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

Should you visit Funchal or Vitoria-Gasteiz?

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

Should I visit Funchal or Vitoria-Gasteiz? 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz?

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.

Vitoria-Gasteiz

In the midst of a vast, starry night, medieval cathedrals and ancient buildings are scattered with light across the humming city. This is none other than Vitoria-Gasteiz, a town located in the province of Araba/Alava in northern Spain. Within its border, this city contains Basque Country's House of Parliament, the headquarters of the Government, and the Lehendakari's (Prime Minister's) official residence. In 2012, Vitoria-Gasteiz was awarded the title of European Green Capital and now is one of the top five places to live in Spain. This multicultural city is chock full of amazing national history as well as unique cultural traditions. Vitoria-Gasteiz is also well known for its festivals, including Azkena rock festival, FesTVal, Vitoria-Gasteiz jazz festival, and the Virgen Blanca Festivities. Whether you seek to explore its world-renowned wineries or dine in a chic restaurant, Vitoria-Gasteiz holds an endless amount of possibilities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Vitoria-Gasteiz 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz is €146. 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 138
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Vitoria-Gasteiz

Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Vitoria-Gasteiz? 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz


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 Vitoria-Gasteiz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Funchal 9.94
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 34

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 Vitoria-Gasteiz?

Prices for flights to both Vitoria-Gasteiz 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
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 51
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
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 36

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 23

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 Vitoria-Gasteiz, we can see that Vitoria-Gasteiz 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vitoria-Gasteiz 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Funchal or Vitoria-Gasteiz?

Vitoria-Gasteiz has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Vitoria-Gasteiz, 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz?

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 Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Summer?

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

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Vitoria-Gasteiz during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Funchal 22°C (72°F) 
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Autumn?

Both Vitoria-Gasteiz and Funchal during the autumn are popular places to visit.

Funchal is a little warmer than Vitoria-Gasteiz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Vitoria-Gasteiz fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 125 hours of full sun.

Vitoria-Gasteiz 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Funchal 21°C (70°F) 
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Vitoria-Gasteiz.

In the winter, Funchal is much warmer than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Funchal in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Vitoria-Gasteiz averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Vitoria-Gasteiz during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.

Vitoria-Gasteiz receives a lot of rain in the winter. Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Funchal usually receives less rain than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Funchal 16°C (61°F) 
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Vitoria-Gasteiz.

In April, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 17°C (63°F), and Vitoria-Gasteiz fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 117 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Funchal usually gets less rain in April than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Funchal 17°C (63°F) 
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Vitoria-Gasteiz and Funchal

Funchal Vitoria-Gasteiz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)