Funchal travel guide

Funchal, the capital city of Portugal's Madeira archipelago, is known for its mild subtropical climate. The city enjoys moderate temperatures all year round, with average highs ranging from 18°C in the coldest months (January and February) to 26°C in the hottest months (August and September). Rainfall is spread throughout the year but is most significant from October to April, with November being the wettest month.

Summers in Funchal are typically warm and dry, while winters are cooler and wetter, although still quite mild compared to many other European destinations. Despite the rainfall, Funchal boasts an average of 7-9 hours of sunshine daily throughout the year. The city's coastal location can bring occasional sea breezes, which can be refreshing during the warmer summer months.

When packing for a visit to Funchal, it's advisable to prepare for a range of weather conditions, as temperatures can vary significantly between the city and the surrounding mountain areas. Lightweight clothing is suitable for summer, while a raincoat or umbrella could be useful in winter or during the wetter months.

Home to plenty of top attractions, Funchal is more than just a wonderful city in Portugal. Funchal is a travel hotspot and a great place to experience a mix of the traditional and modern culture of Portugal.

One fascinating sight in Funchal is the unforgettable Monte Palace Madeira. Considered one of the most well-known attractions in the city, a visit to this spectacular travel destination is something you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Funchal. This remarkable attraction is located at Caminho das Babosas 4 e 4A, 9050-541 Funchal, Portugal and is open for visitors Monday - Sunday, between 09:30-18:00.

For more information about what you can expect during a vacation in Portugal, check out our list of top attractions in Funchal below. Discover the best places to visit in Funchal, including the fascinating Monte Palace Madeira, CR7 Cristiano Ronaldo Museum, Funchal Cathedral, Miradouro Pico dos Barcelos, and Jardim Municipal do Funchal.

Use this map to find the location of all top attractions in Funchal.

Traveling is all about gaining new experiences. You can have that and more in the city of Funchal.

Funchal offers numerous tours and activities for travelers to choose from. Ports of Call Tours, Bus Tours, and Guided Day Trips are only a few of the many experiences you can book for your holiday in Portugal.

Explore the most popular experiences you can join in Funchal by clicking on one of the top-rated tour categories below.

Travelers in Funchal can choose from 16 categories of top-rated tours and tickets. If you're curious about what the most frequently recommended experiences in the city are, Shore Excursions is the answer.

The most popular tour in Funchal is the fantastic Levada da Referta - Castelejo. By joining this highly recommended tour, travelers get to learn more about what makes Funchal one of the best travel destinations in Portugal.

Funchal also offers plenty of budget-friendly tours and activities that promise travelers a unique experience in the city. The affordable Madeira Airport Shuttle Transfer one way is the cheapest tour in the city, and is a popular Bus Service. This experience costs around 9 EUR and allows travelers a great time in Funchal. Around 13 travelers have given this activity an average rating of 4 stars out of 5.

Secure an unforgettable experience for your upcoming trip to Funchal and book a top-rated tour in the city. Discover the best tours, activities, and tickets in Funchal below.

Discover the best things to do in Funchal. Choose from 333 fantastic tours and activities available in the city.

Select your dates and number of travelers in the search bar below to receive the best recommendations for your vacation in Funchal. Click the green button to view your options.

Funchal, the beautiful capital of Madeira, offers a rich culinary scene ranging from traditional street food to high-end restaurants. The Old Town is renowned for its local cuisine with the narrow, cobbled streets lined with family-owned taverns and cafes. Here, you must try ‘Espetada’, a traditional dish of beef skewers seasoned with garlic and salt, grilled over wood or charcoal. Another local favourite is ‘Bolo do caco’, a round bread served with garlic butter, often accompanied by ‘Picado’, a dish of diced beef or pork. For seafood lovers, the ‘Lapas grelhadas’, grilled limpets, are a must-try. If you want to explore fine dining, head to the Lido area where you will find an array of high-end restaurants serving exquisite Madeiran and Portuguese dishes. The best places to eat in Funchal often offer ‘Poncha’, a typical Madeiran drink made from sugar cane rum, honey, sugar, and lemon or orange juice. Remember, it's customary to tip 10% of your bill in Funchal, so keep this in mind to show appreciation for the wonderful culinary experiences the city offers.

