Funchal holidays

How to reach Funchal

• Flight time: Flights to Funchal, Madeira’s capital, take approximately 3 hours 45 minutes from London and other major UK airports.

• Transfer time: Madeira Airport, or Funchal Cristiano Ronaldo Airport, is around 20km from Funchal. You’ll reach Funchal’s centre in around 30 minutes using the Aerobus shuttle service, or 20 minutes if you take a taxi.

• Price: An Aerobus one-way ticket to Funchal will set you back around €6 while on a taxi to the city centre you’ll have to spend €25–€30.

Best time to visit Funchal

The town is warm and pleasant year-long, but the ideal time for your Funchal holidays will largely depend on your expectations.

• March to May is a dream time to visit if you want to see the famous flower blooms. The island’s Flower Festival takes place in spring, showcasing vibrant blooms and parades. Temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 17°C to 21°C, with 6 to 8 hours of sunshine a day and 30–60mm of rainfall per month.

• June to August is peak summer season in Funchal, with warm, sunny days perfect for swimmers or hikers. Expect bustling beaches and lively events. Average temperatures hover around 23°C to 26°C, with scarce rainfall (5–15mm per month) and 10 to 12 hours of daily sunshine.

• September to November brings milder autumn weather and thinning crowds. Temperatures drop from 25°C to 20°C and rainfall increases to 40–90mm a month. You can still expect 6 to 8 hours of sunshine daily. It’s a fantastic time for wine enthusiasts, with the island’s Wine Festival taking place in September.

• December to February marks the quietest season in Funchal, although temperatures of 18°C to 20°C are still comfortable. There is more rain (70–120mm a month), but Funchal’s magical Christmas lights and New Year’s Eve fireworks make winter a charming time to visit.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Portuguese is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas and hotels.

• Local habits and customs: Dinner usually starts around 8 pm. Tipping isn’t mandatory but is appreciated for excellent service.

• Currency: Madeira uses the Euro. ATMs are widely available in Funchal, and most places accept credit and debit cards, though some cash is handy for smaller purchases.

• Getting around: Funchal’s public buses are affordable and cover most of the city. Single tickets cost around €2, and a day pass is €4.50. Taxis are metered, starting at €3.25 for the first kilometre.

• Electricity and plug types: The standard voltage is 230V, with Type C and F plugs, so UK travellers need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Funchal operates on Western European Time, the same as the UK.

• Required travel documentation: UK nationals can stay in Portugal visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, with a passport valid for at least six months.

Local dishes in Funchal

One of the highlights of holidays to Funchal is the opportunity to savour Madeira’s unique flavours. From traditional stews to fresh seafood, the island’s cuisine is a treat for the senses.

Some typical dishes

• Milho Frito: When in Funchal why not try the local staple consisting of fried cubes of cornmeal seasoned with garlic and herbs? It’s pleasantly crunchy on the outside and soft inside, and you’ll most often find it served as a side dish with meat or fish.

• Tomate e Cebola Sopa: Soup is always on the menu in Madeira. One of the local favourites is the simple yet delicious tomate e cebola sopa, made from tomatoes and onions, very often served with a poached egg floating on top.

Meat dishes

• Espetada: Skewers of marinated beef are grilled over an open flame, traditionally on laurel wood for extra flavour, making a juicy and tender dish. Eat like a local and enjoy espetada with garlic butter and the traditional bolo do caco bread.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Lapas: Grilled lapas (limpets) are usually served in Funchal fresh with garlic butter and lemon. They’re often enjoyed as a starter and make a perfect pair with a glass of Madeiran white wine.

• Espada com Banana: This unique dish features the local black scabbard fish, topped with fried banana. It complements the fish’s flavour surprisingly well so the dish is really worth a try.

Sweets and desserts

• Queijadas da Madeira: Queijadas are small, sweet cheese cakes. Made from a blend of local cheese and eggs, they’re a light and fluffy beloved local treat.

• Bolo de Mel: This traditional dessert, made with molasses and spices, is a rich-texture honey cake. Most often baked for Christmas or other special occasions, it may be an appetising souvenir to bring home.

Local drinks

• Madeira Wine: Madeira’s fortified wine has been produced here for centuries and comes in four varieties: Sercial (a light, dry aperitif), Malvasia (sweet, heavy dessert wine), Vermelho (a sweeter version of Sercial) and Boal or Malmsey (drier and heavier versions of Malvasia). Madeira pairs well with both savoury and sweet dishes.

