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

Should you visit Portimao 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 Portimao 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: Portimao or Funchal?

Portimao

The second biggest city in the Alrgarve region of Portugal, Portimao sits on the coast where the Arade River meets the Atlantic Ocean. It is renowned for its fresh fish restaurants and is also a popular destination for beachgoers at the Praia da Rocha to the south of the city.

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 Portimao?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Portimao is €152, 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 Portimao and Funchal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Portimao 78
    Funchal 52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Portimao 156
    Funchal 104
Compare Hotels in Portimao and Funchal

Looking for a hotel in Portimao 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 Portimao


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: Portimao Hotel Prices and Funchal Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Portimao 37
    Funchal 9.94

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portimao

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:

  • Private Transfer from Monte Ruivo to Faro (FAO) Airport: $239
  • Private Transfer from Aljezur to Faro (FAO) Airport: $239
  • Private Airport Transfer To Armação De Pera Area: $117
  • Private Transfer from Alvor to Faro Airport (1-4 pax): $111
  • Transfer Armação de Pêra - Benamor Golf (Conceição): $101
  • Private Transfer from Estombar to Faro (FAO) Airport: $95
  • Private Transfer from Portimao to Faro (FAO) Airport: $86
  • Carvoeiro Private Transfer to Faro Airport: $86
  • Private Transfer from Hotel da Rocha to Faro (FAO) Airport: $85
  • Private Transfer from Ferragudo to Faro (FAO) Airport: $85
  • Private Transfer from Algoz to Faro (FAO) Airport: $82
  • Private Transfer from Josper Grill Steakhouse Dry Aged to Faro (FAO) Airport: $81

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal

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

  • Madeira Airport Shuttle Transfer one way: $9.99
  • Private One way Transfer Madeira Airport to or from Funchal: $22
  • Funchal Airport(FNC) to Funchal hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Private Transfer from Madeira Airport(FNC) to Madeira Cruise Port: $27
  • Funchal Private Transfers Service to Madeira Airport: $28
  • Madeira Private Transfers - Arrival and Departure: $33
  • Madeira Airport Private Transfers Service To Funchal: $33
  • Morning Self-Guided Hike Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo w/ Transfers: $33
  • Transfer Funchal - Madeira Airport: $36
  • Transfer Madeira Airport - Funchal: $36
  • Self-Guided Hike to Pico do Areeiro, with transfers.: $39
  • Minibus Transfer: Funchal - Madeira Airport: $39

Is it cheaper to fly into Portimao or Funchal?

Prices for flights to both Funchal and Portimao 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
    Portimao 45
    Funchal 31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Portimao

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

  • Algarve wine tour and mountain top trip with lunch or dinner at sunset time: $149

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.
    Portimao 41
    Funchal 15

Tours and Activities in Portimao

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

  • BENAGIL CAVE PRIVATE kayak tour from Carvalho beach w/ 4KPhotos: $105
  • Portimão to Benagil: Adrenaline Wave - 90Mins Cave Tour: $26
  • 2 Hours Cruise Portimão to Benagil Cave & Marinha Beach: $30
  • 7 Hour Guided Sailboat Yacht Cruise Tour in Algarve: $82
  • Adventure in Serra de Monchique - 4 Hours: $50
  • Afternoon Sailing and Caves Tour from Portimao: $40
  • Albufeira - Salgados Reserve Segway Tour: $66
  • Algarve - Exclusive horseriding in Portimao (no experience required): $55
  • Algarve Coast Guided Boat Tour: $39
  • Algarve Jeep Safari tours: $50
  • Algarve Private Tour with Typical Lunch: $83
  • Arade River Boat Tour from Portimão to Silves Medieval Town: $33

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
    Portimao 30
    Funchal 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Portimao

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portimao:

  • Wine Tasting and Art Tour: $40
  • Algarve Wine Tour of Two Wine Estates: $75
  • Algarve wine tour of 2 wine estates and lunch at the countryside: $156
  • Algarve wine tour and farmer's lunch at wine estate: $185
  • Alentejo Wine Tour from the Algarve: $213

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


Which is Bigger, Portimao or Funchal?

Funchal has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao 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 Portimao 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 Portimao or Funchal in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Funchal. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Portimao this time of year.

In July, Portimao is generally a little warmer than Funchal. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 25°C (78°F), and Funchal fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in July than Funchal. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Portimao 25°C (78°F) 
    Funchal 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Portimao or Funchal in the Autumn?

Both Funchal and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Portimao for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Portimao is around the same temperature as Funchal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Funchal fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. In October, Portimao usually receives less rain than Funchal. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Portimao 19°C (67°F) 
    Funchal 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Portimao or Funchal in the Winter?

Both Funchal and Portimao during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Portimao in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Portimao is cooler than Funchal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Portimao in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Funchal averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Portimao usually gets less rain in January than Funchal. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Portimao 11°C (52°F) 
    Funchal 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Portimao or Funchal in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Funchal. Most visitors come to Portimao for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Portimao is generally cooler than Funchal. Daily temperatures in Portimao average around 15°C (60°F), and Funchal fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In April, Portimao usually receives less rain than Funchal. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Portimao 15°C (60°F) 
    Funchal 17°C (63°F)

Typical Weather for Funchal and Portimao

Portimao Funchal
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)