Funchal — Madeira's Capital City and Island Gateway
Funchal is the capital of Madeira, a city of 110,000 built in an amphitheatre of hills above a natural harbour at the island's southern tip. It is the arrival point for most visitors by air and sea, and combines a beautifully preserved historic Old Town (Zona Velha), world-class botanical gardens, excellent restaurants and the island's largest and most prestigious hotel selection.
Top Things to Do in Funchal
- Ride the cable car from Funchal Old Town to Monte (520 m elevation, 15 minutes each way)
- Visit Monte Palace Tropical Garden — one of the world's great garden collections with 70,000 plants
- Ride the famous wicker toboggans from Monte to Livramento (2 km, 10 minutes, steered by men in straw hats)
- Explore the Mercado dos Lavradores — Funchal's iconic covered market overflowing with exotic fruits and flowers
- Walk the Zona Velha (Old Town) with its painted doors, tile art and seafood restaurants
- Take a whale watching boat trip from Funchal marina — sperm whales are resident year-round in the deep waters off Madeira
- Visit the Madeira Story Centre for an entertaining overview of island history
- Tour the Blandy's Wine Lodge for a Madeira wine tasting experience in the heart of the city
Best Hotels in Funchal
- Belmond Reid's Palace — Madeira's most iconic hotel, a Victorian palace above the bay open since 1891
- The Cliff Bay — Contemporary 5-star oceanfront resort with two pools and a Michelin-starred restaurant
- Savoy Palace — Modern 5-star luxury hotel in central Funchal with Madeira's largest rooftop pool
- Pestana Grand Premium Ocean Resort — Clifftop 5-star resort with ocean infinity pools and spa
- Quinta da Bela Vista — Elegant Victorian manor hotel with a beautiful garden estate
- Barceló Funchal Oldtown — Boutique lifestyle hotel in the heart of the Old Town
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many days should I spend in Funchal?
- Allow at least 2 full days for Funchal itself — the Old Town, cable car and Monte, the market, a walking tour and an evening on the seafront. Most visitors use Funchal as a base for the whole island, making day trips to Pico do Arieiro, Cabo Girão, Santana and the levada trails.
- What is the best area to stay in Funchal?
- The Hotel Zone west of the city centre (Lido area) has the largest concentration of hotels with pools and sea views. The Old Town (Zona Velha) is best for restaurants, nightlife and authentic atmosphere. The Quinta area on the slopes above the city offers quieter, greener options with views over the bay.