Which place is cheaper, Siena or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Siena?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Siena? 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 Siena?
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.
Siena
Located in Tuscany, Siena is a medieval city that is about 70 kilometers south of Florence. One of its most famous events is the horse race, Il Palio, which occurs twice a year during the summer. The race puts a lot of emphasis on neighborhood pride and competition. It is a local tradition that is of great importance to the residence, so it is not an event that is held specifically for tourists. It dates back to the Medieval times and is associated with the area's religion, pageantry and rivalry. In addition to the city's strong neighborhood pride, rich history, and impressive architecture, Siena was also the home of many famous artists including Duccio, Simone Martini, and Ambrogio and Pietro Lorenzetti.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Siena €133
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Siena is €133. 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 Siena in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Siena €69
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Siena €138
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Siena
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Siena? 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 Siena Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Siena €20
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 Siena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Siena:
- Siena to Milan Malpensa airport private transfer: $1,433
- Siena to Milan Linate Airport 1-Way Private Transfer: $1,305
- Luxury Private Transfer Between Siena and Genoa: $1,118
- Siena - Rome Transfer Tour with Orvieto & Montepulciano: $1,059
- From Florence: Private Siena Day Trip with Transfers: $348
- Transfer Siena-Pisa with stop in San Gimignano & Lunch: $245
- Transfer Siena-Florence with visit to Chianti and wine tasting: $218
- Private transfer from Siena to Florence: $202
- Arrival transfer Siena Airport SAY to Siena City by van or car: $148
- Rome Fiumicino Airport: Shared Transfer to/from Siena by Bus: $11
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Siena?
Prices for flights to both Siena 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 €31Siena €51
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 Siena
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Siena.
- Siena food tour and Chianti wine: $60
- Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $95
- Tuscan Dinner in a Villa in an Ancient Siena Olive Grove: $98
- Siena Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $99
- From Siena/Chianti: Dinner & Drinks in the Chianti Vineyards: $102
- Siena countryside: cooking class in a real Tuscan farmhouse: $123
- Cooking Class in a historical villa in Siena Provence: $130
- Tuscan Cooking Class in Central Siena: $131
- 4 Hour Private Cooking Class Unique Tuscan Experience in Siena: $131
- Family Cooking Class: Pizza and Tiramisù from Siena: $138
- Small Group Cooking Class in Chianti Farmhouse: $138
- Small group Cooking Class in Chianti Farmhouse: $141
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Siena €3.75
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 Siena
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Siena are as follows:
- Siena tour: Piazza del Campo & Duomo exploration: $125
- Walking Tour of Siena with food & Chianti wine: $71
- “Secret of Siena” City E-bike tour: $134
- 2 hour Siena Private Guided Walking Tour : $273
- 4-Hour Guided Bike Tour for Small Groups in Chianti: $180
- 500 Vintage Tour and Chianti Roads from Siena: $160
- 500 Vintage Tour: Chianti Roads Experience with Lunch from Florence: $164
- Afternoon Semi Private Chianti tour from Siena: $88
- Badesse: Vespa & Chianti Tour in the Tuscan Hills: $138
- Brunello di Montalcino wine experience with a sommelier : $262
- Chianti Classico E-Bike Tour: $284
- Chianti: Wine and Olive Oil Tasting with Cellar Tour: $36
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Siena €2.19
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 Siena
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Siena:
- Wine Tasting at the Winery in the Panoramic Terrance: $27
- Montalcino: Brunello Wine Tasting Experience: $35
- Total Immersion Wine Tour in Chianti: $43
- Lapi&Tour Guided tour of the cellars with wine tasting: $52
- From Florence: San Gimignano, Siena, and Chianti Wine Tour: $55
- Tuscany Hiking Tour from Siena Including Wine Tasting: $60
- Siena Underground Wine tasting in a Medieval Cave: $61
- Siena Underground Wine tasting in a Medieval Cave: $63
- Tuscan Classics Wine Tasting Class with Aperitivo: $64
- Montalcino: Brunello Wine Tasting & Lunch in a Tuscan Castle: $64
- Wine and Food Pairing Class with Tuscan Wine Tastings: $75
- Organic Winery Tour and Wine Tasting in Siena: $80
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Siena, we can see that Siena 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 Siena would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Siena 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 Siena Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Siena?
Funchal has a larger population, and is about 92% larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Siena, 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 Siena?
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 Siena in the Summer?
Both Siena and Funchal during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Siena for the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Funchal is generally around the same temperature as Siena. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 22°C (72°F), and Siena fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In Siena, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Funchal. In the summer, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Siena. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets less rain in July than Siena. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Siena 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Siena in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Siena. Also, many visitors come to Siena in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
Funchal is a little warmer than Siena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Siena fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Funchal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Siena during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.
Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Funchal usually receives more rain than Siena. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Siena 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Siena in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Siena. Also, most visitors come to Siena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Funchal is much warmer than Siena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Funchal in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Siena averages at about 7°C (45°F).
In the winter, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Siena. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun.
Funchal receives a lot of rain in the winter. Funchal usually gets more rain in January than Siena. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Siena 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Siena in the Spring?
Both Siena and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Siena because of the natural beauty.
In April, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Siena. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 17°C (63°F), and Siena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Funchal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Siena during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Funchal usually receives around the same amount of rain as Siena. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Siena 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Siena and Funchal
| Funchal | Siena | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 69 mm (2.7 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.