A Travel Price Comparison for Portugal Madeira Islands vs. Figueira da Foz for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Madeira Islands or Figueira da Foz?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Madeira Islands and Figueira da Foz can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Madeira Islands or Figueira da Foz?

Madeira Islands

Madeira, Portugal is an archipelago consisting of four islands, each covered with lush vegetation and mountainous landscapes. Madeira is famous for its fresh fish and namesake Madeira wine, which can be found throughout the main island. This area is the perfect blend of relaxing beaches and thrill-inducing activities such as paragliding and mountain biking. Portuguese is the main language here, although English is spoken widely by those in the tourism industry.

Figueira da Foz

Located along the glistening waters of the Atlantic Ocean, a bustling city thrives near its shores with towering skyscrapers guarding the city like metallic giants. Figueira da Foz, or simply Figueira, is nestled within the Columbia District and is both a city and municipality. Sheltered by the hills of Serra da Boa Viagem, Figueira is near the mouth of the Mondego River and right beside the Atlantic. Only about 40 kilometers from Coimbra, Figueira has a population of 46,600 and is the second largest city found throughout the region. Because it is a seaside city, Figueira subsists off of Portuguese as well as international tourism, maintaining its pristine beaches, supplying seaport facilities, and a plethora of restaurants, gift shops, cafes, and more. Some of the beaches include Quiaios, Cabedelo, Claridade, Costa de Lavos, Murtinheira, Leirosa, Molhe Norte, Cabo Mondego, and many more. Tourists are also attracted to Figueira because it is a well-known gambling spot in Portugal with the Casino da Figueira da Foz and the Casino da Figueira present and popular. There are also popular landmarks that are recommended by tourists to visit, such as Forte de Santa Catarina and Torre de Relogio. There is also a museum that features the history of the Figueira within the city. Whether you are looking to surf or sight-see, there is much to do in Figueira da Foz, Portugal.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Portugal.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Madeira Islands and Figueira da Foz, we can see that Madeira Islands is more expensive. And not only is Figueira da Foz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Figueira da Foz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Figueira da Foz 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 Madeira Islands would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Madeira Islands than you might in Figueira da Foz.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Madeira Islands Expensive? and Is Figueira da Foz Expensive?.

Which has a larger population, Madeira Islands or Figueira da Foz?

Madeira Islands has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Figueira da Foz. When comparing the sizes of Madeira Islands and Figueira da Foz, 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.