Which place is cheaper, Palma de Mallorca or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Palma de Mallorca?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Palma de Mallorca? 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 Palma de Mallorca?
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.
Palma de Mallorca
Palma de Mallorca is a resort city and capital of the Spanish island, Mallorca, in the western Mediterranean. It is home to landmarks like Gothic cathedrals and medieval fortresses, but is also host to sandy beaches where the city meets the sea in a backdrop of surrounding mountains. Amidst the city itself you will find it easy to get lost in the charm of cobbled lanes, busy markets, boutiques, and historic courtyards.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Palma de Mallorca €139
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Palma de Mallorca is €139. 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 Palma de Mallorca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Palma de Mallorca €69
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Palma de Mallorca €138
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Palma de Mallorca
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Palma de Mallorca? 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 Palma de Mallorca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Palma de Mallorca €25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal
Also for Funchal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfers Wheelchair Scooter Transfers Airport / Funchal: $87
- Transfer to Hiking Achada Teixeira - Pico Ruivo: $60
- Transfer Madeira Airport - Funchal: $35
- Private Transfer from Madeira Airport(FNC) to Madeira Cruise Port: $26
- Private Transfer from Funchal Airport to Madeira Island: $123
- Private One way Transfer Madeira Airport to or from Funchal: $22
- PR18 Levada do Rei Private transfer: $71
- Morning Self-Guided Hike Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo w/ Transfers: $33
- Minibus Transfer: Madeira Airport - Funchal: $38
- Minibus Transfer: Funchal - Madeira Airport: $38
- Madeira airport transfer for up to 8 people: $49
- Madeira Island Transfers: $53
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Palma de Mallorca
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Palma de Mallorca are as follows:
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Taxi Ride€6.80
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Bus Ride€1.25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palma de Mallorca
Also for Palma de Mallorca, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Mallorca Airport (PMI): Private Transfer to Port de Polença: $211
- Private Transfer to/from Mallorca Airport: $182
- Private transfer from Alcúdia to Mallorca Airport: $174
- Departure Private Transfers : Palma to Mallorca Airport PMI in Luxury Car: $147
- Private Transfer from Pollensa to Mallorca airport (PMI): $144
- Private Transfer from Mallorca airport (PMI) to Pollensa: $144
- Private Transfer from Mallorca airport (PMI) to Alcudia: $144
- Private Transfer from Mallorca airport (PMI) to Can Picafort : $144
- Private Transfer from Mallorca airport (PMI) to Calas de Mallorca: $141
- Private Transfer from Cala Millor to Mallorca airport (PMI): $141
- Private Transfer from Calas de Mallorca to Mallorca airport (PMI): $141
- Departure Transfer to Palma de Mallorca Airport PMI by Van: $134
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Palma de Mallorca?
Prices for flights to both Palma de Mallorca 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 €31Palma de Mallorca €45
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:
- 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
Typical Food Prices in Palma de Mallorca
For Palma de Mallorca, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Soda€2.50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Palma de Mallorca
For Palma de Mallorca, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Mallorca Evening Tour: Horseback Riding, Dinner and Dance: $107
- Spanish Cooking Experience in Mallorca: $109
- The Award-Winning PRIVATE Food Tour of Mallorca: The 10 Tastings: $130
- Mediterranean cooking experience in nature: $131
- Romantic SPA day with couples massage and romantic dinner at Eurotel Punta Rotja: $206
- Sailboat Dinner and Movie Night: $650
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Palma de Mallorca €34
Tours and Activities in Funchal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Funchal.
