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

Should you visit Funchal or Split?

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

Should I visit Funchal or Split? 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 Split?

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.

Split

Spit is a historic city in Central Dalmatia with many opportunities to glimpse its fascinating past in its historic city center. Centuries ago the city grew up around a Diocletian palace that was used as refuge by the locals.

Today, as you wander around the historic center, you can see the remains of the Roman walls, temples, and squares. Despite it's appeal to tourists, Split is much more than just a tourist destination. It is larger than you might initially realize and it spreads well beyond the historic center. There is a population of about 300,000 in the larger area and it is an economic center for the region.

Split has a beautiful climate with mild winters, countless sunny days, and a generally pleasant temperature. As such, there are many opportunities to enjoy yourself outdoors, whether by participating in sports or walking around the city's quaint streets. Winters in Split are also quite mild, but there may be one snowy day, on average, every year. This rare snowfall can cause a significant disruption in the flow of traffic.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Split 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 Split is €109. 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 Split in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    Split 73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    Split 146
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Split

Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Split? 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 Split


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 Split Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Funchal 9.94
    Split 14

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 Split

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

  • Private transfer from Split to Zagreb via Plitvice: $1,069
  • Split/Trogir to Zagreb: Private Transfer with Plitvice Lakes: $1,016
  • Zagreb to Private Transfer with Plitvice Lakes: $1,016
  • Private Transfer to Zagreb with Plitvice Lakes Stop: $735
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Zagreb: $668
  • Split Airport: Speedboat Taxi transfer to/from Hvar: $642
  • private transfer from Split airport to Novalja/Zrće: $535
  • Airport to Hvar Town Speedboat Transfer: $535
  • Split – Dubrovnik via Ston Private transfer: $441
  • Private Transfer to Krka with Driver & Optional Guide: $427
  • From Private 1-Way Transfer to Dubrovnik: $387
  • Private transfer (Taxi) Split to Zadar: $284

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Split?

Prices for flights to both Split 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
    Split 23
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Split

For Split, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Small Group Food Tour: $37
  • Homemade Dinner under the Stars in Split: $85
  • Food Tour in Split ( Small Group): $96
  • Split Food Tour (Small Group): $98
  • Vegan Food tour of Split with local gastronomy: $102
  • Walking Vegan Food Tour of Split: $104
  • Old Town Food Tour: $107
  • Split Food Tour: Discover Split One Bite At A Time: $131
  • Split Cooking Class - Afternoon Edition Shared Activity: $191
  • Private Authentic Wine & Food tour from Split: $240
  • Culinary Experience – Cooking Class & Walking Tour Split: $251

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Funchal 15
    Split 3.71

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 Split

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

  • Blue Lagoon and 3 Islands Small Group Tour with Lunch: $82
  • History tour: $33
  • SPLIT-"Emperor's City for History Lovers"/PRIVATE Walking Tour+Cellars Museum : $210
  • "Blue Lagoon" Half day Chill out tour from Split: $75
  • "Not Today" - Game of Thrones and History of Split Private Guided Walking Tour: $66
  • 2 Day Pass with Sightseeing Bus: $33
  • 2 Hour Walking Tour of Split with an Art Historian: $24
  • 2 Hours Split Walking tour with free food tasting: $33
  • 2-Hour Private Guided Tour of Split in a Classic Ford T: $45
  • 2-Hour Sunset Cruise Split: $87
  • 2-Hour Sunset Cruise Split: $86
  • 2-hours Split Segway Tour: $87

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    Split 7.95

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 Split

Also in Split, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Krka Waterfalls & Swimming & Wine tasting: $24
  • From Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting Tour: $26
  • Tower Pub Crawl in Split: $29
  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting tour from Split: $31
  • Split/Trogir: Krka National Park Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $38
  • Wine Tasting and Sunset Klis Fortress Tour from Split: $38
  • Krka National Park Tour with tour Guide & Wine tasting from Split & Trogir: $46
  • Split&Sip: Educational wine tasting: $51
  • Wine Tasting in the Diocletian's Palace: $53
  • Wine Tasting in the Diocletian’s Palace: $55
  • Diocletian's Palace Walking and Wine Tasting Tour: $71
  • From Split/Trogir: Mostar and Medjugorje Tour with Wine Tasting: $74


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Funchal and Split, we can see that Split 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 Split would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Split 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 Split Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Funchal or Split?

Split has a larger population, and is about 75% larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Split, 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 Split?

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 Split in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Split. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Split because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Funchal is cooler than Split in the summer. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

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

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


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

Should I visit Funchal or Split in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Split. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Split this time of year.

In the autumn, Funchal is a little warmer than Split. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Funchal in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Split averages at about 18°C (64°F).

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

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


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

Should I visit Funchal or Split in the Winter?

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

In January, Funchal is generally much warmer than Split. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 16°C (61°F), and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

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

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


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

Should I visit Funchal or Split in the Spring?

Both Split and Funchal during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Split in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Funchal is a little warmer than Split in the spring. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

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

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


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

Typical Weather for Split and Funchal

Funchal Split
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)