's Natural Marvels: Museum Adventure: $83
  • Guided treetop adventure course in the heart of Nantes: $31
  • Half-Day Tour in Nantes: $291
  • Nantes : Must-see Attractions Walking Tour: $75
  • Nantes : Private Walking Tour With A Local : $51
  • Nantes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Nantes Private Guided Walking Tour: $307
  • Nantes Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Nantes Traditional Food Group Walking Tour: $102
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Panoramic Tour by Electric Bike: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    Nantes 6.43

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 Nantes

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Nantes:

  • Château du Bois-Huaut: Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting Class: $35


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


Which is Bigger, Funchal or Nantes?

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

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 Nantes in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Nantes. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nantes in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Funchal is a little warmer than Nantes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Funchal in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Nantes averages at about 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nantes this time of the year. In Funchal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than Nantes. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Funchal 22°C (72°F) 
    Nantes 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Nantes in the Autumn?

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

In October, Funchal is generally much warmer than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 21°C (70°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Nantes. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun.

Funchal receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Funchal usually gets more rain in October than Nantes. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Funchal 21°C (70°F) 
    Nantes 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Nantes in the Winter?

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

Funchal is much warmer than Nantes in the winter. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and Nantes fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Nantes during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Funchal. In January, Funchal usually receives more rain than Nantes. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Funchal 16°C (61°F) 
    Nantes 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Nantes in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Funchal is much warmer than Nantes. Typically, the spring temperatures in Funchal in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Nantes averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Funchal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nantes. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun.

Funchal usually gets more rain in April than Nantes. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Funchal 17°C (63°F) 
    Nantes 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Nantes and Funchal

Funchal Nantes
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 6°C (44°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)