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

Should you visit Sintra or Funchal?

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

Should I visit Sintra or Funchal? 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: Sintra or Funchal?

Sintra

Located just 28 kilometers from Lisbon, Sintra is a town that was, for a long time, home to Portuguese royalty leading up to the 1910 revolution. In town you will find a Royal Palace and in the surrounding area there is a Moorish Castle, and the Pena Palace, which dates back to the 19th century. The town is on the Estoril Coast near the Sintra Mountains, making its setting very dramatic, beautiful and picturesque. The surrounding hills are actually designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because they offer a great combination of both cultural importance and natural beauty.

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 The Best Budget Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lisbon.


Which place is cheaper, Funchal or Sintra?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Sintra is €115, 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 Sintra and Funchal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sintra 57
    Funchal 52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sintra 114
    Funchal 104
Compare Hotels in Sintra and Funchal

Looking for a hotel in Sintra 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 Sintra


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: Sintra Hotel Prices and Funchal Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sintra 21
    Funchal 9.94

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sintra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sintra:

  • Algarve vs Lisbon: Private Transfer to/from Algarve /Lisbon: $443
  • Private transfer from Sintra to Porto with 2 hours for sightseeing: $292
  • Transfer Cascais to Lisbon(8pax): $110
  • Transfer from Lisbon Airport to Cascais, Sintra or Estoril: $109
  • Private Guided Transfer in Sintra and Lisbon: $88
  • Tuk Tuk Transfer With Sintra Pena Ticket From Meeting Point: $73
  • Ericeira Private Transfer from / to Lisbon: $61
  • Lisbon Airport: Cascais/Estoril/Sintra Private Transfer: $58
  • Transfer Aeroporto de Lisboa para Sintra: $54
  • Lisbon Airport Transfer to Cascais / Sintra / Estoril: $52
  • Estoril, Cascais or Sintra Private Transfer to Lisbon: $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal

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

  • Madeira Airport Shuttle Transfer one way: $9.92
  • Private One way Transfer Madeira Airport to or from Funchal: $22
  • Funchal Airport(FNC) to Funchal hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • Funchal Private Transfers Service to Madeira Airport: $27
  • Madeira Private Transfers - Arrival and Departure: $33
  • Morning Self-Guided Hike Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo w/ Transfers: $33
  • Minibus Transfer: Funchal - Madeira Airport: $39
  • Madeira Airport Round Trip Shuttle Transfers Service: $39
  • Madeira airport transfer for up to 8 people: $50
  • Madeira Island Transfers: $54
  • Madeira Airport (FNC) Departure Transfer (Funchal Hotels to Madeira Airport): $55
  • Madeira Airport (FNC) Arrival Transfer (Airport to Funchal Hotels or Address): $55

Is it cheaper to fly into Sintra or Funchal?

Prices for flights to both Funchal and Sintra 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
    Sintra 42
    Funchal 31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sintra

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

  • Half-Day Ericeira Walking Food Tour: $55
  • Portuguese Cooking Workshop in Cascais (group of 4 min): $94
  • Private Portuguese Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Lisbon Local: $220

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:

  • Madeira Nights Tour - Dinner and Show: $42
  • Sunset Tour to Pico do Arieiro with Dinner and Drinks included: $77
  • Gourmet Wine & Food Tour: $114
  • Gourmet Wine & Food Tour: $114

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sintra 23
    Funchal 15

Tours and Activities in Sintra

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

  • Half Day Private Wine and Traditional Tile Making Tour: $127
  • Sintra & Cascais in one day Renault 4L Tour (Full day): $165
  • 1 Hour Private Sintra Sightseeing Tour by Renault 4L : $33
  • 1h sight seeing - Sintra Mountain Tour (price per car) - max 4persons: $120
  • 2 Hour Private Picnic and Photoshoot Experience in Lisbon area: $187
  • 2 Hours Romantic experience for two by sailboat in Cascais: $300
  • 2 hours Private Sailing Experience in Cascais: $300
  • 4x4 Tours in Portuguese Classic Jeeps (UMM) around Sintra: $110
  • Amazing Sintra tour: $92
  • Archaeological Sintra Tour in a Classical car or Electric jeep: $94
  • Cascais Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $218
  • Cascais Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.97

