A Travel Price Comparison for Portugal Lagos vs. Funchal for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lagos or Funchal?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lagos and Funchal. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Lagos or Funchal?

Lagos

A coastal town in the south of Portugal, Lagos is known for its old world charm, plummeting cliffs, and Atlantic beaches. Many come to enjoy a full range of activities from beach-going and watersports to exploring cobbled streets lined with options for shopping and dining. Historic churches and castles add to the charm, as well as a clifftop lighthouse showing the way to Lagos for ships at sea.

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.

Which place is cheaper, Funchal or Lagos?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lagos is €118, while the average daily cost in Funchal is €93. 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 Lagos and Funchal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lagos 61
    Funchal 52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lagos 122
    Funchal 104
Compare Hotels in Lagos and Funchal

Looking for a hotel in Lagos or Funchal? 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 Lagos


Hotels in Funchal


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: Lagos Hotel Prices and Funchal Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lagos 31
    Funchal 9.94

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lagos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lagos:

  • Private Transfer from Lisbon Airport Up to 8 pax: $496
  • Private Transfer: Lagos to Lisbon: $436
  • Private Transfer: Faro to Lisbon: $436
  • Private Transfer: Albufeira to Lisbon: $403
  • Private Transfer: Lagos to Seville: $381
  • Private Transfer: Seville to Lagos: $381
  • Private Transfer: Seville to Algarve (Faro district): $348
  • Private Transfer: Faro/FAO to Seville: $327
  • Private Transfer: Albufeira to Seville: $327
  • Transfer From Lagos Algarve To Lisboa: $277
  • Private Transfer From Lagos to Portimao, English Speaking Driver: $272
  • Private Transfer From Lagos to Lisbon, Local English Speaking Driver: $272

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal

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

  • Funchal Airport (FNC) to Funchal - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $53
  • Funchal Airport(FNC) to Funchal hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Funchal Airport(FNC) to Madeira Island - Arrival Private Transfer: $52
  • Funchal Airport(FNC)to Madeira Island-Round-Trip Private Transfer: $104
  • Funchal Private Transfers Service to Madeira Airport: $28
  • Madeira Airport (FNC) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Funchal Hotels or Address): $55
  • Madeira Airport (FNC) Departure Transfer (Funchal Hotels to Madeira Airport): $55
  • Madeira Airport Business Van Transfers: $55
  • Madeira Airport Private Transfers Service To Funchal: $33
  • Madeira Airport Round Trip Private Transfers Services: $42
  • Madeira Airport Round Trip Shuttle Transfers Service: $39
  • Madeira Airport Shuttle Transfer one way: $9.99

Is it cheaper to fly into Lagos or Funchal?

Prices for flights to both Funchal and Lagos 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
    Lagos 34
    Funchal 31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lagos

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

  • Classic Food Tour - Lagos: $99
  • Wild West Coast Hiking Adventure with Sunset Dinner & Wine: $128

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: $42
  • Sunset Tour to Pico do Arieiro with Dinner and Drinks included: $78
  • Funchal Walking Food Tour: $83
  • Madeiran Traditional Dinner: $89

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lagos 26
    Funchal 15

Tours and Activities in Lagos

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

  • Ponta da Piedade Costal cruise and Caves-2h: $33
  • 2-hour Kayak Tour of Ponta da Piedade Caves and Beaches: $44
  • 4x4 Off-road Algarve Natural Park West Coast Tour : $59
  • Adventure to the Benagil Caves on a Family Friendly Catamaran - Start at Lagos: $44
  • Algarve Private Tour: Sagres and Benagil from Lisbon: $849
  • Algarve: Aljezur, Arrifana, and Costa Vicentina Private Tour: $147
  • Algarve: Family photoshoot experience: $218
  • Algarve: Lagos Sightseeing guided Tour with e-bikes: $64
  • Algarve: Lagos sightseeing guided tour with E-bikes: $65
  • Amado Beach Walking Tour: $55
  • Benagil Caves- Speed Boat Tour: $40
  • Boat Cruise to Algar de Benagil from Lagos: $39

Tours and Activities in Funchal

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

  • Portugal eSIM Tourist Data Plan: $4.90
  • MAMMA Museum Entry ticket: $11
  • Old Funchal Walking Tour: $15
  • Scenic Route - Nuns Valley Tour: $26
  • Funchal Hop-On Hop-Off Tour 3 in 1: $27
  • São Vicente Caves and Volcano Center Half-Day Tour: $27
  • Christmas Lights in Funchal Tour: $27
  • Nuns Valley Tour: $28
  • Guided West Tour from Madeira : $28
  • Nun's Valley Tour: $30
  • Exorbitant West Tour: $33
  •  Magnificent East Tour: $33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lagos 6.79
    Funchal 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Lagos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lagos:

  • Lagos Wine Tasting and Tapas: $39
  • Small group Wine Tasting Tour from Lagos: $67
  • Small-Group Day Tour of Silves and Monchique with Wine Tasting: $88
  • Benagil Secrets: Jeep and Boat Tour with Wine Tasting: $105

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: $50
  • Bestselling Wine Tour, Tasting Experience & Skywalk 4x4 Adventure: $54
  • Wine tasting and Jeep Adventure in Madeira's Majestic Countryside: $57
  • Madeira: Private Half-Day Wine Tasting Tour: $61
  • Half-Day Wine Tour in Madeira: $78
  • Amazing Skywalk, Wine Tasting & 4x4 Adventure + Dolphin Watching: $88
  • Shore Excursion: Private Madeira Tour & Wine Tasting: $88
  • Guided Toboggan Ride and Madeira Wine Tasting Tour: $100
  • Tuk Tuk Wine Tour - Madeira Island: $103
  • Exclusive Wine Tasting in the Wine Region of Boaventura: $105
  • Weekends Madeira Wine Tasting São Vicente: $111
  • Visiting local Vineyard With Wine Tasting & Lunch included: $161


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


Which is Bigger, Lagos or Funchal?

Funchal has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Lagos and Funchal, 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 Lagos or Funchal?

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 Lagos or Funchal in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Lagos is a little warmer than Funchal. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lagos in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Funchal averages at about 22°C (72°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. Lagos usually gets more rain in July than Funchal. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lagos 25°C (77°F) 
    Funchal 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Lagos or Funchal in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and Funchal. Many travelers come to Lagos for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Lagos is generally a little warmer than Funchal. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 26°C (79°F), and Funchal fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

Funchal receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Lagos usually receives more rain than Funchal. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lagos 26°C (79°F) 
    Funchal 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Lagos or Funchal in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lagos as well as Funchal. Many visitors come to Lagos in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Lagos is much warmer than Funchal in the winter. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Funchal fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite rainy in Funchal. Lagos usually gets less rain in January than Funchal. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lagos 27°C (81°F) 
    Funchal 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Lagos or Funchal in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Lagos is much warmer than Funchal. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lagos in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Funchal averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. In April, Lagos usually receives more rain than Funchal. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lagos 28°C (82°F) 
    Funchal 17°C (63°F)

Typical Weather for Funchal and Lagos

Lagos Funchal
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 29°C (84°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Mar 29°C (84°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 202 mm (8 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jun 26°C (79°F) 316 mm (12.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 243 mm (9.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 26°C (79°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)