Lidos and lilos

In town there’s a famous lido complex, with botanical gardens and separate children’s pools. Walk 25 minutes out of town and you’ll come to Praia Formosa – four black sand and pebble beaches. Stop at one of the restaurants or cafes here, or stroll back to town along the prom. 

The garden of Europe

Winston Churchill was a big fan of Madeira, calling it the ‘floating garden’. In Funchal, you’ll find some of the world’s most exquisite floral displays, and there are six public gardens worth checking out. There’s even a famous flower festival that takes place every year, two weeks after Easter. 

An upbeat nightlife

Funchal might be an old city, but it’s also a modern capital, with stylish tapas restaurants and café bars. Head down to the marina and you’ll find cocktails and modern Portuguese dishes on the menu. And there are discos and clubs downtown, where DJs keep the crowd going until the early hours.