adminVisiting Funchal is, naturally, one of the first things you will do when travelling in Madeira island and indeed you must! Being the capital of Madeira island, Funchal is establishing itself as a tourist destination of excellence and, on any trip to the island of Madeira, it is mandatory to visit Funchal. Yet, some of those who visit Madeira island are passengers on large cruise ships that stop there, and therefore spend little time on the island and only end up visiting Funchal. However, more and more people are dedicating their time to exploring and discovering the secrets of Madeira island, and of the smaller, but no less attractive, Porto Santo island.
With a strategic position, and with good accessibility, you can explore many of Madeira’s must-see places from Funchal. For example, you can explore the nature trails, the famous and beautiful levadas of Madeira, and relax in Funchal. Thus, to stay in Funchal is a practical choice. But Funchal also has its own charms and there are many reasons why you will enjoy your stay in the city. There are museums to see, culture to enjoy, history to learn about, and shopping to do when visiting Funchal. In addition, the best restaurants and hotels on the island are in Funchal. For all these reasons, visiting Funchal is something you shouldn’t miss.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PRACTICAL TIPS TO VISIT FUNCHAL
1. When to visit Funchal
Madeira and Funchal have a Mediterranean climate, with mild temperatures throughout the year, with two distinct seasons, without major temperature variations, from October to April, with regular rainfall, and from May to September, with little rainfall. The city of Funchal is located in a bay, surrounded by mountains and volcanic peaks. The urban fabric extends from sea level to an altitude of 800 meters. Humidity is always high, which translates into a real sensation of heat above the recorded temperatures.
For more information about the weather in Portugal, don’t forget to check out our “Plan your trip”.
2. How to get to Funchal
Getting to Madeira island and Funchal is increasingly cheaper. In addition to regular TAP flights, there are Low Cost flights and it is possible to find good deals by searching the internet. It is possible to get to Madeira for around €50/round trip from Lisbon.
You can search and buy your flight to Portugal here.
You will arrive at Madeira International Airport “Cristiano Ronaldo” and from there you can take a transfer to your hotel.
Buy your transfer from Funchal airport to your hotel here.
You can also reach Funchal by boat. The port of Funchal is a mandatory stopover for European cruises, which then head to Morocco, the Canary Islands, the Caribbean or Brazil.
3. How to get around when visiting Funchal and traveling in Madeira
The best way to explore Madeira is to rent a car. There are several car rental agencies at the airport and in different cities on the island. It is possible to use public transport between cities to visit Funchal, but it will be difficult to arrange transport to the hiking trails or to certain smaller places, even in Funchal.
If you don’t have a car, you can rent a car in Funchal (Madeira Island) through this link.
4. Tours you can take when you visit Funchal
Without your own transport (or if you prefer to enjoy organized excursions), you can settle in Funchal and take daily tours to discover the main attractions of Madeira island.
• Excursion to the best of western Madeira – See the natural beauty of western Madeira up close. Explore deep valleys and visit traditional fishing villages. Enjoy breathtaking views from Cabo Girão Skywalk and marvel at the volcanic pools of Porto Moniz.
• Visit Curral das Freiras (Nuns Valley) – Discover Madeira’s unique flora and fauna on a scenic van tour through Vale das Freiras from Funchal. Travel through the interior of the island, visit the town of Câmara de Lobos and admire the views along the way.
• Hike the Vereda do Pico Areeiro trail – Enjoy a hike to the highest point in Madeira – Pico Ruivo. See spectacular views, enjoy the company of award-winning guides and enjoy a beautiful walk through a volcanic rock with lava veins, jagged peaks and amazing flowers!
• East Madeira Island Tour and Levada Walk – This tour includes views of the mountains and forests of eastern Madeira. The tour takes place in your preferred language aboard a modern, air-conditioned minibus with space for just 8-14 people and the driver/guide. Lunch included.
• Visit the Porto Moniz Natural Pools – If you don’t rent a car, you can get here with a tour from Funchal, namely this one.
• Visit Serra do Rabaçal and Paul da Serra – If you don’t rent a car, you can get here with a tour from Funchal, namely this one.
• Visit Ponta de São Lourenço – You can tour this area, including walking. Book the Ponta de São Lourenço tour here.
• Visit Câmara de Lobos – If you don’t rent a car, you can get here with a tour from Funchal, namely this one.
• Do some of Madeira´s hoking trails in an organized tour: Walk on a levada, the Caldeirada do Caldeirão Verde or the Levada das 25 Fontes.
