A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Funchal vs. Stratford-upon-Avon for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Funchal or Stratford-upon-Avon?

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

Should I visit Funchal or Stratford-upon-Avon? 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 Stratford-upon-Avon?

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a historic town in the English county of Warwickshire with a population of about 25,000. It sits on the River Avon and is famous as the home town of William Shakespeare. Today it is home to the Royal Shakespeare Company and a popular destination for those hoping to see a show. Much effort has been made to preserve the historical buildings that date back to Shakespeare's time and the city's quaint character and historic appeal make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in England. Every year thousands of visitors travel to the area to experience its interesting culture and history.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh.


Which place is cheaper, Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon is €168. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    Stratford-upon-Avon 101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    Stratford-upon-Avon 202
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Stratford-upon-Avon

Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Stratford-upon-Avon? 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 Stratford-upon-Avon


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 Stratford-upon-Avon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Funchal 9.94
    Stratford-upon-Avon 15

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 Stratford-upon-Avon

Also for Stratford-upon-Avon, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Stratford-upon-Avon To London Heathrow Airport Private Transfer Service: $272

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Stratford-upon-Avon?

Prices for flights to both Stratford-upon-Avon 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
    Stratford-upon-Avon 45
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

Typical Food Prices in Stratford-upon-Avon

For Stratford-upon-Avon, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Cheese & Crackers
    8.18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Stratford-upon-Avon

For Stratford-upon-Avon, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Shakespearean Cooking Experience in Stratford-upon-Avon: $163
  • Pasta Making Experience - Cooking Class: $176

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Funchal 15
    Stratford-upon-Avon 25

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Stratford-upon-Avon

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Stratford-upon-Avon's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Warwick Castle (2)
    69
  • Lunch
    14
  • Lunch for 2
    20

Tours and Activities in Stratford-upon-Avon

For Stratford-upon-Avon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Day Tour Cotswolds and Stratford-upon-Avon : $254
  • 2-Hour Alpaca Farm Experience in Kenilworth: $33
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Coventry’s Cathedral Quarter: $6.99
  • Bath & Stonehenge Tour from Moreton-in-Marsh / Stratford-on-Avon: $127
  • City Sightseeing Stratford-upon-Avon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $21
  • Clay Shooting Experience in Warwickshire: $44
  • Cotswold Walks & Villages Tour from Stratford-upon-Avon or Moreton-in-Marsh: $108
  • Cotswolds : 30 Minute Flight Experience: $224
  • Cotswolds Day Tour From Stratford Upon Avon Moreton In Marsh: $95
  • Cotswolds Electric Bike Tour- Public Tour max 6 persons: $253
  • Cotswolds Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32
  • Cotswolds in a Day Tour from Moreton-in-Marsh / Stratford-on-Avon: $95

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    Stratford-upon-Avon 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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Stratford-upon-Avon

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Stratford-upon-Avon from other travelers:


  • Beers
    9.35

Sample the Local Flavors in Stratford-upon-Avon

Also in Stratford-upon-Avon, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Shakespeare Gin Distillery Tour & Taste: $24
  • Shakespeare Distillery Tour - 11am Ticket: $25
  • Shakespeare Distillery Tour - 1pm Ticket: $25


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


Which is Bigger, Funchal or Stratford-upon-Avon?

Funchal has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Stratford-upon-Avon, 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 Stratford-upon-Avon?

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 Stratford-upon-Avon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Stratford-upon-Avon. Furthermore, many travelers come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Funchal is a little warmer than Stratford-upon-Avon in the summer. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Stratford-upon-Avon fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Funchal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Stratford-upon-Avon during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Stratford-upon-Avon receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than Stratford-upon-Avon. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Stratford-upon-Avon receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Funchal 22°C (72°F) 
    Stratford-upon-Avon 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Stratford-upon-Avon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Stratford-upon-Avon. Additionally, many visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon in the autumn for the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Funchal is much warmer than Stratford-upon-Avon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Funchal in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Stratford-upon-Avon averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Stratford-upon-Avon. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stratford-upon-Avon receives 107 hours of full sun.

Funchal receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Funchal usually gets more rain in October than Stratford-upon-Avon. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Stratford-upon-Avon receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Funchal 21°C (70°F) 
    Stratford-upon-Avon 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Stratford-upon-Avon in the Winter?

Both Stratford-upon-Avon and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Stratford-upon-Avon can be very cold during winter. In January, Funchal is generally much warmer than Stratford-upon-Avon. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 16°C (61°F), and Stratford-upon-Avon fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Stratford-upon-Avon during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Stratford-upon-Avon receives 52 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Funchal. In January, Funchal usually receives more rain than Stratford-upon-Avon. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Stratford-upon-Avon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Funchal 16°C (61°F) 
    Stratford-upon-Avon 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Stratford-upon-Avon in the Spring?

Both Stratford-upon-Avon and Funchal during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon because of the small town charm.

Funchal is much warmer than Stratford-upon-Avon in the spring. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Stratford-upon-Avon fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Stratford-upon-Avon. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stratford-upon-Avon receives 147 hours of full sun.

Funchal usually gets more rain in April than Stratford-upon-Avon. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Stratford-upon-Avon receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Funchal 17°C (63°F) 
    Stratford-upon-Avon 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Stratford-upon-Avon and Funchal

Funchal Stratford-upon-Avon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 4°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 5°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)