Which place is cheaper, Funchal or Portimao?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Portugal, and The Best Adventure Tours to Portugal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPortimao €152Funchal €93
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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPortimao €78Funchal €52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPortimao €156Funchal €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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Portimao €37Funchal €9.94
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Portimao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Portimao:
- Transfer From Portimão Algarve To Lisboa: $244
- Private Transfer from Monte Ruivo to Faro (FAO) Airport: $236
- Private Transfer from Estombar to Faro (FAO) Airport: $94
- Private Transfer from Lagoa to Faro (FAO) Airport: $93
- Private Transfer from Algoz to Faro (FAO) Airport: $81
- Transfer Lagoa - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $60
- Transfer Portimão - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $59
- Transfer Alvor - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $58
- Private Transfer from Armaçao de Pera to Faro (FAO) Airport: $55
- Transfer Alvor - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $49
- Transfer Ferragudo - Boavista Golf (Lagos): $49
- Transfer Carvoeiro - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal
Also for Funchal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Madeira Airport Shuttle Transfer one way: $9.82
- Transfers Airport-Funchal/Funchal-Airport: $22
- Private One way Transfer Madeira Airport to or from Funchal: $22
- Funchal Airport(FNC) to Funchal hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
- Private Transfer from Madeira Airport(FNC) to Madeira Cruise Port: $26
- Funchal Private Transfers Service to Madeira Airport: $29
- Morning Self-Guided Hike Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo w/ Transfers: $33
- Madeira Airport Private Transfers Service To Funchal: $33
- Transfer Madeira Airport - Funchal: $35
- Transfer Funchal - Madeira Airport: $35
- Minibus Transfer: Madeira Airport - Funchal: $38
- Minibus Transfer: Funchal - Madeira Airport: $38
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
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Food Meals for one dayPortimao €45Funchal €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: $147
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
- Madeiran Traditional Dinner: $87
- Gourmet Wine & Food Tour: $112
- Gourmet Wine & Food Tour: $112
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Portimao €41Funchal €15
Tours and Activities in Portimao
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Portimao are as follows:
- Kayak Tours to Benagil & Marine caves - From Benagil Beach: $38
- Portimão to Benagil: Adrenaline Wave - 90Mins Cave Tour: $25
- 1 Hour and 30 Minutes Benagil Caves Kayak Tour: $36
- 2 Hours Cruise Portimão to Benagil Cave & Marinha Beach: $27
- Afternoon Sailing and Caves Tour from Portimao: $39
- Albufeira - Salgados Reserve Segway Tour: $65
- Algarve - Exclusive horseriding in Portimao (no experience required): $55
- Algarve Coast Guided Boat Tour: $38
- Algarve Jeep Safari tours: $49
- Alone in Benagil, perfect pictures Kayak tour with @StarToursAlgarve: $60
- Benagil & Marinha Boat Tour: $38
- Benagil Cave Guided Kayaking Tour Caves & Secret Spots : $38
Tours and Activities in Funchal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Funchal.
- Portugal eSIM Tourist Data Plan: $4.79
- 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
- Nun's Valley Tour: $30
- Amazing East Tour : $31
- Majestic West Tour : $31
- Magnificent East Tour: $33
- Exorbitant West Tour: $33
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPortimao €30Funchal €16
Sample the Local Flavors in Portimao
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Portimao:
- Algarve Wine Tasting & Music Experience: $60
- Algarve Wine Tour of Two Wine Estates: $74
- Algarve wine tour of 2 wine estates and lunch at the countryside: $154
- Alentejo Wine Tour from the Algarve: $210
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: $55
- Pub Crawl: $59
- Half-Day Wine Tour in Madeira: $76
- 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: $101
- Exclusive Wine Tasting in the Wine Region of Boaventura: $104
- Weekends Madeira Wine Tasting São Vicente: $109
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.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPortimao 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.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPortimao 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.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPortimao 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.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPortimao 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) |
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.