Funchal

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  3. 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.

Where to eat in Funchal

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What to do in Funchal

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.

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.

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 …

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.

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.

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 …

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

A funcionar na antiga casa de João Gonçalves Zarco, descobridor da Madeira, este espaço apresenta uma coleção de mobiliário português e inglês dos séculos XVI a XIX, cujo acervo conta com cerca de 3800 peças provenientes de diferentes países: Europa, …

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.

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 …

Casa-Museu Frederico de Freitas

Funchal

A Casa-Museu Frederico de Freitas foi inaugurada em 1988. Ocupa o Palácio da Calçada, antiga residência dos Condes da Calçada, cuja origem remonta ao século XVII. Foi durante cerca de 40 anos moradia do Dr. Frederico de Freitas (1894-1978), advogado, …

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, …

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.

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 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.

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 …

Teleférico do Funchal - Madeira Cable Car

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 …

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, …

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.

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Where to sleep in Funchal

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…

The Vine
The Vine

5 star

Luxurious and sophisticated Hotel, designed by architect Ricardo Bofill and João Francisco Caires, located in Funchal's historic city centre, close to the mari…

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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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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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…

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…

Machico

Machico

It was at Machico beach, in 1419, that the navigators Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz landed for the first time in Madeira, kicking off the colonizat…

Câmara de Lobos

Câmara de Lobos

The municipality of Câmara de Lobos was created on May 25th 1835, having its settlement occurred on October 4th of the same year and having been elev…