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

Should you visit Funchal or Versailles?

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

Should I visit Funchal or Versailles? 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 Versailles?

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.

Versailles

Versailles is the town, now part of the Paris suburbs, that is home to the historic palace of King Louis XIV. The palace, also known as The Chateau de Versailles, was originally a hunting lodge and vacation area for former kings before Louis the 14th decided to build a much larger home. Since the end of France's monarchy in 1789, the palace has been used for other functions, and is now a tourist attraction, home to a museum of French history, expansive gardens, and historical art and antiques. The palace has also been used for important historical events such as the signing of the Treaty of Versailles which ended the first world war. This signing took place in the famous Hall of Mirrors, which visitors can stroll through today as part of the public tour.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Versailles 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 Versailles is €234. 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 Versailles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    Versailles 128
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    Versailles 256
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Versailles

Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Versailles? 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 Versailles


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 Versailles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Funchal 9.94
    Versailles 53

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Versailles?

Prices for flights to both Versailles 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
    Versailles 67
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Funchal 15
    Versailles 45

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 Versailles

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

  • Versailles Palace Private Family Tour Designed for Kids: $261
  • Palace Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket: $67
  • Private Guided Tour of the Palace: $261

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    Versailles 18

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


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


Which is Bigger, Funchal or Versailles?

Funchal has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Versailles, 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 Versailles?

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 Versailles in the Summer?

Both Versailles and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In July, Funchal is generally around the same temperature as Versailles. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 22°C (72°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Versailles. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Versailles during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than Versailles. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Funchal 22°C (72°F) 
    Versailles 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Versailles in the Autumn?

Both Versailles and Funchal during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Versailles for the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Funchal is much warmer than Versailles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Versailles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Versailles. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets more rain in October than Versailles. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Funchal 21°C (70°F) 
    Versailles 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Versailles in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Versailles. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Versailles because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Versailles can be very cold. In the winter, Funchal is much warmer than Versailles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Funchal in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Versailles averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Versailles during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 56 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 Versailles. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Funchal 16°C (61°F) 
    Versailles 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Versailles in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Versailles. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Versailles this time of year.

In April, Funchal is generally much warmer than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 17°C (63°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Funchal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Versailles. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun.

Funchal usually gets more rain in April than Versailles. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Funchal 17°C (63°F) 
    Versailles 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Versailles and Funchal

Funchal Versailles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)