A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Funchal vs. Sibenik for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Funchal or Sibenik?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Funchal or Sibenik? 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 Sibenik?

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.

Sibenik

Sibenik is a city on the Adriatic coast of Croatia. It's known as a gateway to the Kornati Islands. The 15th-century stone Cathedral of St. James is decorated with 71 sculpted faces. Nearby, the Sibenik City Museum, in the 14th-century Prince's Palace, has exhibits ranging from prehistory to the present. The white stone St. Michael's Fortress has an open-air theater, with views of Sibenik Bay and neighboring islands. The city's magnificent medieval heart, gleaming white against the placid waters of the bay is enough to excite any traveler, and you won't be disappointed with your trip here. The stone labyrinth of steep backstreets and alleys are a joy to explore. Sibenik is also an important access point for Krka National Park and the Kornati Islands.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik.


Which place is cheaper, Sibenik or Funchal?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Sibenik is €93. 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 Sibenik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    Sibenik 55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    Sibenik 110
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Sibenik

Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Sibenik? 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.

Hotels in Funchal


Hotels in Sibenik


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 Sibenik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Funchal 9.94
    Sibenik 13

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 Sibenik

Also for Sibenik, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private transfer from Sibenik to Split: $262
  • Airport transfer from Split to Šibenik or vice versa: $164
  • Private transfer from Sibenik to Split airport: $126

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Sibenik?

Prices for flights to both Sibenik 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Funchal 31
    Sibenik 29
Typical Food Prices in Funchal

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Funchal:


  • 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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Funchal 15
    Sibenik 12

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 Sibenik

For Sibenik, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Kornati island National Park & Telascica Nature Park Boat Tour from Vodice: $76
  • Šibenik Riviera boat tour: Zlarin + Prvić + Tijat: $120
  • Daily or night walking tour through Medieval Šibenik: $45
  • Discover Šibenik - Evening walking tour : $38
  • Full-Day Sailing Tour in Šibenik Archipelago: $164
  • Kornati Experience small group (12 pax) boat tour: $137
  • Krka Waterfalls National Park Boat Tour from Vodice: $76
  • Private Sibenik Walking Historical Morning or Evening Tour: $49
  • Private walking tour of Sibenik: $164
  • Sibenik Private Combined Food & Drink and Historical Tour: $152
  • The Best of Sibenik Private Walking Tour: $164
  • Via Ferrata tour - Čikola Canyon: $74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    Sibenik 16

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 Sibenik

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sibenik:

  • Vinoplod Winery - Wine Tasting Tour: $29
  • Private Krka Waterfalls Tour with Wine Tasting from Sibenik: $213
  • From Split or Trogir: Krka National Park & Wine Tasting Tour: $1,069


When comparing the travel costs between Funchal and Sibenik, we can see that Sibenik is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Funchal Expensive? and Is Sibenik Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Funchal or Sibenik?

Funchal has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Sibenik. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Sibenik, 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 Sibenik?

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 Sibenik in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Sibenik. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sibenik because of the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Funchal is generally cooler than Sibenik. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 22°C (72°F), and Sibenik fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sibenik this time of the year. In Funchal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Sibenik during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Sibenik receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than Sibenik. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Sibenik receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Funchal 22°C (72°F) 
    Sibenik 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Sibenik in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Sibenik. Also, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sibenik this time of year.

Funchal is a little warmer than Sibenik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Sibenik fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sibenik. In the autumn, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Sibenik. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sibenik receives 200 hours of full sun.

Funchal receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Funchal usually gets more rain in October than Sibenik. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Sibenik receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Funchal 21°C (70°F) 
    Sibenik 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Sibenik in the Winter?

Both Sibenik and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Sibenik for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Funchal is much warmer than Sibenik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Funchal in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Sibenik averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Sibenik during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Sibenik receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Funchal. In January, Funchal usually receives more rain than Sibenik. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Sibenik receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Funchal 16°C (61°F) 
    Sibenik 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Sibenik in the Spring?

Both Sibenik and Funchal during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sibenik in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Sibenik. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 17°C (63°F), and Sibenik fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Sibenik, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Sibenik. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sibenik receives 212 hours of full sun.

Funchal usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Sibenik. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sibenik receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Funchal 17°C (63°F) 
    Sibenik 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Sibenik and Funchal

Funchal Sibenik
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)