The Best Travel Guide to Funchal, Madeira (UPDATED 2024) | ArrivalGuides.com

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Funchal

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Overview

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Madeira

Funchal, Madeira The guide was updated: 2024-02-12

The 6th largest city of Portugal, known for its wine and amazing weather, Funchal is more than just the hometown of Cristiano Ronaldo. The city is filled with historical buildings, fantastic cuisine and surrounded by truly spectacular nature of the Madeira archipelago. Make sure to taste the famous Madeira wine and pastel de nata.

Facts

Population:	105,795 (2021)
Currency:	1 Euro = 100 cents
Hotels:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Emergency: 112
Newspapers:	Funchal Notícias — funchalnoticias.net Madeira Weekly (in English) — madeira-weekly.com
Website:	visit.funchal.pt www.funchal.pt visitmadeira.com
Tourist information:	Tourist Information Office (Posto de Informação Turística) Avenida Arriaga 16, Funchal Tel: +351 291 145 305 Open Mon–Fri 9am–7pm, Sat & Sun 9am–3:30

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Section in Funchal, Madeira

Funchal has no shortage of cultural pursuits or things to do. With a large amount of museums, gardens, cathedrals and tours, it's simply impossible to get bored. Surrounded by the magnificent Atlantic ocean, green mountains and boasting amazing weather, the city centre is characterised by white cobbled streets, an attractive promenade, and cafes which serve authentic Portuguese and Madeiran dishes. A relatively small town, everything is walkable and easy to find.

Pico do Arieiro

Pico do Arieiro

For breathtaking views of Funchal, look no further than Pico do Arieiro. At 1,818 metres high, it is Madeira's third-highest peak. Hikers can expect a stunning panorama of the island and a dramatic view of the clouds rolling below their feet. On clear days, the neighbouring island of Porto Santo can be seen to the northeast. Put on your hiking boots and climb up the summit, or simply go by car.

Monte Palace Tropical Garden

Monte Palace Tropical Garden

With more than 100,000 exotic plant species from all over the world, black and white swans from Australia, and multiple ponds and lakes, Monte Palace Tropical Garden is one of the most impressive sights in Madeira. Make sure to stop by the Monte Palace Museum, which houses exhibitions featuring artefacts from a diverse range of international cultures as well as a mineral museum.

Madeira Film Experience

Madeira Film Experience

For a quick run through the history of the island, visit The Madeira Film Experience. It's a dramatic 30-minute audiovisual journey that takes you through 600 years of the incredible history of this beautiful region.

Cathedral of Funchal

Cathedral of Funchal

This magnificent cathedral was built over 500 years ago, in the beautiful Gothic style. The cathedral has an impressive silver cross, donated by King Manuel himself in the 16th century, as well as sculptures and incredible oil paintings.

Museu CR7

Museu CR7

This museum devoted to Funchal's most famous son — the football legend Cristiano Ronaldo. It offers a rare chance to take a look at the trophies, Ballon d'Ors, fan correspondence, and even an interactive timeline of the life of Ronaldo.

Catamaran Trips

Catamaran Trips

Drift along crystal clear waters, and keep an eye out for dolphins and whales. VMT Madeira arranges all sorts of trips, including a sunset sailing, which gives you the most stunning view of the setting sun over the Atlantic Ocean.

Madeira Cable Car

Madeira Cable Car

What better way to discover Funchal from high above than by cable car. Experience the green slopes, mountains, and even the amphitheatre of Monte and Funchal. The ride starts in the Old Town and sweeps you away towards the entrance to Monte Palace Tropical Garden. You can get a round trip ticket or choose to trek back down to enjoy the lush vegetation and gorgeous views of the city and the ocean on the way down.

Madeira Story Centre

Madeira Story Centre

The Madeira Story Centre tells the island's history starting from the volcanic origins and attacks of ferocious pirates, right up to the present day. The museum provides exhibitions in chronological order for you to fully experience the history and culture of Madeira. There is also a restaurant on-site.

Sacred Art Museum

Sacred Art Museum

Portugal is known for its beautiful Roman Catholic art, spanning many centuries. The earliest pieces date back to the 15th century and include woodwork, silver and gold artefacts, even furniture with wooden engravings. There is also the occasional painting by a Dutch, French or Flemish artist.

Blandy's Wine Lodge

Blandy's Wine Lodge

Madeira is known for its wine, and what better way to experience the local culture than by joining a wine tour? Learn about the transformation of grapes into Madeira wine, and taste a variety of local flavours. Take a tour in one of five languages and learn about wine production, barrel making and storage.

Santa Maria Street

Santa Maria Street

One of the most colourful streets of Funchal, Santa Maria street is a loving art project of local artists. Over 200 doors are plastered with eye-popping paintings of all kinds. Walk down this narrow cobbled street and perhaps take a break in one of the many rustic restaurants and cafes.

Santa Catarina Park

Santa Catarina Park

Take in spectacular views of Funchal at the Santa Catarina Park. Lined with tree species from all over the world, the park features statues of Christopher Columbus and Henry the Navigator. You can even experience a religious ceremony by attending the Santa Catarina Chapel.

Funchal Natural History Museum

Funchal Natural History Museum

With more than 41,000 specimens, including fish, maritime reptiles, plants and minerals, there is a lot to discover in this museum. Discover the beauty and mysteries of the natural world at the landmark Palace of Saint Peter.

Quinta das Cruzes

Quinta das Cruzes

In the mid-17th century, this impressive building was built by a noble Portuguese family. Nowadays, it houses the original collection of decorative art by César Filipe Gomes. There is Portuguese furniture dating back to the 17th century, Oriental and European porcelain items, and a beautiful chapel in the garden.

Casino da Madeira

Casino da Madeira

Ready to take a gamble? Casino da Madeira is not only a regular casino, but has restaurants, a fun zone and a nightclub. It's a wonderland for adults who want a night filled with entertainment. The gorgeous modernist building with gently sloping ridges, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, is an attraction in itself.

Monte Toboggan Rides

Monte Toboggan Rides

Two men dressed in traditional white cotton clothes and hats, pushing a two-seater wicker sledge on wooden runners — believe it or not, this was how people travelled the streets of Madeira in times gone by. Now a tourist attraction, it takes 10 minutes to glide 2 kilometres down with an average speed of 48 kilometres per hour.

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