• Poncha: Madeira’s iconic drink is poncha, a punchy cocktail made from honey, lemon (or orange) juice and aguardente (sugarcane spirit). Perfect for warm evenings!

Best things to do in Funchal

Funchal has something in store for everyone, from historical sites through attractive sports opportunities to natural wonders.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Cabo Girão Skywalk: Just a few minutes’ drive from Funchal, at 580 metres, Cabo Girão is one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs from which you’ll enjoy heart-stopping views over the Atlantic and the island’s coastal villages below. The glass-floored skywalk isn’t for the faint-hearted, though.

• Monte Cable Car: Children and parents alike will be delighted to take a thrilling ride on the cable car from Funchal to Monte and enjoy unparalleled vistas of the city, harbour and mountains.

Parks and gardens

• Madeira Botanical Garden: The island’s main botanical garden occupies steep terraces which are filled with nearly every plant that grows on Madeira and exotic plants from other regions of the world. The lovely views over the city and harbour are a great bonus.

• Monte Palace Tropical Garden: This peaceful Monte garden is beautifully laid out, with serene ponds, oriental statues and a rich collection of plant species. A lovely place for a relaxed stroll with excellent views over Funchal.

Historical monuments

• Funchal Cathedral (Sé): Funchal’s key landmark is the 15th-century Gothic-style cathedral. The exterior of the Sé is quite plain, topped by a granite clock tower, but its interior is a sight to remember, with an intricate wooden ceiling and ornate altarpieces.

• São Tiago Fort: This fort was built to protect the island from pirate attacks in the 17th century. Today, it houses a contemporary art museum and, as it always did, offers good views over the Atlantic Ocean.

Day trips in the area

• Curral das Freiras (Nun’s Valley): Just a short drive from Funchal, this dramatic valley offers stunning views and a quiet retreat from the city. Be sure not to miss tasting the local chestnut dishes!

• Porto Moniz: Famous for its natural lava pools, Porto Moniz on the northwest coast of the island is ideal for a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters amidst dramatic scenery.

• Camara de Lobos: Just west of Funchal, this little charmer of a village has an authentic Madeiran atmosphere and is quite photogenic, with a harbour full of gaily painted boats. It’s easy to see why it was one of Winston Churchill’s favourite painting spots.

Activities for families in Funchal

Funchal is packed with a plethora of family-friendly activities that cater to all tastes.

• Monte Toboggan: Once you arrive at Monte on the Monte Cable Car, hop with your family into a traditional wicker toboggan and take a thrilling run down the hill. Kids will be overjoyed!

• CR7 Museum: The CR7 Museum, dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo who was born there, is a must for football fans of all ages, showcasing memorabilia and highlights of the famous footballer’s career.

• Aquariums and zoos: The Madeira Aquarium in Porto Moniz is home to a variety of marine life and provides an educational day out. Alternatively, visit Quinta do Santo da Serra with its small zoo.

Free things to do in Funchal

Funchal offers plenty of free attractions that let you soak up its charm without spending a cent.

• Free events: Funchal hosts many festivals throughout the year, some of which are free. The annual Flower Festival, with many free events celebrating the island’s famous blooms, is a must and the New Year’s Eve spectacular fireworks in Funchal are also free to watch.

• Parks and scenic walks: Wander through Santa Catarina Park or explore the promenade along Funchal’s waterfront for peaceful views and relaxation. These walks are totally free and very scenic.

• Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers’ Market): The Mercado dos Lavradores is an excellent fruit, vegetable, flower and fish market in Funchal. You don’t have to buy anything but just wander through the stalls and soak in the local atmosphere without paying a cent.

Nature and outdoor activities in Funchal

Funchal’s dramatic landscapes and mild climate make it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

• Levada walks: Madeira’s unique network of irrigation channels, or levadas, offers some of the best hiking trails in Europe. Popular routes include Levada do Rei and Levada dos Balcões and are a great cost-free way to spend a rewarding day.

• Whale and dolphin watching: Take the family on a whale-watching tour from Funchal’s marina, where sightings of dolphins and whales are common. If you can, choose a tour led by a marine biologist who can offer fascinating insights into the sea life around Madeira.

• Paragliding: For spectacular views, try paragliding off the island’s steep cliffs, landing on one of its black-sand beaches. A really hair-raising experience!

• Mountain biking and jeep tours: Explore the island’s volcanic terrain on two wheels or in a rugged 4x4. These tours often take you to secluded spots with panoramic views.