The capital of Portugal’s Atlantic island of Madeira, mild all year and nicknamed the island of eternal spring; a cable car climbs from the seafront to Monte, and it is famous for espetada beef skewers on bay-laurel sticks and Madeira wine.
Weather: Mild all year; the spring flower festival (April–May) and New Year fireworks are the busiest times. source
Times to avoid: City-bus tickets bought in advance are cheaper than buying on board. source
Weather varies from year to year; check the forecast before you go.
Don't miss in Funchal
Funchal Cable Car Rise from the Old Town to Monte in about 15 minutes over city and sea; under-sevens free. source
Espetada Beef grilled on a bay-laurel stick, served with bolo do caco bread. source
Madeira wine The famously long-lived fortified wine, tasted at Funchal’s wine lodges. source
Where to stay in Funchal
Old Town (Zona Velha)
By the cable car station, with painted doors and restaurants.
Lido hotel zone
The western hotel strip with seafront promenade and pools.
What to eat in Funchal
Espetada — Beef skewers grilled on bay-laurel sticks
Bolo do Caco — Sweet-potato flatbread with garlic butter
Black Scabbardfish (Espada) — Fillet of deep-sea black scabbardfish
Funchal tips and things to watch out for
Funchal travel tips
Airport to city: the Aerobus or a taxi takes about 20–25 minutes. source
Good to know in Portugal
At Portuguese restaurants, check the menu price for bread, olives or other couvert. Food you neither requested nor consumed cannot be charged. source
A bica (espresso) at the counter is the cheap local way. source
Watch out for in Portugal
Hills and slippery cobbles call for grippy shoes. source
Watch for pickpockets on crowded lines like Tram 28. source
General advice for the whole country. Check official government travel advice for entry rules and safety before you go.
Restaurant prices for Funchal are still being collected. The estimate also uses some official meal and transit prices checked in other cities in Portugal.
Funchal attraction & theme park tickets
Official sellers’ prices for one adult admission. Select attractions in the calculator to add them to your budget.
Funchal Cable Car one way (Adult): €16.00 · child €8.00