Which place is cheaper, Pompeii or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Pompeii?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Pompeii? 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 Pompeii?
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.
Pompeii
Pompeii was once a 160-acre Roman port city, called home by more than 20,000 residents. In 79 A.D., Mount Vesuvius erupted and after burying the entire city 16 feet deep in ash, the debris destroyed everything in its path, killing thousands of people and affecting more than 200 square miles around the area.
However, the phenomenon is that the ash preserved everything as it was in that time and to this day, you can visit and observe life as it was nearly two thousand years ago, as figures of people running from the explosion have been burned permanently into history.
The best time to visit Pompeii is during spring, after the rains of March and before the scorching heat of June and July. On the downside, this is the beginning of the busy season for tourists, so while you'll enjoy pleasant weather, you won't be likely to avoid crowds. Conversely, November starts the low-season for travel, so you can easily skip the crowds, though you may have to compromise on weather, as the rains return this time of year. Rain and crowds won't be an issue if you visit during winter, but be warned, temperatures drop down to the 50's during the day, accompanied by winds.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Pompeii €151
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Pompeii is €151. 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 Pompeii in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Pompeii €70
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Pompeii €140
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Pompeii
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Pompeii? 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 Pompeii Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Pompeii €54
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 Pompeii
Also for Pompeii, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer Private from Ravello to Naples: $239
- Transfers Ravello - Naples: $207
- Organic Wine Tasting & Lunch on Vesuvius with Transfer from Pompeii: $132
- Private transfer Ravello to Naples: $121
- Transfer Ravello to Naples: $121
- Private transfer from Ravello to Naples: $121
- Small Group Pompeii Wine Tasting with Lunch & Transfer Included : $97
- Transfers from Naples to Sorrento Positano Amalfi Ravello Maiori: $97
- Transfer from Pompeii to Naples or viceversa: $66
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Pompeii?
Prices for flights to both Pompeii 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 €31Pompeii €35
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pompeii
For Pompeii, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Traditional Neapolitan Dinner in Pompei - Villa Franca - Family Restourant: $38
- Cooking Class with Italian Mamma in Pompeii: $65
- Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Pompei: $93
- Pompei tour with a 2000 years roman dinner: $112
- Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Pompei: $142
- Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in Pompei: $158
- Private Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner in Pompei: $158
- Private market tour and cooking class with lunch or dinner in Pompei: $206
- guided tour of the ruins and cooking class fresh pasta : $272
- Cooking class: Pasta Experience in Pompei, Italy: $300
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Pompeii €77
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 Pompeii
For Pompeii, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Pompeii Archeological Site Fast Track Entry Ticket : $36
- Pompeii Day Tour: $97
- 2 Hour Private Walking Tour with Certified Guide in Pompeii: $251
- 2 Hours Private Tour of Pompeii for Journey Through Time: $196
- 2 Hours Walking Tour in Pompeii with an Archaeologist: $272
- 2 days tour: Pompei & Naples center with underground: $207
- 2 hours Pompeii Tour with local historian - ticket included: $60
- 2-hour Private Guided Tour of Pompeii: $272
- Best of Pompeii - 2 hour Private Tour with Alex: $271
- Complete Pompeii Skip the Line Tour with Archaeologist Guide: $55
- Discover Pompeii on this Guided Walking Tour of the Buried City: $63
- Discover hidden secrets of Pompei on a Private tour with a local: $118
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Pompeii €7.31
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 Pompeii
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Pompeii:
- Wine Tasting Tour on the Slopes of Vesuvius: $46
- Wine Tasting on Mt. Vesuvius: $55
- Seafood Lunch with Wine Tasting & Tour on a golf cart: $87
- Guided Tour of Pompeii Ruins with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $98
- Private Wine Tour and Tasting in Pompeii with a Local: $124
- Pompeii Guided Tour & Horse Riding on Vesuvius with Wine Tasting: $191
- Pompeii, Herculaneum and scenic drive of the Mt. Vesuvius with wine tasting: $207
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Pompeii, we can see that Pompeii 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 Pompeii would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pompeii 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 Pompeii Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Funchal or Pompeii?
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 Pompeii in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Pompeii. Also, many travelers come to Pompeii for the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Funchal is around the same temperature as Pompeii. Typically, the summer temperatures in Funchal in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Pompeii averages at about 23°C (74°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pompeii this time of the year. In Funchal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Pompeii 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Pompeii in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Pompeii.
In October, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 21°C (70°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
In the autumn, Funchal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pompeii. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Pompeii. Funchal receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Funchal usually gets less rain in October than Pompeii. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Pompeii 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Pompeii in the Winter?
Both Pompeii and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Pompeii for the museums during these months.
Funchal is much warmer than Pompeii in the winter. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and Pompeii fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Pompeii during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. It's quite rainy in Funchal. In January, Funchal usually receives around the same amount of rain as Pompeii. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Pompeii 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Pompeii in the Spring?
Both Pompeii and Funchal during the spring are popular places to visit.
In the spring, Funchal is a little warmer than Pompeii. Typically, the spring temperatures in Funchal in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Pompeii averages at about 13°C (55°F).
In the spring, Funchal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pompeii. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Pompeii. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Pompeii 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Pompeii and Funchal
| Funchal | Pompeii | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 52 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 118 mm (4.6 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.