Funchal Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Funchal is a relaxed base for gardens, food and wine, with dramatic mountain scenery just inland.

• Monte cable car and toboggan ride — Ride up to the hillside parish of Monte, then descend in a traditional wicker sledge steered by two drivers.
• Monte Palace Tropical Garden — Terraced gardens with exotic plants, lakes and tile panels, next to the cable car station.
• Mercado dos Lavradores — The colourful farmers’ market, with tropical fruit, flowers and a lively fish hall.
• Zona Velha — The old town, where Rua de Santa Maria’s painted doors have become an open-air art gallery.
• Madeira wine lodges — Learn about and taste the island’s famous fortified wine in historic cellars.
• Levada walks — Follow the island’s historic irrigation channels on scenic walking trails through forests and valleys.
• Cabo Girão — One of Europe’s highest sea cliffs, with a glass-floored viewing platform, west of the city.

Funchal enjoys a mild subtropical climate, often described as eternal spring, with few extremes. Summers are warm and mostly dry, and winters are mild, with more rain between October and March, particularly in the mountains.

It is a year-round destination: April to October brings the warmest weather and seas for swimming, while winter is pleasant for walking and sightseeing. Spring’s Flower Festival fills the streets with blooms, and the New Year’s Eve fireworks over the bay are world-famous, so book early for both. Weather in the mountains can differ greatly from the coast, so pack layers.

Madeira International Airport Cristiano Ronaldo is near Santa Cruz on the island’s east coast, roughly 16 km from Funchal. Its runway is partly built on columns over the shoreline.

An airport bus links the terminal with central Funchal and the hotel zone, and taxis wait outside arrivals. Many hotels offer transfers, and car hire desks are available for exploring the island. The drive along the expressway to Funchal is usually straightforward and takes a short time.

Funchal climbs steeply from the sea, so check how close your hotel is to the centre or a bus route.

• Zona Velha — The characterful old town with restaurants, bars and the cable car station nearby.
• City centre (Sé) — Close to the cathedral, the marina and the market; ideal for first-time visitors.
• Hotel Zone (Lido) — West of the centre, with seafront hotels, pools and promenades, popular for relaxing stays.
• Monte — Hillside parish with gardens and views, cooler and quieter, suited to peaceful stays.

• Money: Cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for the market, small cafés and the toboggan ride.
• Getting around: Buses serve the city and island; hills are steep, so taxis are handy, and a car helps for mountain areas.
• Walking: Choose levada routes suited to your fitness, bring a torch for tunnels and check trail status before setting out.
• Weather: Mountain conditions can change quickly, so carry a warm, waterproof layer even on sunny days.
• Food and drink: Try espada (black scabbardfish), espetada skewers, bolo do caco bread and poncha, a local drink.