Funchal city is uniquely located in a natural amphitheater that faces the vast Atlantic ocean with the protective ring of green mountains as the backdrop. It is located on the sunniest coast of south Madeira among banana plantations and colorful flower gardens, where the flowers bloom all year round sheltered by the mountains. It is a lush, green, easy-going city during daytime, but with a totally different vibrant life in the evenings.
Approaching this city’s harbor from the Atlantic ocean is an experience you will not want to miss, rivaling closely that of approaching Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Summers are never too hot and winters are pleasantly mild, making Funchal a year round tourist destination.
Today, this port city is no more the fennel-growing pirate city, but a modern, rejuvenated destination well known for its star hotels, warm climate and the most famous, world class footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.
Botanical Garden in Funchal, Madeira
A Little Bit of History
Portuguese were the first settlers here more than 500 years ago. The settlers were attracted by the fertile bay where fennel (funcho) was found in large quantities – and hence the today’s name of this remarkable city.
The modern city is safe and clean, and the credit goes to Mr. Miguel Albuquerque, the well-known mayor who has made Funchal beautiful and safe.
The cobbled streets blend well with the contemporary shops, restaurants, cafes, bars and tourists, making this port city a unique and exciting destination.
Many festivals are celebrated here, the famous one being fireworks bonanza of the New Year’s Eve, one of the most spectacular in the world.
The city of Funchal, Madeira
The Carnival and the colorful Flower Festival are wonderful and not to be missed. Christmas season makes the whole city shine like a giant Christmas tree, with colorful reflections in the Atlantic ocean.
The Wine Festival is held during the harvest of grapes. Madeira lace and wine are still produced here in the Old World tradition.
Where is Funchal?
- 812.7 miles/ 1,308 km from Cadiz, Spain
- 737.5 miles/ 1,187 km from Seville, Spain
- 748.1 miles/ 1,204 km from Lisbon, Portugal
- 12.5 miles/ 20.2 km from Madeira Airport, Portugal
What to See
A Typical Square in Funchal, Madeira
- Municipal Theater Baltazar Dias
- Town Hall
- Levada Walking
- Cable Car to Monte
- Santa Clara Convent
- Sao Lourenco Palace
- Madeira Story Centre
- Se Cathedral
- Colegio Church
- Madeira Botanical Gardens
- Market
Beaches
- Lido
- Ponta Gorda Calheta
- Machico Machico
- Ribeira Brava
Excursions
- Ferry to Porto Santos
- Funchal Adventure
- Spirit of Madeira
Funchal attracts both the mature tourists who enjoy long walks and breathtaking scenery, and also the young Europeans who travel here to enjoy the late night parties on weekends.
It is truly an inspiring environment for painters, writers, poets and romantic souls.
We wish you a fantastic Mediterranean cruise!
