Funchal

Travel Guide
Funchal which includes night scenes and a coastal town
The capital of the Portuguese island of Madeira is a beautiful city on the southern coast offering beaches, historic buildings and marine wildlife adventures. 

With houses built on the side of a hill, an attractive bay and a mountainous backdrop, Funchal has one of Portugal’s most beautiful settings. The coastal city is the capital of the island of Madeira and combines a modern beach resort with hundreds of years of history. Surf, tour ancient buildings and sail the ocean to see whales and dolphins.

The town is named for the bright yellow fennel (funcho in Portuguese) that grew here when the Portuguese settled the area in the early 15th century.

Funchal’s natural beauty isn’t confined to the coast and surrounding mountains. Spend a few hours in the sunken, rose and French gardens of Jardins de Palheiro. Stroll through Jardim Orquidea’s miniature jungle filled with varied orchid species. Enjoy thousands of blooms at the Madeira Botanical Gardens.

Explore the historic buildings of the old town area. Admire the stained-glass windows, baroque altars and gothic arches of the 16th-century Sé Cathedral. Amble along cobblestone streets lined by old buildings, some dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Visit the Museo Municipal for its natural history exhibits. Gaze at the collection of Turkish and North African decorative tiles at the Frederico de Freitas Museum.

Ride the cable car up to Monte, a small village 1,804 feet (550 meters) above sea level. When you want to come back down to Funchal, ride a toboggan. These resemble large wicker baskets and are pushed down the steep roads by drivers.

Walk along the promenade from the city center to the Praia Formosa, a collection of beaches. Venture farther out to sea on a dolphin- and whale-watching trip or take a boat cruise along the coast.

As Madeira’s capital city, Funchal has good transportation links. Madeira Airport is 13 miles (21 kilometers) away. With Funchal’s mild subtropical climate, its beaches, gardens and historic sites can be enjoyed year-round.

Where to stay in Funchal

... Madeira continues

Old Town Funchal

While visiting Old Town Funchal, you might make a stop by sights like Funchal-Monte Teleferico and Funchal Farmers Market.

Old Town Funchal
Museum of Natural History which includes street scenes and a city

Sao Pedro

4.5/5(7 area reviews)

Sao Pedro is known for its colorful gardens, and you can plan a trip to Fortaleza do Pico and Holy Trinity Church while you're in town.

Sao Pedro
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Imaculado Coracao de Maria

Travelers enjoy Imaculado Coracao de Maria for its gardens and seaside views. Consider checking out Quinta Palmeira while you're in the area.

Imaculado Coracao de Maria
Funchal, Madeira Portugal

São Roque

Travelers like the restaurants in São Roque, and Funchal Ecological Park is a top attraction you might want to visit.

São Roque
Pestana Carlton Madeira Ocean Resort Hotel
Pestana Carlton Madeira Ocean Resort Hotel
5 out of 5
Largo Antonio Nobre, Funchal
The price is ¥24,920 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
¥24,920
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Funchal. Enjoy free WiFi, a marina, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (992 reviews)
"Nice hotel in good location. Lacked atmosphere at night. Beautiful pool area."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

Pestana Carlton Madeira Ocean Resort Hotel
Savoy Palace - The Leading Hotels of the World - Savoy Signature
Savoy Palace - The Leading Hotels of the World - Savoy Signature
5 out of 5
Avenida do Infante, 25, Funchal
The price is ¥54,896 per night from Apr 2 to Apr 3
¥54,896
per night
Apr 2 - Apr 3
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Funchal. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (345 reviews)
"Amazing hotel will be going back"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Savoy Palace - The Leading Hotels of the World - Savoy Signature
Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira
Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira
5 out of 5
Estrada Monumental 139, Funchal
The price is ¥93,360 per night from Apr 5 to Apr 6
¥93,360
per night
Apr 5 - Apr 6
Stay at this beach hotel in Funchal. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Barreiros Stadium and Madeira Casino are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (520 reviews)
"A wonderful property. Elegant and luxurious. Full of the charm of an older era but with every modern convenience and comfort of a true 5 star hotel of today. The management and staff were outstanding . Beautiful setting overlooking Funchal and the sea, surrounded by very pretty gardens. A perfect ..."

Reviewed on Dec 2, 2023

Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Florasol Residence Hotel
Florasol Residence Hotel
3 out of 5
Estrada Monumental 306, Funchal
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly aparthotel in Funchal. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a children's pool. Popular attractions Lido Bathing Complex and Ponta ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (133 reviews)
"Just love this place!"

Reviewed on Feb 9, 2024

Florasol Residence Hotel
Terrace Mar
Terrace Mar
3 out of 5
Travessa do Valente 7, Funchal
Stay at this 3-star spa aparthotel in Funchal. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and room service. Popular attractions CR7 Museum and Funchal Farmers Market ...
9/10 Wonderful! (73 reviews)
Lovely hotel in Funchal
"The Terrace Mar was a great choice for iur four night stay in Funchal. It is located in a inice area,with plenty of restaurants and bars within a short walking distance. The airport bus stop is just around the corner, which was really convenient. We booked a junior suite,which was huge,with everything ..."

Reviewed on Nov 26, 2023

Terrace Mar
Pestana Ocean Bay Resort
Pestana Ocean Bay Resort
4 out of 5
Praia Formosa, Funchal
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Funchal. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a marina. Popular attractions CR7 Museum and Funchal Farmers Market are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (191 reviews)
"Right on the boardwalk of Formosa beach. Love the access"

Reviewed on Feb 16, 2024

Pestana Ocean Bay Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Funchal

4.8
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
72
" "5 - Excellent 76.59574468085107%
4 - Good
21
" "4 - Good 22.340425531914892%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 1.0638297872340425%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 2, 2020

Beautiful city and island. We will be back!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 8, 2020

Funchal is a nice city with several activity. People are nice, the weather was great.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 6, 2020

Great city, very hospitable, nice, safe. Really enjoyed!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Dec 9, 2019

Fabulous, will definitely visit again

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Dec 8, 2019

Beautiful definitley visit again, definitely stay at the orca praia again highly recommended, right on the beach, very well priced and a lovely swimming pool, great staff and great food

5/5 - Excellent

Becki
Nov 25, 2019

Enjoyed the tram ride to the top of the mountain. Beautiful views of Funchal and the ocean.

Cities near Funchal