- Wheelchair Full Day Tour Porto Moniz E Sao Vicente : $190
- Wheelchair Handicap Full Day East Tour Santana Tour : $190
- “Le tour de Churchill” - From Funchal to Câmara de Lobos: $58
- Magnificent East Tour: $33
- 4 Days Tour Discovering Madeira: $279
- 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 : $157
- Agriculture Green Tour : $93
- Amazing East Tour : $31
- Around The Island - Two Days Tour From 9am To 5pm (Each Day): $65
Tours and Activities in Palma de Mallorca
For Palma de Mallorca, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Hour Deluxe Segway Tour from Palma: $83
- 1.5 H Electric Kick-Scooter Tour: $49
- 1H Self-Guided Electric Scooter Tour around Palma de Mallorca: $22
- 2 Hours sightseeing E-Bike Tour in Palma de Mallorca: $44
- 3 Hours Quad Adventure in Mallorca: $103
- 3 hours quad tour from Paguera: $162
- 4-Hour Catamaran Tour including Tapas: $108
- 90 Minute Jet Ski Tour Cave of Sea Lions in Mallorca: $218
- 90' Stand Up Paddle tour in a small group in Cala Ratjada: $49
- AbenteuerDate Alcudia, Interactive Fun Tour in German Language: $9.79
- AbenteuerDate Palmanova, tour with fun activities in German language: $9.79
- AbenteuerDate, Cala Rajada, tour with fun activities in German language: $9.79
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Palma de Mallorca €29
Sample the Local Flavors in Funchal
Also in Funchal, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- 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: $55
- Pub Crawl: $59
- Shore Excursion: Private Madeira Tour & Wine Tasting: $86
- Guided Toboggan Ride and Madeira Wine Tasting Tour: $98
- Tuk Tuk Wine Tour - Madeira Island: $101
- Exclusive Wine Tasting in the Wine Region of Boaventura: $103
- Weekends Madeira Wine Tasting São Vicente: $109
- Visiting local Vineyard With Wine Tasting & Lunch included: $158
- Full Day Private Madeira Wine Tour from Funchal: $171
- Full-Day Madeira Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $190
Typical Alcohol Prices in Palma de Mallorca
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Palma de Mallorca are as follows:
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Coffee€3.10
Sample the Local Flavors in Palma de Mallorca
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Palma de Mallorca:
- Wine tasting with wines from the smallest wineries in Mallorca: $42
- Guided tour of the Winery with wine tasting, Vineyard and much more!: $49
- Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour: $53
- Palma Distillery Tour with 3 Spirits and Gourmet Tapas Tasting: $53
- Gourmet Tapas and Wine Tour in Palma de Mallorca : $54
- Gastronomic Mallorquin Wine Tasting & local delicacies: $71
- Palma Distillery Tour with 6 Spirits and Gourmet Tapas Tasting: $75
- Wine Tasting Experience with Mallorcan Delights in Alcudia: $87
- Sa Clasta Mallorca Wine Tours: $158
- Mallorca Bodega & Olive Tour with Wine Tasting (full day): $162
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Palma de Mallorca, we can see that Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Palma de Mallorca?
Palma de Mallorca has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Palma de Mallorca, 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 Palma de Mallorca?
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 Palma de Mallorca in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Palma de Mallorca. Also, many visitors come to Palma de Mallorca in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Funchal is generally cooler than Palma de Mallorca. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 22°C (72°F), and Palma de Mallorca fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palma de Mallorca this time of the year. In Funchal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Palma de Mallorca during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Palma de Mallorca receives 334 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Funchal usually receives more rain than Palma de Mallorca. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Palma de Mallorca 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Palma de Mallorca in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Palma de Mallorca. Also, most visitors come to Palma de Mallorca for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Funchal is a little warmer than Palma de Mallorca in the autumn. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Palma de Mallorca fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palma de Mallorca. In the autumn, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Palma de Mallorca. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palma de Mallorca receives 204 hours of full sun.
Funchal receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Funchal usually gets more rain in October than Palma de Mallorca. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Palma de Mallorca 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Palma de Mallorca in the Winter?
Both Palma de Mallorca and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Palma de Mallorca because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In the winter, Funchal is a little warmer than Palma de Mallorca. Typically, the winter temperatures in Funchal in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Palma de Mallorca averages at about 11°C (52°F).
Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Palma de Mallorca during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Palma de Mallorca receives 164 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Funchal. In January, Funchal usually receives more rain than Palma de Mallorca. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Palma de Mallorca 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Palma de Mallorca in the Spring?
Both Palma de Mallorca and Funchal during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Palma de Mallorca this time of year.
In April, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Palma de Mallorca. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 17°C (63°F), and Palma de Mallorca fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
In Palma de Mallorca, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Palma de Mallorca. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palma de Mallorca receives 210 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets more rain in April than Palma de Mallorca. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Palma de Mallorca 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Palma de Mallorca and Funchal
| Funchal | Palma de Mallorca | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 7 mm (0.3 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 38 mm (1.5 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.