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

Should you visit Funchal or San Remo?

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

Should I visit Funchal or San Remo? 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 San Remo?

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.

San Remo

San Remo is a city located on the Mediterranean coast of northwest Italy. While it has a history that dates back to Roman times, today it exists as a resort town renowned for its casino. Other highlights include a picturesque harbor, medieval center, and a number of festivals and events held throughout the year.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, San Remo 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 San Remo is €184. 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 San Remo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    San Remo 80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    San Remo 160
Compare Hotels in Funchal and San Remo

Looking for a hotel in Funchal or San Remo? 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 San Remo


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 San Remo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Funchal 9.94
    San Remo 46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Funchal

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

  • Transfer to Pico do Arieiro Self-Guided Hike (Morning slot): $36
  • Transfer to Caldeirão Verde Levada Self-Guided Hike Queimadas: $39
  • Transfer Sunrise Self-Guided Hike Pico do Arieiro : $39
  • Transfer Rabacal 25 Fontes & Risco Levada Self-Guided: $40
  • Transfer Privado e Confiável: Aeroporto → Funchal (ou vice-versa): $21
  • Self Guided Transfer to Ponta de São Lourenço Natural Reserve: $36
  • Private Transfer from Madeira North area resorts to Madeira Funchal airport: $90
  • Private Transfer from Funchal airport to Madeira south area: $73
  • Private Transfer from Cristiano Ronaldo Airport to Funchal Hotels: $75
  • Private Transfer Madeira Airport: $30
  • Minibus Transfer: Madeira Airport - Funchal: $52
  • Madeira: PR8 -Ponta de São Lourenço Natural Reserve Transfer: $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or San Remo?

Prices for flights to both San Remo 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
    San Remo 75
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
    San Remo 23

Tours and Activities in Funchal

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

  • Low Cost Wheelchair Santana Half Day Tour : $179
  • Wheelchair Full Day Tour Porto Moniz E Sao Vicente : $208
  • Wheelchair Porto Moniz Handicap Tour: $179
  • 25 Fountains Levada: Hiking Tour in Madeira Rabaçal Valley (PR6): $55
  • 4x4 Full-Day Tour to Explore Portugal's Scents and Flavors: $69
  • 4x4 Jeep Safari Porto Moniz - the "Farowest" tour - Full Day Small Groups : $77
  • 8-Hour Luxury Cruise from Funchal to Ponta de São Lourenço: $2,173
  • Achada do Teixeira to Pico Ruivo in Madeira (PR1.2) - Hiking Tour: $55
  • Adventure Trikes Private Tour in Madeira : $173
  • Agriculture Green Tour : $102
  • Amazing East Tour : $36
  • Amazing Sunset (Private tour): $262

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    San Remo 14

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


Which is Bigger, Funchal or San Remo?

Funchal has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of San Remo. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and San Remo, 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 San Remo?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Funchal or San Remo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and San Remo. Furthermore, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Remo this time of year.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Remo this time of the year. In Funchal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than San Remo during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than San Remo. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Funchal or San Remo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Funchal as well as San Remo. Additionally, many travelers come to San Remo for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Funchal is generally a little warmer than San Remo. Daily temperatures in Funchal average around 21°C (70°F), and San Remo fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Funchal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Remo. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Remo. Funchal receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Funchal usually gets less rain in October than San Remo. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Funchal 21°C (70°F) 
    San Remo 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Funchal or San Remo in the Winter?

Both San Remo and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to San Remo in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Funchal is much warmer than San Remo in the winter. The daily temperature in Funchal averages around 16°C (61°F) in January, and San Remo fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Funchal usually receives more sunshine than San Remo during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Funchal. In January, Funchal usually receives more rain than San Remo. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Funchal 16°C (61°F) 
    San Remo 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Funchal or San Remo in the Spring?

Both San Remo and Funchal during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to San Remo for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

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

In the spring, Funchal often gets less sunshine than San Remo. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 198 hours of full sun.

Funchal usually gets more rain in April than San Remo. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for San Remo and Funchal

Funchal San Remo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)