Travel Budget for Funchal Visit Funchal on a Budget or Travel in Style

Funchal, Madeira Islands, Portugal

Funchal is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Funchal?

You should plan to spend around $132 (€116) per day on your vacation in Funchal. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $62 (€54) on meals
  • $11 (€9.94) on local transportation
  • $117 (€103) on hotels

A one week trip to Funchal for two people costs, on average, $1,845 (€1,624). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $132
    116
  • One Week Per person
    $923
    812
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $1,845
    1,624
  • One Month Per person
    $3,954
    3,480
  • One Week For a couple
    $1,845
    1,624
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $3,690
    3,248
  • One Month For a couple
    $7,907
    6,960
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Funchal cost?

A one week trip to Funchal usually costs around $923 (€812) for one person and $1,845 (€1,624) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Funchal on average costs around $1,845 (€1,624) for one person and $3,690 (€3,248) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Funchal will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Funchal on average costs around $3,954 (€3,480) for one person and $7,907 (€6,960) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Funchal expensive to visit?

Funchal is a smaller destination that attracts a broad range of travelers, encompassing various travel styles, spending practices, and budget options. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.

Funchal can become quite costly if you let it, but there are ways to save money, such as looking for discounts and coupons.

On average, budget travelers spend $55 (€49) per day, mid-range travelers spend $130 (€116) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $278 (€248) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Funchal.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Funchal is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Europe for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Novi Sad, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Avignon.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Funchal Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Funchal?

The average Funchal trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Funchal travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Funchal cost?

Funchal on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$26
(23)
$59
(52)
$113
(100)
Local Transportation1 $5
(4.38)
$11
(9.94)
$21
(19)
Food2 $25
(22)
$62
(54)
$146
(129)
Entertainment1 $7
(6.56)
$17
(15)
$33
(29)
Alcohol2 $4-12
(3-10)
$9-27
(8-24)
$17-51
(15-45)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to be realistic about your budget for Funchal. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.

What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?

While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $55 per day that backpackers often spend.

Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.

Fortunately, there are plenty of hostels available in Funchal, such as 109 Funchal Hostel, Santa Maria Hostel, and 29 Madeira Hostel. In these hostels, you can discover cheap dorm accommodations and a great social atmosphere, though amenities may be few.

What Makes You an Average Traveler?

Couples and families enjoying a vacation will probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular dining spots, and explore the key museums and attractions that have entry fees. A trip to Funchal wouldn't be complete without visiting its major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities cost money. Thus, it's reasonable to expect your daily budget to be around $130 per person, per day.

There are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals available in Funchal. If you're traveling with companions, sharing a hotel with a partner, friend, or kids can help lower costs. Families should seek out hotels and dining options that are suitable for children. Castanheiro Boutique Hotel is a wonderful family-friendly hotel, and Arts In Hotel Conde Carvalhal is another excellent choice. For more family and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel cost guide for Funchal here.

Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?

If you want an all encompassing getaway with top-notch amenities and exceptional service, get ready for a daily cost around $278. Staying in upscale hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, indulging in lavish activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the destination will require a more luxurious budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Adventure Trikes Private Tour in Madeira - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Funchal

In Funchal, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $86 and peak season rising to an average of $160. Prices typically range from $54 to $297, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Funchal for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $117 (€103). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $59 (€52) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $59
    52
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $117
    103

Hotels in Funchal

Looking for a hotel in Funchal? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Funchal

The average hotel room price in Funchal based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $86 in the low season and $160 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Funchal include:

  • Castanheiro Boutique Hotel starting at $138
  • Pestana Casino Studios starting at $95
  • Arts In Hotel Conde Carvalhal starting at $107
  • Hotel Porto Mare - PortoBay starting at $97
  • Hotel Baia Azul starting at $94
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Funchal

Choosing to travel outside of and in the low or shoulder season will give you lower hotel prices and less tourist congestion.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Funchal

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $11 (€9.94) per person, per day, on local transportation in Funchal. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Funchal is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $11
    9.94

There are several daily flights between Lisbon and Funchal, as well as connections to other cities in Portugal. Although the airport used to be nerve whacking with its short runway, it has now been expanded and can accommodate all types of planes.

Funchal's compact city center can easily be explored on foot, but to go elsewhere in the city you should take the orange buses. It's easy to buy a Giro Card for about 2.50 euros. This allows you two journeys, and you must then add additional money to make further trips, but the price remains cheaper than if you simply pay the bus driver. Most buses can be caught in the waterfront area.

Transportation Tips

If you're driving, check that your hotel has parking available.

A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:

  • PR8 Sao Lourenço Hike Transfer for $93 details
  • Madeira: Private Monte Tour By Cable Car with Transfer for $116 details
  • Arrival and departure transfers to Funchal and Airport for $18 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Funchal
How much does it cost to go to Funchal? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Funchal
The price of renting a car in Funchal will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Funchal

One of the biggest draws for travelers is the food, so be sure to savor the local flavors.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Funchal can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Funchal is $62 (€54) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $62
    54

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Funchal is around $61 (€54) per person, with previous travelers spending from $25 to $145. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Funchal are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $6 to $18
  • Lunch: $9 to $24
  • Dinner: $18 to $43
  • Coffee: $5
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $9

There are a good number of restaurants throughout town although the prices can be quite high. Many of the restaurants offer both traditional Madeiran and Portuguese food. One of the most common dishes, which you can find almost anywhere, is espada com banana, or scabbard fish with banana. It is usually served with a fresh salad and potatoes. Bacalhau, or dried and salted codfish, is a little more expensive but is worth trying. Bacalhau com natas, or codfish in cream sauce is a version that is both common and delicious.

