Funchal

Funchal : Travel information before you go!

Discover the destination

The capital of Madeira, located in a well sheltered bay in the south-east, Funchal recalls Portugal while also evoking the ambience of an island far away. This city of around 100,000 residents offers a great quality of life in the countryside. Against a background of mountains to the north, Funchal gazes out to the Atlantic in the South. The traditional mosaics made from black and white paving stones adorn the streets just as they did in the past, while local merchants sell bouquets of estrelicias in front of the cathedral.

Pleasant and vibrant in any season, Funchal is particularly busy during the holiday season at the end of the year, the carnival and the Flower Festival held in April. The streets are home to floral floats, processions and other various performances. But thanks to the mild climate, the welcome is warm in every season. Funchal is a charming destination to linger about and to enjoy its unique combination of history, cuisine and conviviality.

The historic centre of Funchal deserves a sightseeing tour of at least a day. It is best to start by going to the Mercado dos Lavradores in the morning, the famous market on three levels that surrounds a paved black and white checkerboard patio. Another key trip in Funchal: a stop at a Madeira wine factory to conduct a tasting of various vintage, sercial, verdelho, bual and malmsey wines. The best addresses are located along the Avenida Arriaga 28, two streets away from the seafront.

pros

•  The historic district
•  The old houses and their gardens
•  The hikes along the 'levadas'

cons

•  The absence of beaches
•  The difficulty of travelling by car
•  The sizeable and steep slopes

Weather Funchal

Visit Funchal

• To see

  Visit the fish market, every day before noon, to see the famous swordfish when they leave the ocean. The seafront promenade, where boats are moored (replicas of ancient galleons) are transformed into restaurants. The botanical garden, perched on the heights, offers a beautiful view of the bay. You can walk there on foot from the centre of town, but put on a pair of good, comfortable shoes because the slope is steep.

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  To do

  A descent by taboggan from Monte is a must! These wicker sledges slide down the streets until Funchal but for more thrills, try a flight in a paraglider or a hang-glider. And do not forget to save time for a small hike along the levadas, which are trails on the side of hills, following the irrigation ditches.

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  To think about

  Visit in the autumn as the weather is a very pleasant 17°C to 20°C. In the spring, wait until March to avoid the rains. For a typical but very comfortable stay, choose a quinta (an old house transformed into a charming hotel). The cuisine is generally excellent, however, the swimming pool, proportionate to the number of rooms, is much smaller than in the larger hotels.

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• To avoid

  Try and embark on more than a day trip to Porto Moniz. Located on the north coast, this small seaside resort deserves at least a one night stay. Something different from the ambiance of Funchal, it would be a shame to stay only an hour or two. Also avoid attempting to climb the Pico Ruivo (3 hours of walking from Pico Arieiro) due to the unpredictable weather.

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  To try

  From swordfish to rabbit, octopus or cod - this is all typically Portugal. The corossols (cinammon apples), mangoes, papayas, passion fruit are a delight. For dessert or tea time, have a snack in one of the bakery-cafés in the centre of town with small cream cakes or cinnamon doughnuts.

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  To bring back

  Stock up on local Madeira wine, gingerbread cakes (which keep for several months), hand embroidered fabrics in the form of tablecloths, towels, table napkins, handkerchiefs and shirts and basket items. To buy wine from Madeira, start by trying some in a factory. Visit the embroidery museum in Funchal to learn how to distinguish the authentic hand made product from the rest.

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Portugal Travel guide

Portugal, All you need to know!

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• Useful Addresses 
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• Climate 
• Food 
• Souvenirs 

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Easyvoyage heads to Portguese island, Madeira!

Of a volcanic origin, the archipelago of Madeira is a true paradise for hikers hungry for wild landscapes. Its multiple levadas, the island's network of irrigation canals, offer unforgettable strolls through tunnels dug into the mountains and along lost paths in the forest. Its subtropical climate allows ...

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