Funchal, The Capital of Madeira Island

Today, I want to write about Funchal, The Capital of Madeira Island. The city is capital for 500 years and located right on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean.

Funchal has a tropical climate and the beauty of fairy tales with mountains surrounded by green, palm trees, mimosa flowers and ocean view.

The city, which attracted the attention of tourists today, attracted the attention of the British in history due to its beautiful climate and vegetation and was under British rule for a while.

Today, the city is the sixth largest city in Portugal with a population of 115000.

Funchal Trip

Money

Currency is here Euro (€)

How to get to Funchal?

You can reserve a flight from Lisbon to Funchal Airport. It lasts 1,5 hour.  Another option for transportation to the city is cruise ships. Since here is a very impressive region in terms of tourism, cruise ships frequent the city.

Place to see in Funchal

Things to do in the city, which is like heaven on earth, are just as enjoyable. We toured city both on foot and on the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. It was very enjoyable. 

The 24-hour ticket costs 13.5 €.  You can the city tour bus at Avenida do Mar (Marina Terminal).   

Later wanted a day on the beach and enjoy the sand and learn more about the island. I mean the places only in the city.

The Port has the capacity to take up to 9 ships. The city seems to be stuck between two hills. You can see this best here.

There are two city gates. They are not original  reconstructed in 2004 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of city.

After the gates you can learned about old town and cable car.  You can start your city tour from Zona Velha, the Old City district, where the historical buildings of the city are located. Santa Maria Street is the oldest street in Madeira, dates back to around 1430. It is worth a visit to see the old restaurants and 200 painted doors.

If you want you can try the Madeira Cable Caris located on the waterfront, in front of the Old Town. You can experience great views over city. (Opening hours: 09.00 to 17.45 every day, Round Trip 16 € )

After old town you can visit Farmers Market Funchal Mercado Dos Lavradores. Here are flowers, fruit, vegetables, fish.

You can visit a must-see Funchal Cathedral (Sé Funchal) dates back the 1400s during the tour of Funchal.  It is open every day and you can climb the tower for a small fee.

San Martinho Chapel, Pico dos Barcelos Viewpoint, San Martinho Main Church can be also undertaken with Yellow Bus Funchal.

And CR7 Museu, a great experience to visit the museum of a great player on this small island, an overview of the CR7’s football quality and achievements. (Opening hours: 10.00 to 18.45 except sunday, 5 € )

What and Where to eat in Funchal?

The city is known as the center of the island’s nightlife. In the region where there is a place that will appeal to every style, there are different kinds of places such as bar, night club or local restaurant. Most of the preferred venues for nightlife are located on Rua de Santa Maria Street in Zona Velha, which means the Old Town of the region. For a fun night in city, you can go to Vespas, Marginal or Cameleon, the region’s most famous night club.

Mediterranean effects that you encounter in Portuguese cuisine are also seen in the city. The main products of the kitchen are mainly seafood, rice, potatoes and tropical fruits. One of the most famous dishes of Portuguese cuisine; Pasteis de Bacalhau, namely Bacalhau a Bras and Bacalhau a Gomes de Sa made with grated bacalhau, potatoes, onions and eggs. During your trip, you should also taste the colorful fruits on the market stalls. The most famous fruits of the island; banana and pineapple mix ” bananaananas ” and ” passion fruit ”.

Where to stay in Funchal?

It is possible to find 3 or 4 star hotels in the beach area at the level of 80-140 € per night for 2 people including breakfast.

We prefered 5-star Vidamar Resorts Madeira just few minutes’ walk from central Funchal.

It features 3 salt-water infinity pools with the views of the Atlantic. Very nice pool area, magnificent view from our balcony, and good food at the restaurants.”

We paid 291 € for 3 adult with half board included. This is a very well run hotel. Our room was spotlessly clean, modern, with excellent sea views from the balcony. Fantastic Choice of food with dine around option if required.

I really liked this city. A great place for vacation and relaxation. I recommend it to everyone.

For the other articles about Madeira please click here…