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Welcome to Madeira’s 500-year-old capital, perched on a hill along the Garden Island’s southern coastline. Cobbled streets, stunning gardens, and a cosmopolitan marina are all part and parcel of Funchal holidays. This place flawlessly blends old with new, from the historic Old Town to the smart boutiques and bars. And it’s home to some super-stylish clubs, too, along with rustic restaurants serving up classic local fare. Don’t miss the famously colourful gardens; you can enjoy spectacular views across the bay from some of them. Looking for a beach? There are four of them nearby, just a half-hour walk from town.
3 hours 40 minutes
Fly to Madeira Airport (FNC)
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Funchal is perhaps best known for its glorious gardens. In fact, it’s often nicknamed ‘the Floating Garden’. These spectacular spaces are brimming with exotic flowers (like orchids, birds of paradise and azaleas), plus beautiful lakes and waterfalls. Shaded spots are perfect for picnics. Head up to the Monte Palace Tropical Garden for a jungle-like experience, and enjoy fine views over the town and bay from the top of the hill. Take the cable car if you don’t feel like climbing.
Not far from Funchal, there’s an array of beaches and lidos. Praia Formosa (a set of four beaches) is only a 25-minute walk from town. You’ll find black sand and pebble stretches to laze on, and there are handy changing rooms, snack bars and restaurants. Discover a mix of pebble beaches and pool complexes along the way, along with a lido. Many of them are tucked away between the cliffs and rocks.
Did you know than this town is named after the fennel that grows in the area? So it’s no surprise that there’s such a big focus on food here. Juicy pork in wine and garlic is a traditional dish; it’s served as Christmas dinner. See if you can find it in a local restaurant, and wash it down with a glass of fortified Madeira wine. For the fullest flavours, head to the lively Mercado dos Lavradores, which is the farmers’ market; it’s a highlight for any foodie traveller. Need a sugar fix? Pick a hearty slice of honey cake or sip a glass of the sweet poncha cocktail made with sugar-cane brandy.
Walkers: Beyond the manicured gardens, there’s a whole landscape to explore. Madeira’s lush volcanic terrain is laced with hiking trails, so follow the levada routes and see where they take you. Spring is particularly beautiful, when the spring flowers are in full bloom.
Couples: There’s a colourful vibe here when the sun goes down, with plenty of stylish cocktail bars and sophisticated restaurants around the marina. Where better to enjoy a romantic meal?
Culture lovers: Head for a film festival or an art exhibition; or join in with the annual wine harvest. And then there’s a wealth of local dishes just waiting to be sampled, too, so it’s perfect for foodies as well.
Language: The language spoken in Funchal is Portuguese
Currency: The currency used in Funchal is the euro (€)
Local time: Funchal is the same time as GMT/UK time.
Fly to: Madeira Airport. It takes about 1 hour to transfer to Funchal.
Flight time from UK: The Funchal flight time is 4 hours.
Tourist Information: Before your Funchal holidays, find our more at www.visitmadeira.pt
Visa and health: Check out www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal for visa and health recommendations for holidays to Funchal.
Temperature: 16-23 (°C)
The weather in Funchal is pleasant all year round. You can expect average highs of 18°C even in January. If you’re not a fan of the heat, book your Funchal holidays for spring, when the mercury hovers around the mid-teens. Summer temperatures are warm but comfortable, typically hovering in the mid-20s throughout the peak season. The weather stays warm and bright throughout the autumn and winter, with up to 10 hours of sunshine a day. But pack a mac, as there’s more rain at this time of year (it keeps the gardens looking lovely!).
Weather In Funchal
Jan, Feb, March, April, May, June, July, Aug, Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec
On foot: It’s the best way to explore the narrow streets Funchal’s Old Town. Why not stop for a break at a charming coffee shop?
By open-top bus: Hop on and off at all the key spots with the Yellow Bus Sightseeing Tours. Tickets are valid for 24 or 48 hours, and they can be used on public transport.
By cable car: Head up the hillside to the Monte district to discover breath-taking views. It only takes 15 minutes. Feeling brave? Whizz back down in a man-powered basket car.
By hire car: Explore Madeira with a hire car, and stop to soak up panoramic views and explore as many quaint villages as you like.
Carnival: During five jubilant days before Lent, Funchal’s city streets sparkle with lights and spirited parades.
Spring blooms: After Easter, Funchal’s annual Festa da Flor welcomes in spring. Expect glorious parades and don’t miss the floral Wall of Hope (Muro da Esperança).
Film festivals: From the famous Madeira Film Festival to the lesser-known Mudas Fest, Madeira has a full calendar of events for movie-lovers.
Christmas and New Year: What a magical time to be in Funchal. Festivities take place through December until Twelfth Night. Highlights include the Night at the Market just before Christmas and spectacular fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
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