5. Where to sleep in Funchal
Pamper yourself and stay in a good hotel when visiting Funchal. On our visit to the island of Madeira, we stayed in two different places in Funchal. In the first, for several days in a row, we chose to stay in a house, a closed condominium. We stayed at Palheiro Village – Golf, Gardens & Spa, which is a complex of luxury apartments and villas that can be rented in Funchal.
After going to Porto Santo, we returned to Madeira but we only needed accommodation for one night. So, we decided to “offer” ourselves a little treat: a night at Casa Velha do Palheiro Relais & Chateaux, a classic and deluxe hotel in Funchal. The choice of accommodation was also a great way to visit Madeira.
If you are going to visit Funchal, one of the most important points is accommodation. Some of the best hotels to stay at are:
• Castanheiro Boutique Hotel
• Hotel Porto Santa Maria – PortoBay – Adults Only
• Casa da Praça Apartments – by Casas na Ilha
• Quinta da Casa Branca
• Hotel Baia Azul
• Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira
• Quinta B.
• Belvedere Boutique – Adults only
• Babosas Village
6. How to get travel insurance in Portugal
Travel insurance is more important than ever for a trip without worries, even when the trip does not involve any particularly dangerous activities. Like Portuguese people use to say “You don’t play with health!”.
You can buy your travel insurance for the trip to Portugal through this link.
7. Using bank cards in Portugal
Portugal is integrated into the international banking system, so using debit or credit cards will not be a problem in handling money in Portugal. With your debit or credit card, you can make payments at any store or commercial establishment, as well as withdraw euros in ATMs, which are widely available, the national network being called Multibanco. You can also find international networks of ATMs, but be careful with the conversion and transaction fees that are applied.
When we travel abroad, we use the Wise debit Mastercard®. The borderless Wise account comes with a debit card and allows you to spend anywhere in the world at the real exchange rate. You will receive low conversion rates, free ATM withdrawals of up to £ 200 per month and zero transaction fees. You can create your Wise multi-currency account here and get your Wise debit card.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO WHEN YOU VISIT FUNCHAL
To be able to visit Funchal with time to discover all the best that the city of Funchal has to offer, we suggest that you dedicate two days to the city itself, and then at least two more days to explore Madeira island. So here are our suggestions for what to see and do when visiting Funchal.
1. Stroll through Praça do Município
In the Praça do Município (Municipality Square), visit the Igreja do Colégio dos Jesuítas (Jesuit College Church), and go up to the tower, with a unique view. In the Paços do Concelho (City Council building) you can visit the halls of the Ala Nobre (Noble Wing) and the inner courtyard. You should also visit the Museum of Sacred Art of Funchal, located in the former Bishop’s Palace of Funchal, where you can admire a great collection of Flemish Art (founded in the sugar trade between Madeira and Flanders).
2. Visit the Cathedral of Funchal
Built in 1514, it is a must-see when visiting Funchal, and is still today one of the most beautiful buildings in the city of Funchal. The ceiling and gilded carvings, from the Manueline period, stand out in its interior.
3. Visit Farmers Market
In a 1940s building, with three floors around a patio, in Farmers Market you can taste some of the best fruits and fresh products in Madeira, or buy the catch of the day at Praça do Peixe (Fish Square) when visiting Funchal.
4. Stroll in the Old Town
Lose yourself in the Old Town of Funchal and its narrow cobbled streets. The first settlement was born there, and the settlement of the city began in 1424, when João Gonçalves Zarco claimed the island of Madeira for the Portuguese Crown. It is there where you can find the biggest offer of bars and nightlife in the city of Funchal.
5. Shopping in the Old Town
Explore the typical downtown streets, where tradition and commerce go hand in hand. And if you like to get to know the local curiosities up close, why not opt for a walking tour of Funchal?
You can buy here your Old Town Walking Tour.
Another option to visit Funchal is to use the hop on – hop off bus, a great way to get to know the city.
You can buy the hop on – hop off bus ticket here.
6. Taste the typical food of the island of Madeira
Walk along Rua de Santa Maria, one of the oldest in the city, and just choose from the many restaurants to enjoy the excellent regional cuisine. Be sure to try the grilled limpets and bolo do caco with butter, and fish and seafood kebabs when visiting Funchal.
