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

Should you visit Funchal or Zadar?

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

Should I visit Funchal or Zadar? 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 Zadar?

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.

Zadar

You'll find Zadar in northern Dalmatia, Croatia. It is located on the Adriatic Sea and is the center of Zadar County. It is both the historic center for the region and the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zadar. There are a handful of sights around town, most of which can be explored on foot.

The climate for the city is a mix between humid subtropical and a Mediterranean climate. The winters are usually mild and wet, and the summers are humid and warm. The hottest months are July and August when temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Average yearly rainfall usually exceeds 917 mm. Fall months often remain warm and temperatures are often around 30 degrees Celsius as well. In general, the temperatures rarely drop below freezing, even during the coldest month of January. The rainiest months are October and November, although winter is considered the wet season. July is usually the driest month. Water temperatures are around 25 degrees Celsius in July and August and it may be possible to swim any time between May and October.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Zadar 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 Zadar is €89. 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 Zadar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    Zadar 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    Zadar 102
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Zadar

Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Zadar? 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 Zadar


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 Zadar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Funchal 9.94
    Zadar 9.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal

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

  • Madeira Airport Shuttle Transfer one way: $9.81
  • Private One way Transfer Madeira Airport to or from Funchal: $22
  • Private Transfer from Madeira Airport(FNC) to Madeira Cruise Port: $26
  • Funchal Airport(FNC) to Funchal hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • Funchal Private Transfers Service to Madeira Airport: $29
  • Madeira Airport Private Transfers Service To Funchal: $33
  • Transfer Madeira Airport - Funchal: $35
  • Minibus Transfer: Funchal - Madeira Airport: $38
  • Premium Transfer Madeira Airport - Funchal: $44
  • Transfer and Hiking PR8 Sao Lourenço : $44
  • Madeira airport transfer for up to 8 people: $49
  • Madeira Airport Round Trip Shuttle Transfers Service: $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zadar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zadar:

  • Transfer Zadar - Zagreb: $741
  • Transfer Zagreb - Zadar: $664
  • From Private Transfer to Dubrovnik Airport: $609
  • Zadar Airport Private Transfer: Makarska/Tucepi/Baska Voda: $459
  • From Zagreb & Franjo Tudman Airport Private Transfer: $459
  • Plitvice Lakes: Transfer Tour with pro photographer: $428
  • From Plitvice Lakes Private Round-Trip Transfer: $398
  • private transfer from Trogir to Zadar airport/Zadar: $312
  • Private transfer (Taxi) - Zadar to Split: $284
  • Krka National Park Private Tour from Zadar with transfer to Split: $283
  • Private one way transfer from Zadar to Split: $276
  • Private One Way Transfer from Split to Zadar: $276

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Zadar?

Prices for flights to both Zadar 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
    Zadar 28
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zadar

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

  • Small Group Cooking Class: $39
  • Private City Tour and Cooking Class: $96
  • Gourmet Sunset dinner on board: $218

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Funchal 15
    Zadar 19

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 Zadar

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zadar are as follows:

  • Panorama guided Zadar Eco Tuk Tuk tour: $53
  • Private boat tour to the islands of Zadar with snorkeling equipment: $240
  • Sunset boat Tour in Zadar: $44
  • Šibenik and Zadar private tour from Split or Trogir: $166
  • 2 Hour Quad ATV Mountain Adventure in Starigrad: $130
  • 2 Hour Sunset Boat Tour in Zadar Coast: $32
  • 3 Islands Boat and Snorkeling tour with Fruits and Prosecco: $43
  • 3-Hour Zadar Food Tasting Tour: $97
  • Adriatic Breeze - Kornati Speedboat and Sailing Tour: $338
  • Be a Local: Private Tour from Olive Harvest to Culinary Delight: $218
  • Boat Tour around Zadar Islands with snorkeling during half day excursion: $55
  • Daysailing & SUP experience: $98

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    Zadar 12

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 Zadar

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

  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, & Old Town Tour: $52
  • Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting, Boat Ride & Zadar Old Town: $53
  • Craft Gin and exclusive brandies in unique distillery: $60
  • Wine Tasting with Finger Food: $64
  • Private City and Wine Tour in Zadar with Eco Tuk Tuk: $98


When comparing the travel costs between Funchal and Zadar, we can see that Funchal 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 Zadar Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Funchal or Zadar?

Funchal has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Zadar. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Zadar, 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 Zadar?

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 Zadar in the Summer?

Both Zadar and Funchal during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zadar this time of year.

Funchal is cooler than Zadar in the summer. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Zadar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Funchal. In the summer, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Zadar. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Funchal usually gets less rain in July than Zadar. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Funchal 22°C (72°F) 
    Zadar 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Zadar. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Funchal is a little warmer than Zadar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Funchal in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Zadar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Funchal usually receives more rain than Zadar. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Funchal 21°C (70°F) 
    Zadar 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Zadar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Zadar. Additionally, many visitors come to Zadar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Funchal is generally much warmer than Zadar. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 16°C (61°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Zadar. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Funchal receives a lot of rain in the winter. Funchal usually gets more rain in January than Zadar. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Funchal 16°C (61°F) 
    Zadar 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Funchal is a little warmer than Zadar in the spring. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Zadar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Zadar. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Zadar during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Funchal usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zadar. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Funchal 17°C (63°F) 
    Zadar 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Zadar and Funchal

Funchal Zadar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)