Which place is cheaper, Pamplona or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Pamplona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Pamplona? 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 Pamplona?
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.
Pamplona
Pamplona is a city in northern Spain located on the snow-capped foothills of the Pyrenees Range. With the backdrop of mountains, the city is surrounded by a setting ideal for skiing, mountaineering, hiking, wildlife and breathtaking scenery. Yet Pamplona itself is a place full of lively culture and stunning architecture. With a long history, the place is embedded in tradition and perhaps most famous for its annual "running of the bulls" celebrated in July, also known as the San Fermin festival.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Pamplona €131
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Pamplona is €131. 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 Pamplona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Pamplona €67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Pamplona €134
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Pamplona
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Pamplona? 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 Pamplona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Pamplona €24
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamplona
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pamplona:
- Private Transfer from Pamplona Airport to Laguardia town: $282
- Private Transfer from Pamplona city to San Sebastian: $244
- Private Transfer from Pamplona city to San Sebastian Airport: $244
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Pamplona?
Prices for flights to both Pamplona 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 €31Pamplona €41
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
Typical Food Prices in Pamplona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Pamplona are as follows:
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Lunch for 2€10
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Ice Cream€4.50
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Coffee€1.30
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Pamplona €34
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 Pamplona
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pamplona are as follows:
- Biarritz and French Basque coast small group tour, lunch included: $260
- Bilbao and Guggenheim Museum small group tour: $218
- From San Sebastian: Pamplona City Tour: $91
- Logroño historic&cultural guided walking tour: $32
- Pamplona - Private Historic Walking Tour: $427
- Pamplona Private Tour with Castle of Javier : $240
- Pamplona pintxo tasting paired with Spanish wines small group tour: $72
- Private City Tour Pamplona: $174
- Private tour of Fuenterrabia and San Sebastian.: $283
- Private tour of Getaria, Zumaia, Zarautz and Orio. : $204
- Private tour of Lourdes and the three sacred temples: $240
- Private tour of the jewels of Bilbao, with Guggenheim and pintxos tasting. : $251
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Pamplona €31
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 Pamplona
Also in Pamplona, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Half Day Rioja Wine Tour: $218
- Wine tour of La Rioja, with two winery visits, and La Guardia. : $221
- Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Logroño: $240
- Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Pamplona: $240
- Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Logroño: $251
- Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Pamplona: $251
- Rioja Wine Tour: $283
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Pamplona, we can see that Pamplona 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 Pamplona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pamplona 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 Pamplona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Pamplona?
Pamplona has a larger population, and is about 92% larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Pamplona, 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 Pamplona?
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 Pamplona in the Summer?
Both Pamplona and Funchal during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year.
Funchal is around the same temperature as Pamplona in the summer. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Pamplona fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
In Pamplona, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Funchal. In the summer, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 209 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets less rain in July than Pamplona. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Pamplona 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Pamplona in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Pamplona. Furthermore, many travelers come to Pamplona for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Funchal is a little warmer than Pamplona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Funchal in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Pamplona averages at about 16°C (60°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Funchal usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Pamplona 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Pamplona in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Pamplona. Additionally, many visitors come to Pamplona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Funchal is generally much warmer than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 16°C (61°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
In the winter, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 85 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Pamplona. Funchal receives a lot of rain in the winter. Funchal usually gets less rain in January than Pamplona. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Pamplona 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Pamplona in the Spring?
Both Pamplona and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Pamplona for the activities around the city during these months.
Funchal is a little warmer than Pamplona in the spring. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Pamplona fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. In April, Funchal usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Pamplona 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Pamplona and Funchal
| Funchal | Pamplona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 184 mm (7.2 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.