Funchal is the capital city of Portugal's Madeira archipelago. It's backed by hills, and known for its harbor, gardens and Madeira wine cellars. The centuries-old Funchal Cathedral, which mixes Gothic and Romanesque styles, is notable for its carved wooden ceiling. Fronting the harbor is the São Tiago Fortress, built in the 1600s. It now houses the Contemporary Art Museum, with a large collection of Portuguese works.
☀️ Spring (March – May) → Best for Flowers & Pleasant Weather
✅ Famous Madeira Flower Festival (April-May) 🌸
✅ Mild temperatures (17–22°C / 63–72°F)
✅ Perfect for hiking and exploring
☀️ Summer (June – August) → Best for Beach Lovers & Festivals
✅ Sunny & warm (22–27°C / 72–81°F)
✅ Great for swimming, sailing & dolphin watching 🐬
❌ More tourists & higher prices
🍂 Fall (September – November) → Best for Wine Lovers & Mild Weather
✅ Madeira Wine Festival 🍷 (September)
✅ Warm (20–25°C / 68–77°F)
✅ Fewer crowds than summer
❄️ Winter (December – February) → Best for Christmas & New Year Fireworks
✅ Funchal has Europe’s best New Year fireworks 🎆
✅ Mild temperatures (16–21°C / 61–70°F)
✅ Great for whale watching 🐋
🌟 Best Overall Months to Visit: April, May, September, October – Nice weather, fewer crowds & great events!
Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC) is 20 minutes from Funchal.
Direct flights from Lisbon (1.5h), Porto (2h), UK (3.5h), Germany (4h), US (7h with layover in Lisbon).
🚖 Airport to Funchal:
Taxi: ~€25
Airport Bus (Aerobus): ~€5 (cheaper option)
Cruise Ships often stop in Funchal.
Ferry from Porto Santo Island (~2.5 hours).
Monte Palace Tropical Garden 🌿 – Lush gardens & exotic plants with stunning ocean views.
Funchal Cable Car 🚡 – Take a scenic ride from Funchal to Monte.
Toboggan Ride (Carros de Cesto) 🛷 – Ride down the streets in a traditional wicker sled!
São Tiago Fort 🏰 – A yellow fortress with ocean views & a history museum.
Funchal Old Town (Zona Velha) 🏡 – Colorful streets, street art & local shops.
Sé Cathedral of Funchal ⛪ – A historic 16th-century cathedral.
Madeira Botanical Garden 🌺 – A paradise of flowers & exotic plants.
Pico do Arieiro ⛰️ – Amazing mountain views (best sunrise spot!).
Mercado dos Lavradores 🍍 – Traditional market selling fresh fruit & fish.
CR7 Museum ⚽ – Cristiano Ronaldo’s museum & statue (he’s from Madeira!).
✔ Try a Wicker Toboggan Ride 🛷
✔ Take a Boat Tour to See Dolphins & Whales 🐬
✔ Taste Madeira Wine in a Wine Lodge 🍷
✔ Walk Along the Funchal Marina at Sunset 🌅
✔ Ride the Cable Car to Monte Palace Gardens 🚡
✔ Go Levada Hiking in the Mountains 🥾
✔ Eat Local Food at Mercado dos Lavradores 🍍
✔ Experience Funchal’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks 🎆
✔ Visit Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools 🏊
✔ Take a Jeep Tour Around Madeira’s Mountains 🚙
Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel – The most famous luxury hotel in Funchal.
The Cliff Bay Hotel – Stunning ocean views & Michelin-star restaurant.
Savoy Palace – A grand hotel with a world-class spa.
Castanheiro Boutique Hotel – Modern & stylish, great location.
Quinta da Casa Branca – A beautiful garden hotel.
Hotel Porto Santa Maria – Perfect for couples & near the Old Town.
29 Madeira Hostel – Affordable & cozy.
Residencial Mariazinha – A charming guesthouse in Old Town.
Jaca Hostel Funchal – A trendy hostel with a rooftop.
🥩 Espetada – Traditional skewered beef grilled over an open fire.
🐟 Black Scabbard Fish (Espada com Banana) – A unique fish served with banana.
🥘 Bolo do Caco – Garlic butter bread served with seafood or meat.
🍍 Passion Fruit & Exotic Fruits – Try Madeira’s fresh tropical fruits.
🍷 Poncha – A local cocktail made with sugar cane rum, honey, and lemon.
Armazém do Sal – Modern twist on traditional Madeiran food.
Casa Madeirense – Best for grilled Espetada skewers.
O Tasco – Hidden gem for fresh seafood.
Restaurante Do Forte – Great food inside São Tiago Fort.
Venda Velha – Best place to try Poncha cocktail!
People in Funchal are very friendly & most speak English.
Tipping: 5-10% in restaurants is appreciated but not required.
Shops & Markets close early (around 6-7 PM).
Madeira is famous for its nature & outdoor activities, so bring comfortable shoes!
✔ Funchal Cable Car Ticket: ~€12 one way (€18 return).
✔ Monte Toboggan Ride: ~€30 for two people.
✔ Madeira Botanical Garden Ticket: ~€7.50 per person.
✔ Dolphin & Whale Watching Tour: ~€35-€50 per person.
🚀 Want a guided tour?
Viator / GetYourGuide offer levada hikes, boat tours & jeep tours.
Rent a car if you want to explore Madeira’s mountains & coastline.