A Travel Price Comparison for Portugal Setubal vs. Madeira Islands for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Setubal or Madeira Islands?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Setubal and Madeira Islands can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Setubal or Madeira Islands?

Setubal

Setubal is a busy working port and major commercial fishing center. Setubal is a city that has always had a close connection to the seas, and this is celebrated along the newly rejuvenated waterfront, which encompasses the colorful fishing harbor, the popular urban park and the Troia Peninsula ferry terminal. Within the charming historic center is a maze of narrow alleys, hidden plazas, and family-owned shops, along with Portugal's largest fish market. Setubal is primarily an industrial city, but is situated in a region of immense beauty; to the east is the stunning Serra da Arrabida, to the north is historic Palmela, while to the south are the paradise beaches of the Troia Peninsula. Setubal may not be a conventional holiday destination, but there is a surprising amount to see and do within the city and the surrounding region.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Madeira Islands or Setubal?

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

  • Setubal Prices
    Portugal Prices
    Madeira Islands Prices
    Portugal Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Setubal 149
    Madeira Islands 49,816

The average daily cost (per person) in Setubal is €149, while the average daily cost in Madeira Islands is €49,816. 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 Setubal and Madeira Islands in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Setubal 59
    Madeira Islands 23,804
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Setubal 118
    Madeira Islands
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    46
Compare Hotels in Setubal and Madeira Islands

Looking for a hotel in Setubal or Madeira Islands? 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 Setubal


Hotels in Madeira Islands


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: Setubal Hotel Prices and Madeira Islands Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Setubal 54
    Madeira Islands 4,784

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Setubal

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

  • Transfers (Lisbon - Évora) / (Évora - Lisbon): $286
  • Transfer Sesimbra to Lisbon Airport: $102
  • Setúbal: Ilha Deserta Boat Transfer with Free Time: $29
  • Sesimbra Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $57
  • Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach Taxi Boat Transfer Round Trip: $24
  • Boat Transfer to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach with Return: $24

Is it cheaper to fly into Setubal or Madeira Islands?

Prices for flights to both Madeira Islands and Setubal 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
    Setubal 60
    Madeira Islands 16,907

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Setubal

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

  • Traditional Evora Cooking Class & Wine Pairings in Fatima’s Home: $220
  • Lisbon Guided Tour with Live Fado Show and Traditional Dinner : $225
  • Authentic Evora Cooking Class with Wine in Chef Sofia’s Garden: $279

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Setubal 12
    Madeira Islands 13,949

Tours and Activities in Setubal

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

  • Horse Carriage Tour on the Mountain in Palmela: $183
  • Secrets of Setúbal: Exploration Game and Tour: $7.17
  • Évora Catholic History Tour: $101
  • Évora Cork and Castle Tour: $149
  • Évora Jewish History Tour: $101
  • Évora Private Walking Tour, By Local Guide: $56
  • Évora or Montemor-o-Novo: Guided Tour to Escoural Caves: $30
  • Évora: Private Walking Tour: $117
  • 4x4 Tour to the Wonders of Cabo Espichel : $60
  • 4x4 and Boat Tour in Arrabida Natural Park: $108
  • Arrábida - Sesimbra: Nature Jeep Tour: $65
  • Arrábida Kayak Tour with Secret Beaches & Beach Picnic: $185

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Setubal 10
    Madeira Islands 3,505

Sample the Local Flavors in Setubal

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Setubal:

  • Workshop - Wine Tasting 101: $72
  • Sesimbra: Half-Day Tour to Arrabida with Wine Tasting: $143
  • Private Half Day Arrabida Tour with Wine Tasting in Sesimbra: $146
  • Half Day Wine Tour Around Evora: $155
  • Setúbal Wine Tour, famous Moscatel DE Setúbal: $209
  • Lisbon Getaway: Private Arrabida Wine Tour with Cheese Tasting: $212


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Setubal and Madeira Islands, we can see that Madeira Islands is more expensive. And not only is Setubal much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Setubal would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Setubal 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 Setubal.

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


Which has a larger population, Setubal or Madeira Islands?

Madeira Islands has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Setubal. When comparing the sizes of Setubal and Madeira Islands, 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.