//
Municipality in Madeira, Portugal
Photo: Dr. Thomas Liptak, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Funchal is the capital and main city of the autonomous region of Madeira, on the island of Madeira, in its south between Santa Cruz and Câmara de Lobos. In 2021, it was home 106,000 people.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Jardins do Palheiro
The Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro Park is a typical example of a manor in British colonial style. While the manor is private and can't be visited, you can enjoy the public park. On first sight it looks like an English park, with old Platanes forming a long alley from the main gate to the gardens. But when you look closer you see all the tropical plants that build the basis, completed by hundreds of plants from all over the world, so all year round there are plants blooming. The main part of the park is formed by several gardens: a French Garden, a Sunken Garden, the Ladies Garden, a Rose Garden and some more. Opposite the main gate is a Tea House, which is connected to the golf course. They serve some good tea, cakes, pastries, snacks and small lunches. The way back to the main gate is formed by the Camellia Avenue, a flourish firework between end October and March.
The park is at 500 m altitude. 09:00-11:30 the park is often crowded by bus tourists, so choose the afternoon for a more laid-back visit. Entrance fee €10.50. Public buses frequently connect Funchal with the park: line 36 or, if you have strong nerves, line 37 for a more spectacular ride.
Jardim Botânico da Madeira
The more than 2000 plants of these hillside gardens, plus the view of Funchal make this one of the major attractions of the whole island. The gardens also feature a collection of parakeets and parrots.
Peasants' Market
This historic building, with an open patio, offers, on two levels, fresh fruits and vegetables from all over the island. On the lower level is a separate hall where fish vendors sell fresh-caught fish. Eat and buy local fruits like the small Madeiran mangos, bananas, philodendres and plenty of kinds of maracujas. Taste the offers from vendors. But be careful, as some may try to rip you off and sell you over-ripe fruit, or some heavy mangos for the (expensive) price of light maracujas. There are also some nice pastelarias and coffee bars in and around the building. These are often crowded when it's raining, and when large cruise ships are on the pier.
Jardim do Monte Palace
The gardens of this defunct hotel include a Chinese garden, artwork, a small lake, and a variety of flora and fauna.
Convento de Santa Clara
Dating from the end of the 15th century, this convent, now a national monument, was founded by João Gonçalves da Câmara. The azulejo tiles are especially notable.
Palácio de São Lourenço
Half fortress and half palace, this construction is a good example of mannerist architecture. Highlights include the Noble Salon (Salão Nobre), the Green Room (Sala Verde), the Audience Hall (Sala de Audiências), and the gardens.
The central point in Funchal, and its most-visited monument. Commissioned by the king Dom Manuel I through Portuguese explorer Gil Eanes, the cathedral was built between 1493 and 1517. The ceiling is made from local wood.
Igreja de São João Evangelista
This Jesuit temple, completed in 1647, is a striking building with a stunning interior. Today it is part of Madeira University.
Núcleo Museológico do IBTAM
Museum of the Institute of Embroidery, Tapestry and Craftsmanship of Madeira. The exhibits give some idea of the tradition of embroidery in the island in the past centuries
Built in 1614 to defend the city from pirate attack, the fort today houses a small contemporary art museum.
Museum dedicated to Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo's trophies, with a bronze statue of him in the front.
Casino da Madeira
The only casino on the island. The building's unusual shape was designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, and indeed looks a bit like Brasilia Cathedral with a haircut. Casino da Madeira offers table games such as Texas Hold 'em, blackjack, baccarat and American roulette (with 0 and 00) and slots. Outside of gambling there is the Palm bar, the Rio casual restaurant, the formal Bahlia restaurant and the Copacabana nightclub that hosts live musical performances (just like the Barry Manilow song). Note that the premises have dress code that forbids sandals, flip-flops and sports wear. Free parking and Wi-Fi for patrons.
Teleférico do Funchal
View the city from above in a gondola. The upper station is at Monte, where you can visit the Monte Palace gardens and the church at Monte. Another cable car goes down from this point to the Botanical Gardens. Combination tickets for the ride and attractions are available.
They were promoted in 2026 and play in Primeira Liga, the game's top tier. Their home ground Estádio do Marítimo has capacity 11,000. The women's team also play in their top tier.
They too play in Primeira Liga. Their home ground Estádio da Madeira has a capacity of 5500..
0 - 4200 Ft
Tandem Paragliding flights.
Ride wooden toboggan down the mountain on a 2km roadway while being steered by men.
Recommended dish is Picado (beef steak served with chips). The normal size (€10) should be enough for 2 persons. The bigger size (€13) could serve 3 - 4 persons.