Funchal, the capital of Madeira, Portugal, is a shopping haven featuring a rich blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern fashion. Renowned for its bustling markets, boutique stores, and shopping centers, Funchal offers a unique shopping experience for every visitor. The central Santa Catarina Street, lined with international brands and local shops, is often considered the best place to go shopping in Funchal. Don't miss visiting the Farmers' Market (Mercado dos Lavradores) where you can buy fresh exotic fruits, vegetables, local crafts, and Madeira's famous embroidery and wickerwork. The Dolce Vita Funchal Shopping Centre and Forum Madeira Shopping Centre are perfect for those who prefer an extensive range of shops under one roof. For authentic souvenirs, the Old Town district is a must-visit. Here you can find Madeiran wine, hand-painted tiles, and traditional Portuguese pottery. When shopping, remember that most shops close for a siesta between 1pm-3pm. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's a good idea to carry cash for street markets. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and take home a piece of Funchal's unique charm!

Discover the best free things to do in Funchal, where the charm of Portugal shines without the need for a hefty budget. Begin your journey at the vibrant Mercado dos Lavradores, a bustling market filled with local produce, flowers, and culture. It's an excellent spot to immerse yourself in the local way of life. From there, meander through the scenic Santa Catarina Park, offering panoramic views of the city and the sea. A visit to Funchal would be incomplete without exploring its historic Old Town, a maze of narrow streets lined with painted doors and traditional eateries. For art enthusiasts, the Arte Portas Abertas project is a must-see. This public art initiative turned the streets into a stunning open-air gallery. Venture toward the majestic Funchal Cathedral, an impressive 15th-century gothic structure that stands as a testament to the city's rich history. Lastly, don't miss the chance to stroll along the Funchal Marina, a vibrant hub of activity where you can soak in the atmosphere and watch the sunset over the Atlantic.

The most popular way to experience Funchal is by visiting the city as part of a road trip across multiple destinations in Portugal. However, it is also common for travelers to go to Funchal on both shorter and longer getaways, to get a break from everyday life, relax, and experience something new.

With Guide to Europe you can find road trips, city breaks, and weekend getaways in Portugal, ranging from budget to luxury. Whether you’re planning a multi-day road trip across Portugal, or you just want to enjoy a few days exploring Funchal, there is a vacation package for you.

Discover the most popular vacation packages in Funchal below.

Travelers have a great selection of vacation packages to choose from in Portugal.

Get more Funchal vacation ideas on this site and discover the greatest selection of vacation packages in Europe. Scroll down to find the best vacation packages in Portugal that match your needs and budget.

Discover and compare vacation packages that take you to the wonderful city of Funchal.

The best flights, hotels, and activities in Funchal get fully booked quickly. Use the search tool below to find the best vacation packages in Portugal. Your customized holiday package to Funchal is only a few clicks away!

Over the years, more airlines have started offering flexible and direct flights to Funchal, making it one of the most accessible travel destinations in Portugal. However, it is usually cheaper to fly to Funchal, Portugal, in May.

The cheapest one-way flight to Funchal costs around 23 EUR and is offered by the airline Ryanair.

The cheapest round-trip flights to Funchal cost approximately 31 EUR in total. The departure flight leaves on November 16 and the return flight is scheduled on November 12. The flight time is around 2 hours per way.

The return flight is operated by Lisbon Portela.

Use the search tool below to find the cheapest flights to Portugal and the city of Funchal from your city of departure.

Travelers visiting Funchal in Portugal can fly to Cristiano Ronaldo International airport directly from 1818 destinations worldwide.

The three most popular routes to Cristiano Ronaldo International airport and the city of Funchal in Portugal depart from Cristiano Ronaldo International airport in Funchal, Portugal, Albany airport in Albany, Australia, and Greenville–Spartanburg International airport in Greenville, the United States.

Travelers can fly to Portugal by choosing from from 2 weekly flight(s) from Funchal; from 1 weekly flight(s) from Albany; and from 2 weekly flight(s) from Greenville.

The airline that operates most flights to Portugal is Cambodia Airways. Cambodia Airways offers 2 scheduled flight routes to Portugal.

Discover the most popular flights to Funchal below. Click to view flights to Funchal, Portugal from destinations all across the globe.

