Which place is cheaper, Plitvice Lakes National Park or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Plitvice Lakes National Park?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Plitvice Lakes National Park? 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?
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.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
One of the most beautiful natural sights in Europe, Plitvice Lakes National Park is an area of green forests laced with a system of interconnected turquoise lakes. It was set aside as a national park in 1949, and was later designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
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 Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Plitvice Lakes National Park €125
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Plitvice Lakes National Park is €125. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Plitvice Lakes National Park €60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Plitvice Lakes National Park €120
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Plitvice Lakes National Park
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Plitvice Lakes National Park? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Plitvice Lakes National Park €26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal
Also for Funchal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Funchal Airport to Madeira Island: $123
- PR18 Levada do Rei Private transfer: $71
- Sunrise Transfer to Hike Pico Areeiro to Pico Ruivo: $71
- Private Transfer from Cristiano Ronaldo Airport to Funchal Hotels: $69
- Madeira Airport Transfers Round Trip (FNC): $65
- Private Transfer from Funchal airport to Madeira south area: $59
- Madeira Airport (FNC) Departure Transfer (Funchal Hotels to Madeira Airport): $54
- Madeira Airport (FNC) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Funchal Hotels or Address): $54
- Madeira Island Transfers: $53
- Funchal Airport(FNC) to Madeira Island - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
- Madeira Airport Round Trip Shuttle Transfers Service: $49
- Madeira airport transfer for up to 8 people: $49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plitvice Lakes National Park
Also for Plitvice Lakes National Park, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zadar Airport (ZAD): $271
- Private Transfer from Plitvička Jezera to Zagreb Airport (ZAG): $232
- Plitvice lakes Guiding with Transfer: $182
- From Plitvice Lakes to Zagreb private one-way transfer: $150
- From Zadar: Round-Trip Transfer to Plitvice Lakes: $42
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Plitvice Lakes National Park?
Prices for flights to both Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 €31Plitvice Lakes National Park €40
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 €15Plitvice Lakes National Park €34
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 Plitvice Lakes National Park
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Plitvice Lakes National Park.
- 3,5 hours Guided Buggy Tour in Plitvice lakes: $76
- Abandoned military airbase Zeljava -2h guided tour: $55
- Croatia Walking Tour in a Wonderland: $174
- E-Bike tour Plitvice Big Waterfall Viewpoints & Tito's Villa: $87
- From Split and Trogir: Plitvice Lakes Economy Group Tour: $48
- From Split: Plitvice Lakes Guided tour: $70
- Full Day Private Tour of Plitvice Lakes from Split & Trogir: $738
- Half day tour around Plitvice Lakes: $29
- PLITVICE LAKES FULL DAY TOUR WITH LOCAL: $182
- Plitvice Countryside Bike Tour with Barac Caves: $76
- Plitvice Guided Tour- Tickets only RESERVED: $44
- Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour: $36
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Plitvice Lakes National Park €14
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Plitvice Lakes National Park, we can see that Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Funchal or Plitvice Lakes National Park?
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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?
Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Funchal is generally around the same temperature as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 22°C (72°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
It's quite sunny in Plitvice Lakes National Park. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Plitvice Lakes National Park 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?
Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Funchal during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.
Funchal is much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In the autumn, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets more rain in October than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Also, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the cuisine during these months.
Plitvice Lakes National Park can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Funchal is much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Funchal in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 1°C (35°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.
Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Funchal usually receives more rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Plitvice Lakes National Park 1°C (35°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the natural beauty.
In April, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 17°C (63°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In the spring, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Plitvice Lakes National Park 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Funchal
| Funchal | Plitvice Lakes National Park | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 1°C (35°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.