Funchal
City of rare beauty, where the dwellings appear in harmony with nature, framed in a beautiful setting between the Atlantic Ocean and the mountains. In addition to the magnificent natural sites that you can visit, be sure to also visit the historical center, also known as Zona Velha. In the 60s' almost all downtown streets had traffic jams, because it is, par excellence, the population's meeting place. Currently, this problem is solved, since most of these streets are closed to traffic. Linger through its narrow streets and absorb every detail. You will find pleasant pedestrian streets and squares with various terraces and restaurants. For those who love good snacks, Funchal offers some tasty regional dishes, from which stand out the espetada de carne de vaca (beef kebab), milho frito à madeirense (snacks of fried corn flour), bife de atum (tuna steak) and sopa de trigo (wheat soup with pork meat and black-eyed peas). As it is located at the waterfront, one of its specialties could not fail to be the fresh fish. One of the best-known festivals of the region is the Madeira Carnival, at which point, the imagination and joy reign for several days and three parades take place: the school parades, the troupes parade and the so-called Carnaval Trapalhão (Bumbling Carnival). Another festivity of enormous importance, and perhaps the one that is most appealing for tourists, is the end-of-year party with its famous fireworks. It is a city, which is associated with tourism for more than a century. Funchal currently offers hotel and restaurant units for all tastes, from modern to typically Madeira units.
Best Of Funchal
Carreiros do Monte - Carros de Cesto
Funchal
From the Monte come down the basket cars pushed by two Madeiran men dressed with typical clothes. A tradition that goes back to 1849 and turns the most typical transport of the Island in one of the well know tourist attractions.
Casa-Museu Frederico de Freitas
Funchal
Casa Velha do Palheiro
Funchal
Converted into a five-star country hotel located in one of the most beautiful and exotic areas of Madeira Island, the unit has 37 rooms and suites, divided by the garden wing, main building and golf wing, where the decor, elegant, governed by good taste. Visit the old house restaurant or relaxing Haystack Spa.
Fortaleza de São João Baptista
Funchal
Fortress built probably in 1600, to defend the city from the corsairs’ attacks. It was also a prison and a gunpowder storehouse. In the middle of the XX century it was delivered to the Navy that placed there the Armada Communications Centre.
Fortaleza e Palácio de São Lourenço
Funchal
The name “Palácio de São Lourenço" refers to a monumental set that includes the Fortress, which construction started in the first half of the XVI century and concluded during the Filipino period, and the palace with the noble floor halls ...
Forte de São Tiago
Funchal
Fortress built in the XVII century to protect the city against pirates’ attacks, being enlarged in the XVIII century. It was used with military ends until 1992, year in which it was given to the Regional Government, which turned it ...
Forte do Ilhéu da Pontinha
Funchal
Accordingly to the existent bibliography, facts indicate that this fort was the refuge of Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira, the finders of Madeira, before they reached the archipelago. In one of the extremities it is still possible to see the triangle where the sailors fastened their boats.
Heliatlantis - Turismo em Helicópteros
Funchal
An original way to capture the magnificent landscapes of Madeira Island. The helicopter needs four people (minimum) and good weather conditions to take off. Various circuits take place everyday until sunset. The possibilities are varied, such as 10 minutes at ...
Igreja do Colégio dos Jesuítas/ Igreja de São João Evangelista
Funchal
Church at the Colégio dos Jesuítas (Jesuit College), which is now the Madeira and Católica Universities. It is a mannerist building from the XVII century, with various paintings from the XVII and XVIII centuries inside. The beautiful altar at the ...
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 ...
Madeira Magic
Funchal
Thematic Park with a space called “Live Science”. It owns entertainment and pedagogic infrastructures, such as the mini planetarium, auditorium to play three dimensions films and a space dedicated to temporary exhibitions. It also has a 5 thousand square metres ...
Marina do Funchal
Funchal
A magnificent bay surrounded by the blue sea and the green mountains, with a dock for boats and a fueling area.
Museu da Quinta das Cruzes
Funchal
Museu de Arte Contemporânea - Fortaleza de Santiago
Funchal
This museum owns a vast collection of contemporary Portuguese art since the 1960s until now, being its initial nucleus the goods of the Plastic Arts Prize of the City of Funchal, an initiative carried out in 1966 and 1967.
Museu de Arte Sacra do Funchal
Funchal
Working at the bishop’s palace, it shows one of the best collections of religious Flemish paintings from the XV and XVI centuries in Portugal. The triptych of São Tiago and São Filipe stands out. The exhibition also displays liturgical clothes, ...
Parque de Santa Catarina
Funchal
Green area with about 36000 m2, offering a dazzling view of Funchal. It has a lagoon with a small Island, where ducks and swans live, for aviaries and some sculptures devoted to various personalities.
Parque Ecológico do Funchal
Funchal
Leisure space where environment educational actions take place aiming to preserve the natural patrimony. Here have been seen over 30 species of birds and the flora is quite varied, with the endemic species standing out. It has five backup houses, ...
Photographia Museu Vicentes
Funchal
The museum Photographia Vicentes is based in the collection of the atelier founded in 1845, with a department of emulsified glasses unique in the world. It is placed in the former photographic studio of Vicente Gomes da Silva, built in ...
Poças do Gomes / Doca do Cavacas
Funchal
Seaside area with some natural pools in the rocks. It has direct access to the clear waters sea. It has curious tunnel dug out on the rocks giving access to Praia Formosa.
Poças do Governador / Complexo Balnear da Ponta Gorda
Funchal
Seaside area with two adult pools and one for children, sea access, sand fields to practice sports, playground and first aid sickberth. It is located at the promenade Lido-Praia Formosa.
Praia da Barreirinha
Funchal
Beach located in the old town area, right next to the São Tiago Fortress. It is a seaside complex with pool and access to the sea, with good conditions for visitors and certified water with Blue Flag. It has locker ...
Praia do Lido
Funchal
This beach is probably the most well know seaside complex of Madeira Island. It has two slat water pools, renewed every day, as well as sea access. It also has several infra-structures such as playground, ping-pong tables, diving centre, toboggan, shop, locker rooms, WC, umbrellas, settees and lockers among others.
Praia Formosa
Funchal
Beach located ten minutes away by car from Funchal city centre. It has two small beaches of sand and one with shingles, called Arieiro. It has Blue flag and is watched by a team of lifeguards. It is an attractive ...
Praia Nova - Funchal
Funchal
Sand beach at the Praia Formosa. It has a playground, three healthcare assistance posts, sports area, restaurants and bars.
Sé Catedral do Funchal
Funchal
This was the first church built in Funchal. It is gothic style, with Manueline and Moorish influences. Ten gothic arches connect the naves and the natural light comes from eight Manueline breaches at the main chapel. At the Santíssimo Chapel, decorated with XVIII and XIX styles, you enjoy a big painting from the XVII century representing the Last Supper. There ...
Teleférico da Cidade do Funchal
Funchal
Teleferic connecting the low area of Funchal to the Monte, a tour greatly appreciated by tourists. It is possible to enjoy amazing panoramic views and visit various gardens and interest points of Monte, as well as enjoy the beauty of ...
Troço da Antiga Muralha do Funchal
Funchal
This defensive wall ended by the São Tiago Fortress, with a door giving access to the sea, from which there are still some remains in the access to São tiago beach. With the construction of Campo Dom Carlos I, the ...
Zona Marginal do Funchal
Funchal
Very pleasant spot, with some green areas crossed by paths surrounded with palm trees and some statues. It is ideal for a walk and to rest in one of the garden benches along the waterside.