You're Going to Love Funchal
The beautiful capital of the Portuguese island of Madeira, Funchal offers vibrant markets, tranquil gardens, easy access to the island's dramatic interior, historic sights and much, much more. It's a little mid-Atlantic miracle.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Funchal
1. A Wealth of Historic Architecture
Madeira grew rich on sugar, wine and shipping, and it has splendid architecture to prove it. Highlights include the São Lourenço Palace and the 16th century Sé Cathedral, but the whole town is beautiful.
2. Enjoy Some Madeira Wine
A delicious fortified wine, Madeira is the perfect way to round off a vacation meal. Try it at leading wine bars like Blandy's or Beef and Wines.
3. It's a Great Place for Active Vacations
With plenty of nearby golf courses, the chance to paraglide over the valleys, canoe hire from the harbor and mountain biking trails across the island, Madeira is a wonderful destination for energetic travelers.
4. Excellent Art Galleries
Funchal may not be Paris or Venice, but galleries like the Museu de Arte Contemporânea and the Museu de Arte Sacra hold magnificent collections that were acquired by the island's sugar and wine families.
5. Stunning Beaches Not Far Away
Barreirinha, with its saltwater pool, city beaches like Ponta Gorda - with safe swimming for kids - and more distant resorts like Porto Santo make Funchal a fine beach destination.
When to Visit Funchal
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Most tourists arrive during Funchal's summer season between late June and late September. However, don't discount spring, when the Flower Festival shows off the island's famous, and dazzling, blooms.
How to Get to Funchal
Plane
Funchal Airport has plenty of connections to European airports. From there, take the Aerobus (EUR5, 30 minutes).
Car
If you are picking up a vehicle at the airport, take the VR-1 highway and then the ER103. It should take around 20-30 minutes.
Bus
Aerobuses run from Funchal Airport, and routes across the island are provided by Rodoeste and SAM.
Airlines serving Funchal
Where to stay in popular areas of Funchal
Most booked hotels in Funchal
How to Get Around Funchal
Public Transportation
Buses run to all of Funchal's suburbs. To ride them, you'll need to purchase a rechargeable Giro card for EUR2.20. After that, single tickets cost EUR1.50.
Taxi
If you need a taxi in Funchal, expect to pay around EUR2.70 for the meter drop, then EUR2 per mile after that.
Car
Car rental options in Funchal include Europcar, Rodavante and Hertz, and daily rates can be as low as EUR10.
The Cost of Living in Funchal
Shopping Streets
The best place to shop is the Mercado Dos Lavradores (particularly for flowers). You can buy fine wines at Blandy's Wine Lodge, while the Dolce Vita shopping mall offers a wide range of international brands.
Groceries and Other
Supermarkets in Funchal include Pingo Doce and Continente, where you can expect to spend around EUR2.30 on 12 eggs.
Where to Eat in Funchal
If you want great food to accompany your fortified wine, Funchal delivers. Fantastic local eateries include the pan-European specialists Restaurante Mozart, Portuguese seafood masters O Tasco and Il Gallo d'Oro, the only Michelin-starred restaurant on the island. Prices vary, but meals should come to about EUR20.