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

Should you visit Funchal or Valencia?

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

Should I visit Funchal or Valencia? 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 Valencia?

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.

Valencia

Valencia is a port city that sits on Spain's southeastern Orange Blossom coast, where the Turia River meets the Mediterranean Sea. As the nation's third-largest city, it is continually innovative in the arts and sciences with some futuristic architecture including a planetarium, oceanarium, and an interactive museum. The nightlife and daytime culture both thrive in their own ways, bustling with limitless opportunities for sight-seeing and entertainment. While the city is surrounded by fertile farmland, its center is a modern metropolis, skirted by beautiful beaches.

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 Madrid, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona.


Which place is cheaper, Valencia 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 Valencia is €123. 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 Valencia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    Valencia 58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    Valencia 116
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Valencia

Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Valencia? 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 Valencia


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 Valencia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Funchal 9.94
    Valencia 18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal

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

  • Funchal Airport(FNC) to Funchal hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • Funchal Airport(FNC) to Madeira Island - Arrival Private Transfer: $51
  • Madeira Airport (FNC) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Funchal Hotels or Address): $54
  • Madeira Airport Round Trip Shuttle Transfers Service: $49
  • Madeira Airport Transfers Round Trip (FNC): $65
  • Madeira Island Transfers: $53
  • Madeira airport transfer for up to 8 people: $49
  • Minibus Transfer: Funchal - Madeira Airport: $38
  • Minibus Transfer: Madeira Airport - Funchal: $38
  • Morning Self-Guided Hike Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo w/ Transfers: $33
  • PR18 Levada do Rei Private transfer: $71
  • Private One way Transfer Madeira Airport to or from Funchal: $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valencia

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Valencia:

  • Valencia Airport (VLC): Transfer to Valencia Cruise Port: $238
  • Private transfer from Valencia Airport to Alicante: $200
  • Departure Private Transfer Montserrat to Barcelona Airport or City by Luxury Van: $175
  • Private Transfer from Callosa d'en Sarria to Alicante–Elche (ALC) Airport: $136
  • Valencia Airport (VLC): Private Transfer to Valencia: $119
  • Valencia Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Valencia hotels: $119
  • From Morella and Peñíscola Day Trip with Transfers: $117
  • Private Transfer Valencia Airport to Hotel: $109
  • Private Transfer: Valencia to Valencia Airport VLC in Luxury Van: $86
  • Valencia Airport (VLC) Departure Transfer (Valencia Hotels to Valencia Airport): $82
  • Valencia Airport (VLC) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Valencia Hotel or Address): $82
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer in Valencia (hotel OR airport pick-up): $71

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Valencia?

Prices for flights to both Valencia 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
    Valencia 40
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:

  • 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 Valencia

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Valencia.

  • Flamenco at Toro y La Luna with Drinks or Dinner: $19
  • Hard Rock Cafe Entrance with Lunch or Dinner: $32
  • Traveling Spoon Sangria and Tapa Private Online Cooking Class: $40
  • Traditional Spanish Home Dinner: $48
  • Valencia Traditional Food Tour: $51
  • Guided Food Tour with Chocolate Tasting Experience: $53
  • Paella Cooking Experience near the center of Valencia: $53
  • Street Food Tour including Paella & Tapas Tasting: $58
  • Morning Food Tour with Central Market Visit: $63
  • Cooking Class of traditional spanish food: $64
  • Vegetable Paella cooking class, tapas and visit market: $65
  • Valencian Paella cooking class, Tapas and Market Visit: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Funchal 15
    Valencia 29

Tours and Activities in Funchal

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Funchal.

