Which place is cheaper, Pontevedra or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Pontevedra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Pontevedra? 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 Pontevedra?
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.
Pontevedra
An important port city with a medieval past, Pontevedra sits on the northwestern coast of Spain where the Lerez River opens out into the ocean. It is a part of the Galicia region and is known for its seafood, charming plazas, and old world architecture that include a number of chapels, churches, and cathedrals.
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 Spain, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Pontevedra €120
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Pontevedra is €120. 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 Pontevedra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Pontevedra €61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Pontevedra €122
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Pontevedra
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Pontevedra? 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 Pontevedra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Pontevedra €23
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Pontevedra?
Prices for flights to both Pontevedra 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 €31Pontevedra €42
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 Pontevedra
For Pontevedra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for 2€11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pontevedra
For Pontevedra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Galician Cooking Class with Chef Instructor: $159
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Pontevedra €19
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 Pontevedra
For Pontevedra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- NEW!! Private Walking Tour with local guide: $64
- Pontevedra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
- O Grove Aquarium Experience: $16
- Private Guided Walking Tour: $43
- Walking Tour and Galician Food Tasting: $64
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Pontevedra €20
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 Pontevedra
Also in Pontevedra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Albariño Wine Tasting with Winery Tour: $32
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Pontevedra, we can see that Pontevedra 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 Pontevedra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pontevedra 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 Pontevedra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Pontevedra?
Funchal has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Pontevedra. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Pontevedra, 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 Pontevedra?
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 Pontevedra in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Pontevedra.
Funchal is around the same temperature as Pontevedra in the summer. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Pontevedra fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pontevedra this time of the year. In Funchal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Pontevedra during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Pontevedra receives 299 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than Pontevedra. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Pontevedra 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Pontevedra in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Pontevedra.
In the autumn, Funchal is a little warmer than Pontevedra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Funchal in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Pontevedra averages at about 17°C (62°F).
In the autumn, Funchal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pontevedra. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pontevedra receives 174 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Pontevedra. Funchal receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Funchal usually gets less rain in October than Pontevedra. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Pontevedra 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Pontevedra in the Winter?
Both Pontevedra and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
In January, Funchal is generally much warmer than Pontevedra. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 16°C (61°F), and Pontevedra fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Pontevedra during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Pontevedra receives 110 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Pontevedra. It's quite rainy in Funchal. In January, Funchal usually receives less rain than Pontevedra. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 232 mm (9.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Pontevedra 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Pontevedra in the Spring?
Both Pontevedra and Funchal during the spring are popular places to visit.
Funchal is a little warmer than Pontevedra in the spring. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Pontevedra fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
In the spring, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Pontevedra. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pontevedra receives 198 hours of full sun.
Pontevedra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Funchal usually gets less rain in April than Pontevedra. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Pontevedra 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Pontevedra and Funchal
| Funchal | Pontevedra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 228 mm (9 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.