A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Funchal vs. Rijeka for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Funchal or Rijeka?

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

Should I visit Funchal or Rijeka? 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: Funchal or Rijeka?

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.

Rijeka

Rijeka is the main seaport city of Croatia. It is located in Kvarner on the Kvarner Bay, which is an inlet of the Adriatic Sea. There are over 100,000 residents, making it Croatia's third largest city. The city's economy is heavily dependent on shipbuilding and maritime transport. There is also the University of Rijeka, which was founded in 1973 with roots dating back to 1632.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Rijeka or Funchal?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Funchal is €116, while the average daily cost in Rijeka is €120. 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 Funchal and Rijeka in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    Rijeka 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    Rijeka 102
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Rijeka

Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Rijeka? 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 Funchal


Hotels in Rijeka


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: Funchal Hotel Prices and Rijeka Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Funchal 9.94
    Rijeka 16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal

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

  • Arrival and departure transfers to Funchal and Airport: $18
  • Transfer Privado e Confiável: Aeroporto → Funchal (ou vice-versa): $21
  • Private Transfer Madeira Airport: $30
  • Funchal Airport(FNC) to Funchal hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
  • Madeira: PR8 -Ponta de São Lourenço Natural Reserve Transfer: $33
  • Caniçal Transfer for PR8 Hike São Lourenco: $33
  • Airport Transfers Funchal Airport: $35
  • Transfer to Pico do Arieiro Self-Guided Hike (Morning slot): $36
  • Self Guided Transfer to Ponta de São Lourenço Natural Reserve: $36
  • Transfer to PR1 Pico do Arieiro & Pico Ruivo Trail: $38
  • Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Hiking Transfer: $39
  • Transfer Sunrise Self-Guided Hike Pico do Arieiro : $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rijeka

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rijeka:

  • Direct Bus Transfer to/from Krk: $12

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Rijeka?

Prices for flights to both Rijeka and Funchal 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
    Funchal 54
    Rijeka 59
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: $33
  • Madeiran Traditional Dinner: $95

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Funchal 15
    Rijeka 8.91

Tours and Activities in Funchal

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

  • Sacred Art Museum of Funchal Entry Ticket: $18
  • Old Funchal Walking Tour: $20
  • Quick & Fun 30-Minute Tuk Tuk Tour with Local Guide: $23
  • KAYAK Rental or Guided tour with snorkeling: $29
  • Funchal Walking Tour: Tradition, History and Flavor: $29
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $29
  • Nun's Valley Tour: $32
  • SUP Rental or Guided tour with snorkeling: $34
  • Nun's Valley & Pico dos Barcelos Madeira Island Tour: $35
  • Tour to Nun's Valley, Pico dos Barcelos and Eira do Serrado: $36
  • Santana / Typical Houses Tour: $36
  • Amazing East Tour : $36

Tours and Activities in Rijeka

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

  • DISCOVERING THE UNKNOWN Extended WW2&UNDERGROUND tour: $76
  • Drava Sup Exploring Adventure: $72
  • From Golden Island of Krk Tour: $101
  • Istria Highlights Tour from Rijeka or Pula: $133
  • Mreznica River Kayaking Tour from Duga Resa: $54
  • Plitvice Lakes Day Tour from Rijeka, Simple & Safe: $117
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour: $690
  • Private Walking Cultural Tour of Rijeka: $257
  • Pula, Rovinj, and Panoramic Istrian Coast Tour: $133
  • Rijeka Tunnel (TunelRi) Entrance Ticket: $3.51
  • Street Art & Lost Place Tour in Rijeka: $176
  • TUNNEL ABSEILING PLUS tour the underground: $88

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    Rijeka 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Funchal

Also in Funchal, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Portuguese Wine Tasting with Sommelier: $40
  • Half day jeep Wine tour and tasting, & sea cliff adventure: $62
  • Bestselling Wine Tour, Tasting Experience & Skywalk 4x4 Adventure: $63
  • Half-Day Wine Tour- Shared: $89
  • Shore Excursion: Private Madeira Tour & Wine Tasting: $93
  • Guided Toboggan Ride and Madeira Wine Tasting Tour: $107
  • Tuk Tuk Wine Tour - Madeira Island: $112
  • Weekends Madeira Wine Tasting São Vicente: $119
  • Visiting local Vineyard With Wine Tasting & Lunch included: $208


When comparing the travel costs between Funchal and Rijeka, we can see that Rijeka is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Funchal Expensive? and Is Rijeka Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Funchal or Rijeka?

Rijeka has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Rijeka, 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 Funchal or Rijeka?

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 Funchal or Rijeka in the Summer?

Both Rijeka and Funchal during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rijeka for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Funchal is around the same temperature as Rijeka. Typically, the summer temperatures in Funchal in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Rijeka averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Rijeka, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Funchal. In the summer, Funchal often gets less sunshine than Rijeka. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun.

Funchal usually gets less rain in July than Rijeka. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Funchal 22°C (72°F) 
    Rijeka 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Rijeka in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Rijeka. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rijeka in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Funchal is generally a little warmer than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 21°C (70°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during autumn. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Funchal gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Funchal usually receives more rain than Rijeka. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Funchal 21°C (70°F) 
    Rijeka 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Rijeka in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Rijeka. Additionally, most visitors come to Rijeka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Funchal is much warmer than Rijeka in the winter. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun.

Funchal receives a lot of rain in the winter. Funchal usually gets more rain in January than Rijeka. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Funchal 16°C (61°F) 
    Rijeka 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Funchal or Rijeka in the Spring?

Both Rijeka and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Funchal is a little warmer than Rijeka. Typically, the spring temperatures in Funchal in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Rijeka averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Funchal usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rijeka during spring. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Funchal usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Funchal 17°C (63°F) 
    Rijeka 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Funchal

Funchal Rijeka
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)