  • Portugal eSIM Tourist Data Plan: $4.79
  • 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
  • São Vicente Caves and Volcano Center Half-Day Tour: $27
  • Christmas Lights in Funchal Tuk Tuk Tour: $27
  • Majestic West Tour : $30
  • Amazing East Tour : $30
  • Santana / Typical Houses Tour: $33
  • Exorbitant West Tour: $33
  • Full Day Tour of Madeira West: $33

Typical Entertainment Prices in Valencia

Here are a few typical costs in Valencia for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Flamenco Tour
    16

Tours and Activities in Valencia

Here are a few actual costs in Valencia for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 + 1 Discover Valencia Self Guided Cycling- and Walking Tour : $11
  • 150 Min Bike Group Tour with Local Guide: $33
  • 2 Hour Private Bike Tour in Valencia: $27
  • 3 Hours Valencia City Bike Tour with a Tasty Surprise: $35
  • 3-Hour Bike Sightseeing Tour Around Valencia: $21
  • 3hs-Hour Guided City Sightseeing and Beaches Bike Private Tour: $38
  • Adventure Jetski: $155
  • Adventures day: Thermal Springs and Waterfalls: $103
  • Albufera Natural Park Tour with Boat Ride from Valencia : $64
  • Alicante: 8-hour cruise to Tabarca Island by private boat: $1,066
  • Best Bike Tour Dutch & English in Valencia: $35
  • Between Two Gates: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Valencia: $7.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    Valencia 20

Sample the Local Flavors in Funchal

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

  • 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: $55
  • Pub Crawl: $59
  • Shore Excursion: Private Madeira Tour & Wine Tasting: $86
  • Guided Toboggan Ride and Madeira Wine Tasting Tour: $98
  • Tuk Tuk Wine Tour - Madeira Island: $101
  • Exclusive Wine Tasting in the Wine Region of Boaventura: $103
  • Weekends Madeira Wine Tasting São Vicente: $109
  • Visiting local Vineyard With Wine Tasting & Lunch included: $158
  • Full Day Private Madeira Wine Tour from Funchal: $171
  • Full-Day Madeira Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $190

Sample the Local Flavors in Valencia

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

  • Guided Pub Crawl with Free Shots: $13
  • Pub Crawl With Free Shots: $25
  • Wine Tasting with Professional Sommelier in centre Valencia: $59
  • Local Tapas & Wine tasting experience: $91
  • Wine Tasting and Tapas Experience: $101
  • From Guided Cheese Factory Tour with Wine Tasting: $105
  • From Requena Wine Tour with Tastings: $123
  • Christmas Tapas and Wine Tour in Valencia: $163
  • Private Wine Tour with Wine Tasting and Full Lunch: $173
  • Requena: 1/2 Day Private Vineyards & Premium Wine Tastings: $191
  • From Utiel-Requena Wine Tour and Traditional Lunch: $208
  • Singular Valencia Wine Tour Utiel Requena Wineries: $212


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


Which is Bigger, Funchal or Valencia?

Valencia has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Valencia, 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 Valencia?

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 Valencia in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Valencia. Additionally, many visitors come to Valencia in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Funchal is cooler than Valencia in the summer. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Valencia fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valencia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Funchal this time of the year. In the summer, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Valencia. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valencia receives 303 hours of full sun.

Funchal usually gets more rain in July than Valencia. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Funchal 22°C (72°F) 
    Valencia 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Valencia in the Autumn?

Both Valencia and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Valencia for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Funchal is around the same temperature as Valencia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Funchal in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Valencia averages at about 19°C (66°F).

Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Valencia during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Valencia receives 198 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Funchal. In October, Funchal usually receives around the same amount of rain as Valencia. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Funchal 21°C (70°F) 
    Valencia 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Valencia in the Winter?

Both Valencia and Funchal during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Valencia because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Valencia. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 16°C (61°F), and Valencia fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the winter, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Valencia. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valencia receives 162 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets more rain in January than Valencia. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Funchal 16°C (61°F) 
    Valencia 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Valencia in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Valencia. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Valencia this time of year.

Funchal is around the same temperature as Valencia in the spring. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Valencia fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valencia this time of the year. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Valencia during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Valencia receives 213 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Funchal usually receives more rain than Valencia. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Funchal 17°C (63°F) 
    Valencia 15°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Valencia and Funchal

Funchal Valencia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (56°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (76°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 15°C (58°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)