Which place is cheaper, Taormina or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Taormina?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Taormina? 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 Taormina?
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.
Taormina
A quaint hillside town on the eastern side of Sicily, Taormina is arguably one of the most popular tourist resorts on the island. It's peak season is the months of July and August when Italian and European tourists alike flock to the beaches. During this time it can be crowded and hot, but if you visit during the spring or fall months you might find the crowds slightly less and the weather more comfortable. The town is popular with package tours, which stay at the beach resorts around Giardini Naxos to the south or Letojanni to the north.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFunchal €93Taormina €108
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Taormina is €108. 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 Taormina in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Taormina €70
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Taormina €140
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Taormina
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Taormina? 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 Taormina Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Taormina €4.29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal
Also for Funchal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Funchal Airport to Madeira Island: $123
- PR18 Levada do Rei Private transfer: $71
- Sunrise Transfer to Hike Pico Areeiro to Pico Ruivo: $71
- Private Transfer from Cristiano Ronaldo Airport to Funchal Hotels: $69
- Madeira Airport Transfers Round Trip (FNC): $65
- Private Transfer from Funchal airport to Madeira south area: $59
- Madeira Airport (FNC) Departure Transfer (Funchal Hotels to Madeira Airport): $54
- Madeira Airport (FNC) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Funchal Hotels or Address): $54
- Madeira Island Transfers: $53
- Funchal Airport(FNC) to Madeira Island - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
- Madeira Airport Round Trip Shuttle Transfers Service: $49
- Madeira airport transfer for up to 8 people: $49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Taormina
Also for Taormina, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Roundtrip Transfer from Messina: $41
- Sicily Catania Airport: Bus Transfer to and from Taormina: $7.49
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Taormina?
Prices for flights to both Taormina 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 €31Taormina €33
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Taormina €11
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 Taormina
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Taormina.
- 5 Hours Private Tour of Taormina from Messina: $606
- From Catania or Agrigento and Piazza Armerina Tour: $743
- From Catania: Guided Tour of Mount Etna and Taormina: $57
- From Catania: Guided Tour of Taormina and Castelmola: $106
- Sicily: Best of Taormina and Castelmola Private Tour: $213
- Small Group Sicily Food & Wine Lovers Tour: 8 Days: $2,668
- Small Group Tour of Sicily Highlights: 8 Days: $2,668
- Taormina & Castelmola: Shore tour from Messina cruise port: $428
- Taormina Walking Tour & Ancient theather Private or shared: $588
- Taormina private tour: $160
- Taormina. Highlights Tour with Isolabella and Castelmola: $267
- Tour Messina Taormina Castelmola: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Taormina €8.57
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 Taormina
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Taormina:
- Mt Etna Private guided walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $181
- Catania: Mt. Etna Private Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $299
When comparing the travel costs between Funchal and Taormina, we can see that Taormina 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 Taormina Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Taormina?
Funchal has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Taormina, 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 Taormina?
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 Taormina in the Summer?
Both Taormina and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Funchal is cooler than Taormina. Typically, the summer temperatures in Funchal in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Taormina averages at about 27°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Taormina. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Taormina during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 332 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Funchal usually receives more rain than Taormina. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Taormina 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Taormina in the Autumn?
Both Taormina and Funchal during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Taormina because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Funchal is generally around the same temperature as Taormina. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 21°C (70°F), and Taormina fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
In the autumn, Funchal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Taormina. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 189 hours of full sun.
Taormina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets less rain in October than Taormina. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Taormina 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Taormina in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Taormina. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Taormina this time of year.
Funchal is a little warmer than Taormina in the winter. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and Taormina fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Taormina during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.
Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Funchal usually receives more rain than Taormina. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Taormina 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Taormina in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Taormina. Additionally, many travelers come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Funchal is around the same temperature as Taormina. Typically, the spring temperatures in Funchal in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Taormina averages at about 16°C (60°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Taormina. In the spring, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Taormina. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 207 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets more rain in April than Taormina. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Taormina 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Taormina and Funchal
| Funchal | Taormina | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 87 mm (3.4 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.