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

Should you visit Nafplio or Funchal?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Funchal? 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: Nafplio or Funchal?

Nafplio

The destination of Nafplio exists as a historic seaport town on the Peloponnese peninsula. From prevailing as a major port under royal succession in the Middle Ages to standing under the Republic of Venice, Ottoman Empire, and finally becoming capital of the First Hellenic Republic and then the Kingdom of Greece, this place has seen it all. Nafplio is now the capital of the region of Argolis.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best Tours for Seniors to Portugal, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Funchal or Nafplio?

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 Nafplio is €136, while the average daily cost in Funchal is €116. 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 Nafplio and Funchal in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nafplio 50
    Funchal 52
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nafplio 100
    Funchal 104
Compare Hotels in Nafplio and Funchal

Looking for a hotel in Nafplio or Funchal? 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 Nafplio


Hotels in Funchal


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: Nafplio Hotel Prices and Funchal Hotel Prices.

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

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 Nafplio or Funchal?

Prices for flights to both Funchal and Nafplio 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
    Nafplio 58
    Funchal 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

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

Tours and Activities in Nafplio

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

  • From Hydra Island Private-Tour to Nafplio, Epidaurus&Mycenae: $516

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
    Nafplio 6.86
    Funchal 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nafplio and Funchal, we can see that Nafplio 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 Nafplio would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nafplio 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 Nafplio Expensive? and Is Funchal Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Funchal?

Funchal has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Funchal, 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 Nafplio or Funchal?

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 Nafplio or Funchal in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Funchal. The summer months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nafplio is generally a little warmer than Funchal. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 25°C (76°F), and Funchal fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Funchal this time of the year. In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives more sunshine than Funchal during summer. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Funchal receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nafplio usually receives less rain than Funchal. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nafplio 25°C (76°F) 
    Funchal 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Funchal in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Funchal. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year.

Nafplio is cooler than Funchal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Funchal fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nafplio this time of the year. In the autumn, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Funchal. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Funchal receives 183 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Funchal. Nafplio receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nafplio usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Funchal. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nafplio 19°C (66°F) 
    Funchal 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Funchal in the Winter?

Both Funchal and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Nafplio is much colder than Funchal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nafplio in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Funchal averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Funchal during winter. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Funchal receives 141 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Funchal. It's quite rainy in Nafplio. In January, Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of rain as Funchal. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nafplio 10°C (51°F) 
    Funchal 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Nafplio or Funchal in the Spring?

Both Funchal and Nafplio during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Nafplio is generally cooler than Funchal. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 15°C (58°F), and Funchal fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the spring, Nafplio often gets more sunshine than Funchal. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Funchal receives 182 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets less rain in April than Funchal. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Funchal receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nafplio 15°C (58°F) 
    Funchal 17°C (63°F)

Typical Weather for Funchal and Nafplio

Nafplio Funchal
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 102 mm (4 in) 16°C (61°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
May 18°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 25°C (76°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)