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

Should you visit Funchal or Trieste?

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

Should I visit Funchal or Trieste? 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 Trieste?

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.

Trieste

Located on the northeast Italian coast next to the Adriatic Sea, Trieste is a city characterized by its European charm, ancient architecture, and striking sea views. Its art, music, history, and culture also take some influence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, boasting many Slavic traditions and empire-era architecture.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Trieste 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 Trieste is €123. 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 Trieste in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Funchal 52
    Trieste 55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Funchal 104
    Trieste 110
Compare Hotels in Funchal and Trieste

Looking for a hotel in Funchal or Trieste? 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 Trieste


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 Trieste Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Funchal 9.94
    Trieste 18

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Trieste

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

  • Private transfer from Piran to Ljubljana city: $267
  • Venice from Trieste Port - Transfer or Tour for Disembarking Ship: $260
  • Private transfer from Portoroz to Ljubljana city: $257
  • Private transfer from Izola to Ljubljana city: $244
  • Private transfer Trieste Airport from & to Ljubljana: $237
  • Private transfer from Lipica to airport Ljubljana: $234
  • Private Transfer Trieste Port to Venice Marco Polo Airport / City: $215
  • Private direct transfer with local driver from Trieste to Zagreb: $191
  • Transfer from Trieste to Venice Airport: $191
  • Private transfer from Trieste to Pula: $171
  • Private Transfer from Koper Port to Ljubljana Airport (LJU): $167
  • Private transfer from Ilirska Bistrica to Ljubljana city: $166

Is it cheaper to fly into Funchal or Trieste?

Prices for flights to both Trieste 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
    Trieste 54
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Trieste

For Trieste, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Unique Food Tour with Local Flavors and Tastings: $90
  • Istria - Truffles: Hunting & Cooking & Tasting, Slovenia: $154
  • 5-Course Food Tour with Electric Bikes: $298

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Funchal 15
    Trieste 22

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

Tours and Activities in Trieste

For Trieste, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • The best of Izola walking tour: $108
  • Amazing Private Tour Postojna and Predjama from Portoroz: $210
  • Best Venice Shore Excursion from Trieste Cruise Port: $94
  • Coastal Escape: Izola&Marezige Wine Hills Private tour from Koper: $179
  • Deluxe Venice Shore Excursion from Trieste Cruise Port: $102
  • Experience Trieste: $203
  • Explore highlights of Trieste on a private 3-hour walking tour: $299
  • Flavours of Istria Tasting Experience from Piran or Portoroz or Izola: $137
  • Food & Wine -> Gourmet tour in Piran: $143
  • Full Day Majestic Venice Tour with Canal Ride from Trieste : $105
  • Full Day Venice Tour from Trieste for First Time Cruise Visitors: $92
  • Guided tour of Cividale, a UNESCO site for Lombard history: $238

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Funchal 16
    Trieste 8.00

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Trieste

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Trieste:

  • Trip to Stanjel castle wine tasting and gourmet lunch 4 courses from Piran: $143
  • Experience Slovenian Coast line with Wine Tasting from Trieste: $182
  • Wine Tour on the Coast: $293


When comparing the travel costs between Funchal and Trieste, we can see that Trieste 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 Trieste Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Funchal or Trieste?

Trieste has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Funchal. When comparing the sizes of Funchal and Trieste, 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 Trieste?

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 Trieste in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Funchal and Trieste. Furthermore, most visitors come to Trieste for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Trieste this time of the year. In Funchal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Funchal usually receives less sunshine than Trieste during summer. Funchal gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Funchal usually receives less rain than Trieste. Funchal gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Funchal or Trieste in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Funchal as well as Trieste. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Trieste because of the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, Funchal often gets more sunshine than Trieste. Funchal gets 183 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun.

Funchal receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Funchal usually gets more rain in October than Trieste. Funchal gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Funchal or Trieste in the Winter?

Both Trieste and Funchal are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Trieste this time of year.

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

Funchal usually receives more sunshine than Trieste during winter. Funchal gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Funchal. In January, Funchal usually receives more rain than Trieste. Funchal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Funchal or Trieste in the Spring?

Both Trieste and Funchal during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Trieste for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Funchal often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Trieste. Funchal gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun.

Funchal usually gets less rain in April than Trieste. Funchal gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Trieste and Funchal

Funchal Trieste
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)