Tours and Activities in Funchal

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

  • Portugal eSIM Tourist Data Plan: $4.89
  • MAMMA Museum Entry ticket: $11
  • Funchal Hop-On Hop-Off Tour 3 in 1: $27
  • Christmas Lights in Funchal Tour: $27
  • São Vicente Caves and Volcano Center Half-Day Tour: $27
  • Amazing East Tour : $31
  • Majestic West Tour : $31
  • Santana / Typical Houses Tour: $33
  •  Magnificent East Tour: $33
  • Full Day Tour of Madeira West: $33
  • Funchal Tuk Tuk Guided Tour & Orchid Garden: $35
  • Small Group West Tour Waterfalls & Fanal Forest Tour: $36

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sintra 17
    Funchal 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Sintra

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sintra:

  • Half-Day Tour in Cascais / Sintra with Brunch and Wine Tasting: $61
  • Wine Tasting Tour: $83
  • Sintra and Cabo da Roca with Half Day Wine Tasting: $83
  • Private tour wine tasting in Setubal: $97
  • Hidden Gems: Sintra & Cascais Private Tour with Wine Tasting: $184
  • From Lisbon Private Tour to Porto with Port Wine Tasting: $237

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
  • Half-Day Wine Tour in Madeira: $77
  • Shore Excursion: Private Madeira Tour & Wine Tasting: $87
  • Amazing Skywalk, Wine Tasting & 4x4 Adventure + Dolphin Watching: $98
  • Guided Toboggan Ride and Madeira Wine Tasting Tour: $99
  • Tuk Tuk Wine Tour - Madeira Island: $103
  • Weekends Madeira Wine Tasting São Vicente: $110
  • Visiting local Vineyard With Wine Tasting & Lunch included: $160
  • Full Day Private Madeira Wine Tour from Funchal: $173
  • Full-Day Madeira Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $193


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


Which is Bigger, Sintra or Funchal?

Funchal has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Sintra. When comparing the sizes of Sintra 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 Sintra 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 Sintra or Funchal in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sintra as well as Funchal.

In the summer, Sintra is around the same temperature as Funchal. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sintra in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Funchal averages at about 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Funchal. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sintra this time of the year. In the summer, Sintra often gets more sunshine than Funchal. Sintra gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Funchal receives 227 hours of full sun.

Sintra usually gets less rain in July than Funchal. Sintra gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sintra 23°C (73°F) 
    Funchal 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Funchal in the Autumn?

Both Funchal and Sintra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

In October, Sintra is generally around the same temperature as Funchal. Daily temperatures in Sintra average around 19°C (66°F), and Funchal fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Funchal during autumn. Sintra gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Funchal receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. In October, Sintra usually receives less rain than Funchal. Sintra gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sintra 19°C (66°F) 
    Funchal 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Funchal in the Winter?

Both Funchal and Sintra during the winter are popular places to visit.

Sintra is cooler than Funchal in the winter. The daily temperature in Sintra averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Funchal fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the winter, Sintra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Funchal. Sintra gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Funchal receives 141 hours of full sun.

Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sintra. Sintra usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Funchal. Sintra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sintra 12°C (53°F) 
    Funchal 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Sintra or Funchal in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sintra and Funchal.

In the spring, Sintra is around the same temperature as Funchal. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sintra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Funchal averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Sintra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sintra usually receives more sunshine than Funchal during spring. Sintra gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Funchal receives 182 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sintra usually receives less rain than Funchal. Sintra gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sintra 16°C (60°F) 
    Funchal 17°C (63°F)

Typical Weather for Funchal and Sintra

Sintra Funchal
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)