This place sells only 3 types of hamburgers: normal, special, and super. Also try their smoothies.
While many affordable cafes in Funchal have similar prices on burgers and tostas, Barreirinha also offers plenty of outdoor tables overlooking the ocean. Relaxing yet hip atmosphere. Occasional live bands or DJs.
Italian restaurant. À la carte lunch and dinner served inside and on the terrace. Children's menu. Reservation recommended.
Seaside fish restaurant.
This small restaurant is close to city market, in an iconic building (Edifício Oudinot), with a terrace overlooking the port. It has a small menu of contemporary, author's cuisine, Portuguese (Mediterranean)-influenced dishes. There are ten fish dishes, ten meat dishes and a side vegetarian/vegan menu. Serves an excellent house wine and other good wines (from €12.50 house bottle). It has a pleasant interior, with an Art Deco-influenced staircase. The staff are also friendly.
Modern aromatic Iberian cuisine in classic-yet-contemporary surroundings. Two Michelin stars.
Michelin-starred contemporary cuisine using local ingredients from the island. The elegant setting offers coastal views.
A pleasant little bar.
A casual bar that's part of the Casino da Madeira.
Dance club very popular with young people.
If you require an Irish pub.
Simple and somewhat cramped rooms but very clean and with a low price. Double rooms with private ensuite bathroom around €18–25/night depending on season. Located in the historical center, so ideal if you don't have a car.
Melba Pension
12 rooms.
An old quinta converted into a boutique design hotel, set in the heart of Funchal, among colourful gardens.
Beautiful, old hotel with a great view over the city of Funchal. Directly near the Convent St. Clara. Reasonable priced and not directly in a desiganted tourist district. Lots of good and affordable restaurants nearby.
PortoBay Hotels & Resorts
Just in front of the sea and the city harbour, in Funchal's Old Town, near Cable Car, Forte de São Tiago and Mercado Lavradores.
PortoBay Hotels & Resorts
One of the three hotels in the resort Vila Porto Mare, near Lido´s promenade, tropical gardens with more than 400 specimens, five pools, four restaurants, sports and spa.
PortoBay Hotels & Resorts
One of the three hotels in the resort Vila Porto Mare, near Lido´s promenade offers a wide selection of carefully furnished and fully equipped apartments. The Residence apartments combine views over the ocean with tropical gardens.
PortoBay Hotels & Resorts
One of the three hotels in the resort Vila Porto Mare, near Lido's promenade, kitchenette, tropical gardens with more than 400 specimens, five pools, four restaurants, sports and spa.
Casa do Pico
Casa do Pico is a dedicated coliving house in central Funchal featuring five private, fully furnished rooms with ergonomic workstations and high-speed fiber WiFi. The property centers around shared social spaces, including two living rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a large communal dining table, all designed to foster interaction among remote workers. Its highlight is an expansive rooftop terrace offering panoramic ocean and city views, a jacuzzi, and space for yoga and community gatherings, providing a seamless blend of productivity and social life just minutes from Funchal’s Old Town.
Access to the sea, stunning views over the Atlantic and Funchal Bay. Michelin one-star restaurant, Il Gallo d'Oro.
Has been the standard bearer for luxury hotel excellence on Madeira for over a century. Offering superb views of Madeira and the ocean, a luxury hotel spa, and gourmet restaurants. Famous for its afternoon tea. Including a Kids and Teens Club. Lovely hotel where Winston Churchill was a guest. There is an on-site, Michelin-starred restaurant, William.
Reid's rival hotel. Boasting a beachfront location, this luxurious resort is set in the Bay of Funchal and combines quality facilities with a central setting. Surrounded by tropical gardens, the Royal Savoy has 174 elegant suites, each with private balcony.
Located in downtown area, this hotel includes a panoramic suite that overlooks the entire Funchal.
By car
Funchal is served by highway ER101 which runs along the coast. An easy way to get to the city centre by car is to take exit 11 and head downhill towards Funchal.
By motorcycle and moped
Madeira as a small island is very convenient for exploring by riding motorcycles.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Funchal · International · FNC
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Funchal and Portugal.
Travel tipsDiscover the cheapest countries to visit in Europe in 2026. Compare daily budgets for Albania, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Portugal with real costs.
8 min read
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
ItinerariesExplore Lisbon, Sintra, and Porto with this 7-day Portugal itinerary for 2026. Practical train tips, palace timings, wine tastings, and costs.
8 min read
ItinerariesDecide between São Miguel and Terceira in the Azores. Compare crater lakes, thermal hot springs, UNESCO heritage, local cuisine, and direct flights.
8 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.