7. Taste Madeira Wine at Blandy’s Wine Lodge
One of the oldest Madeira Wine cellars in Funchal, there you can learn more about the history of production, storage, marketing and export of Madeira Wine, known worldwide. And, of course, don’t forget to taste the nectar of the gods when you visit Madeira!
8. Take the Funchal Cable Car
Get a unique perspective on the city, known as Cidade Jardim, taking a trip from downtown to the top of the parish of Monte. The route is just over 3 km long, with a drop of 580 m, taking 15 minutes. As it goes up, the urban fabric gives way to green slopes, having a privileged view of the bay, the sea and the city. A must-see when visiting Funchal.
9. Ride Funchal’s Basket Carts
After the cable car trip, let yourself be dazzled by the view from the viewpoints when visiting Funchal. Or enter the Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte, dedicated to the patron saint of Madeira. But sooner or later it will be time to return to Funchal. The return can be done again by cable car, but there is a much more fun and different alternative: the famous Basket Carts. Since 1850, tourists have descended to Funchal in a kind of wicker sleigh, along sloping streets, at high speed, but always safely, and guided by experienced drivers whose boots act as brakes. A unique experience when visiting Madeira Island!
Buy a tour with the experience of Basket Carts here.
10. Visit Funchal Botanical Garden
Another option after the Basket Carts is to return on the Botanical Garden Cable Car, departing from Largo das Babosas, which will take you to one of the most beautiful gardens in Madeira, located in Quinta do Bom Sucesso and with superb views over the city. There you can admire a fascinating and varied collection of plant species, the result of the optimal conditions that Madeira offers for their growth. A place worth visiting in Madeira.
You can buy the cable car ticket to the Botanical Garden here.
11. Explore Funchal’s seaside
When visiting Funchal, walk along Estrada Monumental and Avenida do Mar, enjoying the magnificent sea front. On this tour, enjoy the bay of Funchal from the viewpoint of Parque de Santa Catarina, visit the Electricity Museum (installed where the former Funchal Thermal Power Plant used to work), and be sure to visit the restored Fortaleza de São Tiago, from 1614, which protected the city of corsair attacks.
12. Discover the CR7 Museum
Next to the Funchal Marina, be sure to visit the CR7 Museum, a space dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo, a native of Madeira, and get to know the history of the best football player in the world, from his humble beginnings to his fortune and glory in the big European clubs. Another place to know when visiting Funchal.
13. Visit Design Center Nini
At the sea port, visit the Design Center Nini Andrade Silva (a Madeiran designer), located in the building of the Fortaleza da Nossa Senhora da Conceição (formerly the home of Gonçalves Zarco) and enjoy a breathtaking view over the bay of Funchal. There you can also try one of the best restaurants in town. Follow the chef’s suggestion and opt for a menu with wine by the glass suited to each of the dishes. You will enjoy this experience when you visit Madeira.
14. Enjoy the sea and see whales and dolphins in Madeira
Visiting Funchal and not enjoying the sea is a big mistake. Rest and sunbathe at Praia Formosa. Or enjoy an activity linked to the sea, such as whale watching or boat trips.
You can book a whale and dolphin watching tour here.
15. Relax at Palheiro Gardens
Outside Funchal, be sure to visit Quinta do Palheiro, acquired by the Blandy family, famous for making Madeira Wine, in 1885. There you can stroll through the best garden in Madeira, with trees and plants from all over the world and, of course, of the island itself. You can also stay at Casa Velha do Palheiro, restored and opened in 1997, and, who knows, stay in the King of Portugal Dom Carlos suite, who stayed there in 1901.
16. Spend New Year’s Eve in Funchal
Spending New Year’s Eve in Funchal is a memorable experience that attracts more and more people. We have never been to Funchal at this time, but we recommend that you try to visit Funchal on New Year’s Eve.
Book your New Year’s Eve here aboard a catamaran to see the fireworks.
17. Visit the Desertas Islands from Funchal
The Desertas Islands are a Nature Reserve and are located southeast of Madeira and Funchal. They are made up of three islands (Ilhéu Chão, Deserta Grande and Bugio) and adjacent islets, scattered in the direction of Ponta de São Lourenço (the eastern end of Madeira Island). They are 22 nautical miles away from Funchal, so it is possible to visit the Desertas Islands from Funchal.
18. Taste all types of passion fruit from Madeira
Banana passion fruit, lemon passion fruit, orange passion fruit, tomato passion fruit, pineapple-banana… and the bananas of Madeira. Taste all the tropical fruits of Madeira. You will love this experience when visiting Funchal.
