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

Should you visit Funchal or Windsor?

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

Should I visit Funchal or Windsor? 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 Windsor?

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.

Windsor

Windsor is a small town in Berkshire, England most famous for Windsor Castle, which is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world. The town rests along the River Thames, across which lies Windsor's twin town of Eton, known for Eton College. Together, the two make up a quaint tourist destination that is largely pedestrianized, making for a walkable, car-free holiday.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Windsor 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 Windsor is €175. 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 Windsor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    Windsor 82
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    Windsor 164
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Windsor

Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Windsor? 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 Windsor


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 Windsor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Funchal 9.94
    Windsor 77

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 Windsor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Windsor:

  • London: Windsor Castle Private Tour with Hotel Transfers: $562
  • Windsor Castle Ticket & Private Transfer: $319
  • London: Transfer to Southampton with Windsor Castle Visit: $161
  • "Private Transfer: From London Heathrow Airport to Windsor": $56

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Windsor?

Prices for flights to both Windsor 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
    Windsor 46
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

Typical Food Prices in Windsor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Windsor:


  • Morning Tea
    2.92

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Funchal 15
    Windsor 31

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 Windsor

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

  • 1,000 Years of Royal History from Windsor to Eton: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • 3 Hour Private Tour in Windsor Old Town and Castle: $191
  • From London: Half-Day Trip to Windsor with Castle Tickets: $111
  • From Southampton: Bath and Windsor Tour with London Drop-Off: $230
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort 2 Day Admission Ticket: $66
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort: Entrance Ticket: $44
  • Private Tour Windsor, Eton & Hampton Court: $650
  • Private Windsor Town & Guided Castle Walking Tour: $350
  • Private Windsor Walking Tour: $146
  • Royal Windsor & Stonehenge Private Tour: $1,998
  • Royal Windsor Castle Tour Private including tickets: $362
  • Stonehenge and Windsor Castle Tour from London With Entry Tickets: $126

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    Windsor 8.82

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


Which is Bigger, Funchal or Windsor?

Funchal has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Windsor, 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 Windsor?

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 Windsor in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Windsor. Additionally, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Windsor this time of year.

Funchal is a little warmer than Windsor in the summer. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Windsor fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Funchal this time of the year. In the summer, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Windsor. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Windsor receives 195 hours of full sun.

Funchal usually gets less rain in July than Windsor. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Windsor receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Funchal 22°C (72°F) 
    Windsor 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Windsor in the Autumn?

Both Windsor and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Windsor for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Funchal is much warmer than Windsor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Funchal in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Windsor averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Windsor during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Windsor receives 107 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Funchal. In October, Funchal usually receives more rain than Windsor. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Windsor receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Funchal 21°C (70°F) 
    Windsor 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Windsor in the Winter?

Both Windsor and Funchal during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Windsor in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Windsor can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Funchal is generally much warmer than Windsor. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 16°C (61°F), and Windsor fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Windsor. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Windsor receives 52 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. Funchal usually gets more rain in January than Windsor. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Windsor receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Funchal 16°C (61°F) 
    Windsor 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Windsor in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Windsor. Also, most visitors come to Windsor for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Funchal is much warmer than Windsor in the spring. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Windsor fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Windsor during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Windsor receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Funchal usually receives more rain than Windsor. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Windsor receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Funchal 17°C (63°F) 
    Windsor 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Windsor and Funchal

Funchal Windsor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)