Funchal

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Funchal is a city linked to tourism for over a century. It has hotels and restaurants for all tastes, from modern to typical food. In addition to the magnificent natural sites that you can visit, be sure to visit the historic center, also known as Zona Velha. You will find pleasant streets and pedestrian squares with several terraces and restaurants. For those who like good snacks, Funchal offers some regional dishes, such as beef kebabs, Madeira-style fried corn, tuna steak and wheat soup. Located by the sea, one of its specialties is the fish. The main events in the region, and the ones that attract the most tourists, are the Madeira Carnival and the New Year's Eve party, with its famous fireworks display.

What to do in Funchal

Museu de Arte Contemporânea - Fortaleza de Santiago

Funchal

This museum has a vast collection of contemporary Portuguese art from the 1960s to the present, having as its initial core the collection of the Prize for Plastic Arts of Funchal, an initiative carried out in the years 1966 and 1967.

Teleférico do Funchal - Madeira Cable Car

Funchal

Cable car that connects Funchal lower part to Monte, a very appreciated ride by tourists. It is possible to enjoy incredible panoramic views and visit various gardens and points of interest on Monte, as well as enjoy the beauty of Babosas and the Ribeira de João Gomes valley.

Miradouro do Pináculo

Funchal

Place from where you can enjoy a magnificent view over Funchal.

Parque de Santa Catarina

Funchal

Green area with 36000 m2, which offers a breathtaking view over Funchal. Highlight for a lagoon with a small island, where ducks and swans live, for the bird aviaries and for some sculptures dedicated to different personalities.

Praia Formosa

Funchal

Beach located ten minutes by car from the center of Funchal. It has three small sandy beaches and one pebble beach, called Arieiro. In summer it has a Blue Flag and is supervised by a team of lifeguards. It is an attractive place due to the sporting activities that are practiced there and the nightlife that it offers. It has …

Piscinas Naturais da Doca do Cavacas

Funchal

Bathing area with some natural pools formed in the rock. It has direct access to the sea, with clear waters. Highlight for a curious tunnel dug in the rock that gives access to Praia Formosa. Entry is paid.

Fortaleza e Palácio de São Lourenço

Funchal

The name "Palácio de São Lourenço" refers to a monumental ensemble that comprises the Fortress, begun in the first half of the 16th century and completed in the Philippine period, and the Palace itself, comprising the halls on the noble floor dating from the last quarter of the XVIII century and the interior gardens. Currently, it is the official residence …

Sé Catedral do Funchal

Funchal

This was the first church to be built in Funchal. It is Gothic in style, with Moorish and Manueline influences. Ten Gothic arches connect the naves and natural light is provided by eight Manueline crevices in the chancel. In the Capela do Santíssimo, decorated in the 18th and 19th centuries style, you can appreciate a large painting from the 17th …

Museu de Arte Sacra do Funchal

Funchal

Presents one of the best collections of Flemish religious painting from the 15th and 16th centuries in Portugal, with the São Tiago and São Filipe triptych standing out. The exhibition also features liturgical costumes, jewelry pieces, religious sculptures and Portuguese …

Praia do Lido

Funchal

This beach is probably the most famous bathing complex on the Madeira island. It has two saltwater pools, renewed every day, as well as access to the sea. It has several infrastructures, such as a children's playground, ping-pong tables, diving …

Jardim Botânico da Madeira

Funchal

This garden is located at about three kilometres from the centre of Funchal. It has about 2000 vegetal species, including plants that exist only in the Madeira island and in other Atlantic islands such as the Azores, the Canaries and …

Jardim Tropical Monte Palace

Funchal

This is one of the most beautiful gardens on the Madeira Island, located about 5 km from the city center of Funchal. It occupies an area of 70000 m2 and is reforested with exotic plants from several continents. You can …

Fortaleza de São João Baptista

Funchal

Fortress built in the second half of the 17th century. Initially was the city's gunpowder store (intended for all forts and towers on the island) and used to defend the city from corsair attacks, also functioning as a prison. From …

Praia da Barreirinha

Funchal

It is located in the old town of Funchal, opposite the São Tiago Fort. It has a blue flag and good conditions for tourists. Not only that, but it has a children's pool with paid entry, toilet, changing rooms, bar, …

Parque Ecológico do Funchal

Funchal

Leisure space where environmental education actions are carried out and whose main objective is to preserve the natural heritage. In this place, more than 30 species of birds have already been observed, and the existing flora is quite varied, highlighting …

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Travel Guide

Up to date tourist information about the city's top attractions

Road Trip in Madeira: Christmas Holidays with the Kids

What better destination for a magical Christmas holiday than the Pearl of the Atlantic? Embark on this enchanted road t…

Levada Walks in Madeira: 10 Routes for an Unforgettable Adventure

If you are a passionate fan of nature hikes and need a good excuse to visit the island of Madeira, All About Portugal p…

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Where to eat in Funchal

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Where to sleep in Funchal

Belmond Reid’s Palace
Belmond Reid’s Palace

5 star

The Belmond Reid's Palace is located on top of a cliff overlooking the Atlantic, stretching in a majestic slope overlooking the Bay and the city of Funchal. Of…

Les Suites at Cliff Bay PortoBay
Les Suites at Cliff Bay PortoBay

5 star

Localizado no topo de um promontório, ao lado do Hotel The Cliff Bay, este boutique hotel resulta da recuperação de duas casas centenárias. Dispõe de uma pisci…

Pestana Carlton Madeira
Pestana Carlton Madeira

5 star

Placed in a cliff, it offers a magnificent view o the sea and is only 10 minutes away (on foot) from the city centre. It has 328 rooms, all with balcony or ter…

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Near Funchal

São Vicente

São Vicente

Located in the North of the island of Madeira, the municipality of São Vicente occupies an area of about 80 square miles and consists of the parishes…

Calheta

Calheta

The municipality of Calheta is located between the south and far west of Madeira island. The municipality is bordered on northwest by the municipalit…

Ponta do Sol

Ponta do Sol

The municipality of Ponta do Sol, based in the city of the same name, is located 18 kilometres from Funchal, on the South coast of Madeira Island. It…

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz

The municipality of Santa Cruz, whose area of 95.5 km2 covers also the Desertas Islands, visible from the coast, lies on the South coast of Madeira I…