Funchal city breaks

What do you get when you mix flower-jewelled gardens, heritage-stamped landmarks and the sleekest of cocktail joints? Fabulous Funchal, that’s what. Let us whisk you away on a city break that gives ‘wild card’ a whole new meaning thanks to the lush levada walking trails that swirl the surrounding hillsides. Throw in quirky street art, local foodie treats and a calendar jam-packed with exciting events, and you’ll soon fall for Funchal’s charm. And if all that wasn’t enough, Madeira’s captivating capital just so happens to be coastal too. Need we say more?

Kaleidoscopic colours

Yes, Funchal city breaks are a floral fan’s fantasy, but it isn’t just the fabulous flowers that give this place its colours. Explore the chess-board-like squares, marvel at monochrome buildings and take in the terracotta rooftops, all from the comfort of a cable car! And check out the painted doors project!

Amazing museums

Dodge the midday sun with a spot of museum hopping. With no fewer than 15 to choose from, you’re sure to find one that’s especially of interest. Football, films, art, wine, even 3D art – there are spots dedicated to all sorts of amazing topics. So, where’s first?

Beach trips and lido dips

Pitch up at the pebbled plots of Praia do Gorgulho and Praia de Sao Tiago or take the short drive to Praia Formosa Beach for black sands and a promenade potter. Like to stay local? Funchal also has its very own lido – how cool is that!

Atlantida Apartments Funchal.

Funchal City, Funchal

plus

Our rating

Based on 181 reviews

Central location
500m from Santa Catarina Park
1.1km from Funchal Cable Car
Great service
Relaxed atmosphere

Hotel Madeira.

Funchal City, Funchal

Our rating

Based on 743 reviews

Located in the resort centre
450m from Funchal Cathedral
2.7km from Madeira Botanical Garden
Rooftop pool
Traditional charm

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Afternoon tea at Belmond Reid's Palace

Funchal

Traditional afternoon tea served on a clifftop terrace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean – Belmond Reid’s Palace is a must-visit. Fresh scones, dainty sandwiches, sumptuous pastries and special blend...

Madeira Flower Festival

Funchal

Experience Madeira in bloom and celebrate spring as parades, markets and exhibitions take over the island in April and May. The Float Parade, held since 1979, is a true spectacle. You’ll see hundreds of...

The Old Town

Funchal

Make like the locals with a plate of hearty, rustic food in the charming Old Town of Funchal. Think locally caught swordfish, smoky chorizo stew or marinated lamb chargrilled over hot coals. Authentic...

Language

Portuguese

Currency

Euro (€)

Time difference

+0hrs

Local beer

£2.45

One-way local transport ticket

£1.72

Meal for two

£30.90

Sightseeing

Funchal’s pretty paved streets are a marvel in themselves, but if charming churches and fabulous forts are your sort of thing, then this city’s sights will delight. Bit of a botanical buff? We can’t think of a better place for you. There are more gardens than you can shake a rake at around these parts!

Eating and drinking

Ooh la la! Feel fancy in Funchal with afternoon tea at Belmond Reid’s Palace. As well as cute-as-can-be sarnies, dainty cakes and a refreshing cuppa, you’ll also get some seriously impressive views. Into your seafood? Menus across the city are sure to catch your eye. And don’t miss a spot of wine tasting. When it comes to nightlife, the Old Town’s as cosmo as they come.

Shopping

Name a better way to while away a morning than at a farmer’s market? Mercado dos Lavradores ticks the box for atmosphere, colour, variety and vibe with its dramatic displays of fantastic fruit and veg. Fashion fans, La Vie shopping centre could be more your style. There are heaps of independent boutiques and speciality shops too.

Getting around

Hop on a bus, explore by foot, or take the cable car. Wait, what? That’s right, Funchal’s got a cable car that can whizz up to the mountaintop village of Monte for some of the best views of Funchal going! Check out the harbour and admire Madeira’s capital in all its sun-kissed glory.