If you want to grab a drink, you'll find that Funchal has a generally tame atmosphere and the bars are usually very quiet.

Food & Dining Tips

Countless hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, but some will add it as an additional fee. The price and quality can change based on the hotel. Being informed ahead of time can aid in deciding whether to budget extra funds. You might enjoy the delightful buffet offered at the hotel, or perhaps a more economical option would be a nearby bakery or cafe.

Instead of buying drinks, bring a water bottle. It's also an environmentally friendly option.

When planning your tour, don't forget to check what meals are included. You might have to pay for some of your own food, which could add to your expenses.

If you want to experience the culture in Funchal, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Madeiran Traditional Dinner for $93 details
  • Private Walking Food Tour Around Funchal for $33 details
  • Amazing Dinner with Folklore for $51 details

Recommended

What did other people spend on food and dining in Funchal?

Below are some standard food costs in Funchal, gathered from real travelers. These prices should give you a general idea of what you can expect to spend on dining and meals. Keep in mind, though, that your own costs may differ depending on your taste in restaurants, travel habits, and menu choices.


  • Coffee
    1.40


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Funchal

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Funchal typically cost an average of $17 (€15) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $17
    15

There are some interesting sights throughout Funchal. A popular place to spend some time is Jardins Do Palheiro, which is a manor with a nice public park. The manor is British colonial in style, but is not open to the public. The park is public though and is a pleasant place to explore. Madeira Botanical Gardens is also interesting. It has over 2000 plants and a view of the city that makes it well worth the visit. Santa Clara Convent dates back to the 15th century and is a national monument. Also be sure and head over to Mercado Dos Lavradores and pick up some fresh, locally grown fruit. It's a lovely market, but do ensure that you're not being overcharged for the fruit, particularly if a cruise ship is in town as vendors are known to hike prices up for travelers. Other popular sights include the Monte Palace Hotel Gardens, Sao Lourenco Palace, Se Cathedral and Colegio Church.



There are several interesting activities you can enjoy during your time in Funchal. If you have time, many people enjoy playing golf at the Palheiro Golf Course. Also make sure you take a ride on the Funchal Cable Car. It has a great view of the city and the upper station is at Monte, where you can visit the Monte Palace gardens as well as the church at Monte. You can then catch a different cable car down to the botanical gardens. It is best to purchase a combination ticket.

Madeira Paragliding Adventures is another unique activity in the area. There are tandem paragliding flights that have great views of the landscape and scenery.

A nice way to explore destinations in Funchal is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Private Half day tour around Madeira Island for $203 details
  • Let-Me-Surprise-You Private Full-Day Tour in All Terrain Vehicle for $290 details
  • Full Day Tour to West Madeira Island for $72 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Funchal

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $18 (€16) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Funchal per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $18
    16
Nightlife Tips

Enjoying the nightlife is always a highlight, but cutting back on drinks can really help you save money on your travels.

Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Funchal. A few favorites from other travelers include:

  • Visiting local Vineyard With Wine Tasting & Lunch included for $203 details
  • Skywalk and 4x4 Adventure with Amazing Views and Wine Tasting for $52 details
  • Amazing Skywalk, Wine Tasting & 4x4 Adventure + Dolphin Watching for $103 details

Recommended


Travel cost data last updated: Apr 25, 2025

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Funchal

  • Peak season in usually results in inflated prices and heavy crowds. To keep costs down and avoid the hustle, try visiting during the shoulder or low seasons instead.
  • Enjoying a more leisurely travel pace can not only enhance your experience but also save you money as you soak in the area's beauty. If you rush through every day packed with activities, your spending will add up. On the flip side, a slower pace often means a lighter budget.

Budgeting Challenges

  • With limited public transportation in Funchal, it could be wise to rent a car or arrange for transportation, such as a tour. Just keep in mind that this might affect your budget in other areas.
  • You won't find many hostels in Funchal, so if you're planning on saving money with a cheap dorm, it might be time to reconsider. A budget hotel or an apartment rental could be a better option.
Traveling in Funchal
Funchal Funchal, Portugal

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.

The climate in Funchal is mild Mediterranean. Temperatures are relatively consistent throughout the year and there are two main seasons. The time between October and March has more rain and slightly cooler temperatures with highs ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. The time between April and September is drier and warmer, although June is sometimes notable for its persistent cloudiness over the bay. Average high temperatures range from 21 to 26 degrees Celsius. The city's elevation rises from sea level to 800 meters. In the northern suburbs, clouds, fog and rain are not uncommon, even when it is sunny near the sea. Temperatures are also somewhat cooler at the higher altitudes.



Neighborhoods & Around

As a tourist, you will likely explore most of Funchal's waterfront area, as well as the market and the city squares. These areas have the best atmosphere and give you the most interesting experience while you're in town.

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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.