A trip to the fascinating Funchal, Portugal, means opportunities to relax at any of the 6 different types of places to stay in the city. Overall, travelers can choose from the following: 503 vacation rental apartments, 429 hotels, 130 cottages, 2 resorts, 0 guesthouses and 0 hostels. While each type offers varying amenities and rates, there is no denying that Funchal provides a great selection of lodging options ready to cater to every kind of guest.

Among all these choices available in the city, Pestana Casino Park, Hotel & Casino is one of the top picks of travelers in Funchal.

The resort is located at Rua Imperatriz Dona Amélia 55 and boasts many great utilities, including Air conditioning, Airport shuttle, and Gym.

Budget accommodations are also incredibly popular among travelers in Funchal. Cheaper alternatives allow travelers to save on accommodation costs and have more to spend on other experiences.

In Funchal, travelers looking for an economical yet top-rated place to stay usually choose Residencial Monaco. For approximately 29 EUR, guests can book a comfortable Double Room at this popular hotel.

Below is a list of all 6 different types of places to stay in Funchal. Select the type you prefer to compare options under each category and find the best accommodation.

Hotels are travelers' go-to accommodations in Funchal for the unique experience they provide. So if you're the kind of traveler who prefers staying at hotels, you'll be glad to know that the city is home to around 1,064 hotels.

Besides offering basic amenities, many hotels in Funchal provide meals and extras, such as shuttle services, spa facilities, tour desks, and other services. But because not all hotels in Funchal are created equal, finding the best in the city often requires careful research. For your convenience, we've done all the research to make it easier for you to check out all the top hotels in Funchal.

Pestana Casino Park, Hotel & Casino offers the most luxurious rooms and is perfect for travelers looking for the ultimate 5-star hotel experience in Funchal. If comfort, convenience, and affordability are your non-negotiables, check out Hotel Porto Mare, the top 4-star hotel in the city. When all you need is a pleasant place to rest and sleep in between your activities in Funchal, the highest-rated 3-star hotel, Vila Lusitania, is for you.

Below is our hand-picked list of the best hotels in the Funchal. Travelers are encouraged to book early as these hotels quickly reach capacity.

Click the arrows or swipe the list to see each hotel's ratings, reviews, locations, rates, and more. You can read detailed descriptions of each hotel by clicking the cards.

Use the Accommodation Search tool below to find available stays in the city of Funchal on specific dates. This handy feature also allows you to compare prices and amenities.

Enter the preferred check-in and check-out dates. Then, select the number of guests and rooms. Click the Search button to find all the available hotels and places to stay in the city of Funchal that match the information provided.

Discover and choose from our broad range of popular car rental options in the city of Funchal to find the best car for your travel plans. Travelers in Funchal can choose from small cars, medium cars, large cars, estate cars, mini vans, SUVs, convertibles, premium cars, camper vans, mini campers, vans, cars. All car rentals come with CDW insurance for added protection throughout your trip.

Renting a car is a popular choice among travelers who want to explore Portugal at their own pace. The most popular type of car rental among small groups of travelers in Funchal is a TopLevel.

Another very popular type of car to rent in Funchal is a TopLevel. This car is particularly popular among couples and solo travelers touring the city of Funchal.

Check out all options available in Funchal and book the car rental for your upcoming adventures in Portugal below.

Get ready to hit the road and explore the beautiful city of Funchal. Find the best deals on a variety of popular car rentals in Funchal, Portugal, or any other destination in Europe by using the search tool below.

Enter your pick-up and drop-off location, driver's age, and dates. Click the green button to view your options.

When unsure of where to go next, use the map below. This map shows the locations of all the best destinations in Portugal. Use the map to plan your trip and find the best routes.

Travelers in Portugal can catch flights to domestic airports in Faro, Vila Baleira, Porto, Lisbon, and Ponta Delgada. Domestic flights in Portugal are operated by 7 airlines: TAP Portugal, Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, and Eurowings. There are around 10 scheduled flight routes operating to Funchal on a weekly basis.

From Funchal, travelers can book scheduled flights to 5 domestic destinations. The most popular flights from Funchal depart to many top-rated destinations in Portugal and are offered by TAP Portugal, Ryanair, and easyJet.

Traveling to another city or region in Portugal? Use the flight search tool below to quickly find the cheapest one-way or round-trip flights from Funchal to different local destinations.

Enter all the necessary information and click or tap on the Search button to see a list of the available domestic flights in Portugal on the selected dates.