Which place is cheaper, Volterra or Funchal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Funchal or Volterra?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Funchal or Volterra? 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 Volterra?
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.
Volterra
Located in Tuscany, Volterra has an interesting history and impressive sights for travelers who want to see more of the Tuscan region than the popular city of Florence. The town was originally a Neolithic settlement and is believed to have been continuously inhabited since the end of the 8th century BC. It was a bishop's residence during the 5th century and then an episcopal power during the 12th century. It was later conquered by the Florentines but opposition to their rule led to much rebellion.
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 €93Volterra €101
The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €93, while the average daily cost in Volterra is €101. 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 Volterra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFunchal €52Volterra €61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFunchal €104Volterra €122
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Volterra
Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Volterra? 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 Volterra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Funchal €9.94Volterra €4.29
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
- Funchal Private Transfers Service to Madeira Airport: $29
- Madeira Airport (FNC) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Funchal Hotels or Address): $54
- Madeira Airport (FNC) Departure Transfer (Funchal Hotels to Madeira Airport): $54
- Madeira Airport Private Transfers Service To Funchal: $33
- Madeira Airport Round Trip Shuttle Transfers Service: $49
- Madeira Airport Shuttle Transfer one way: $9.81
- 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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Volterra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Volterra:
- Private Transfer from San Gimignano to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $248
Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Volterra?
Prices for flights to both Volterra 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 €31Volterra €36
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Volterra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Volterra.
- Buffet dinner at the farm: $49
- Dining experience at a local's home in San Gimignano with show cooking: $93
- Volterra - Olive oil tasting with lunch with lunch or dinner: $112
- Pizza Cooking Class: $112
- Fresh Pasta Cooking Class: $112
- "Hands in dough" Cooking Class with Lunch: $120
- Tuscan Cooking Class: $126
- Tuscany: Wine Tasting Lunch or Dinner: $128
- Winery Cave Dinner & Tasting in Tuscany - Romantic & Lovely : $137
- Fiorentina Steak Dinner & Wine Tasting: $164
- Cooking class, wine tasting and 2500 year old granaries: $175
- Cooking Classes in Tuscany among the Chianti Vineyards: $175
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Funchal €15Volterra €11
Tours and Activities in Funchal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Funchal.
- Portugal eSIM Tourist Data Plan: $4.81
- 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
- Christmas Lights in Funchal Tuk Tuk Tour: $27
- São Vicente Caves and Volcano Center Half-Day Tour: $27
- Majestic West Tour : $31
- Amazing East Tour : $31
- Magnificent East Tour: $33
- Exorbitant West Tour: $33
- Santana / Typical Houses Tour: $33
Tours and Activities in Volterra
Here are a few actual costs in Volterra for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cesani Wine Experience: $33
- Chianti and Castle Small Group Tour from San Gimignano: $93
- Discover Volterra with Licensed Tour Guide: $214
- Private Balsamic Vinegar Experience with Wine, Evo Oil & Meal: $69
- Private Tour in San Gimignano: $150
- Private Tour: San Gimignano Walking Tour: $207
- Private walking tour in San Gimignano with a local licensed guide: $218
- San Gimignano Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $293
- San Gimignano, Volterra, St Galgano Abbey small group tour: $149
- Truffle Lunch & Hunting Experience in San Gimignano: $180
- Tuscany: Volterra Truffle Hunting Experience: $203
- Volterra - Archeotour by e-bike with tasting: $187
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayFunchal €16Volterra €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
Sample the Local Flavors in Volterra
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Volterra:
- San Gimignano: Chianti wine tasting : $33
- Casa Emma Wine Tasting : $34
- Gourmet Wine Tour San Gimignano Wine Tasting - San Quirico Winery: $36
- 5 Wine Tastings in San Gimignano: $60
- Lunch with Wine Tasting: $60
- "Gourmet" Wine Tasting at Cesani's: $66
- Wine Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $71
- Vineyard Walk & Wine Tasting in Tuscany: $115
- Brunello Wine Tasting from San Gimignano: $130
- Exclusive evening wine tasting at organic winery : $218
- Chianti e-bike tour from Florence with wine tasting: $284
- Private Excursion: Volterra & San Gimignano+wine tastings: $289
When comparing the travel costs between Funchal and Volterra, we can see that Volterra 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 Volterra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Funchal or Volterra?
Funchal has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Volterra, 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 Volterra?
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 Volterra in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Volterra. Additionally, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Volterra this time of year.
In July, Funchal is generally around the same temperature as Volterra. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 22°C (72°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Volterra. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Funchal this time of the year. In the summer, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Volterra. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 316 hours of full sun.
Funchal usually gets less rain in July than Volterra. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyFunchal 22°C (72°F)Volterra 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Volterra in the Autumn?
Both Volterra and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Volterra for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Funchal is a little warmer than Volterra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Volterra fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Funchal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Volterra during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Volterra. It's quite rainy in Funchal. In October, Funchal usually receives less rain than Volterra. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberFunchal 21°C (70°F)Volterra 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Volterra in the Winter?
Both Volterra and Funchal during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Volterra in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Funchal is much warmer than Volterra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Funchal in January average around 16°C (61°F), and Volterra averages at about 7°C (45°F).
In the winter, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Volterra. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 105 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets more rain in January than Volterra. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryFunchal 16°C (61°F)Volterra 7°C (45°F)
Should I visit Funchal or Volterra in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Volterra. Also, most visitors come to Volterra for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Volterra. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 17°C (63°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Funchal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Volterra during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Funchal usually receives less rain than Volterra. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilFunchal 17°C (63°F)Volterra 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Volterra and Funchal
| Funchal | Volterra | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (61°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 16°C (61°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 19°C (66°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (70°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Jul | 22°C (72°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (73°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Oct | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) |
| Nov | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| Dec | 18°C (64°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 85 mm (3.3 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.