Funchal is the capital and, with over 110,000 inhabitants, also the largest city in Madeira, which will captivate you with its colonial atmosphere.

The city lies in a wide bay in the south-east of the island and, due to its mountainous surroundings, climbs from the sea up the hillside to points beyond which it simply cannot go any further because of the terrain.

Funchal consists of four main areas – the historic centre in the middle, the Old Town (Zona Velha) to the east, the tourist area with hotels to the west, and the residential neighbourhoods forming a ring around them.

The 10 best hotels in Funchal

The centre and the Old Town date back to the era of the first colonisation, which began in Madeira in 1424. Here, you’ll wander through narrow streets that evoke the old fishing and town life, with a strong colonial atmosphere.

Sights and attractions

The historic city centre itself and its immediate surroundings are not particularly large and can be explored on foot in half a day. In Funchal, don’t miss these monuments and places of interest:

• Mercado dos Lavradores – the daily farmers’ and fish markets held in the large three-storey market hall. Here you can buy fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, flowers and wickerwork,
• SéCathedral – Funchal’s main cathedral, dating from 1514, may not immediately catch the eye with its austere Manueline Gothic exterior and modest size, but the richly decorated interior in the Mudéjar style, and in particular the wooden Moorish ceiling made of cedar, is certainly worth a visit, 
• Jardim Botanico – a beautiful, large garden with manicured French-style flowerbeds as well as wild vegetation and ponds, 
• Jardim Tropical Monte Palace – the second botanical garden is the Jardim Tropical, situated around the Monte Palace summer residence near the top station of the cable car, and is one of Funchal’s most visited attractions. It also offers beautiful views of the entire city and the ocean. Further information is provided in a separate detailed description of the site,
• Parque de Santa Catarina – the largest city park, featuring a statue of the explorer Christopher Columbus and the famous Madeira Casino building, 
• Fortresses – the city is home to two significant 16th-century fortresses: Fortaleza do Pico on the hill above the historic centre andFortaleza São Tiagoright by the sea in the Old Town
• Museo CR7 – sports fans won’t want to miss the museum dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo, a native of Madeira; official information is available atmuseucr7.com

Accommodation in Funchal

As the largest city, Funchal also offers the widest range of accommodation options, from very cheap flats and guesthouses with prices around 33 eur per night for two, to more expensive traditional hotels; however, even these often have rates below 41 eur per night for a double room.

Funchal is the ideal place to stay before your flight or after your arrival, or if you want to be right in the thick of things and set off on day trips using public transport. Here are our tips for cheap and well-reviewed accommodation:

• Tips for great self-catering flats – Casa dos Avós Aparments, House Joel & Sónia, Museum House, São Pedro Boutique
• Recommendations for traditional hotels – Florasol Residence Hotel 3*, Hotel Cajú 4*, Duas Torres 3*, Allegro Madeira 4*, Melia Madeira Mare 5*

Beaches and swimming

There are two larger public beaches right in Funchal, both of which are covered inlarge pebbles. Click on the name of the beach to view its location on the map.

Praia Formosa,onthe western edge of the city, is the larger and longer of the two, whilstPraia São Tiago, near the historic centre, is the smaller one. Entry to both beaches is free, and Formosa Beach has sun lounger hire facilities.

However,the twoopen-air swimming pools right by the sea are much more popular in Funchal. The water in them is heated, and you can enjoy a full range of facilities, from changing rooms and showers to refreshment stands. Both also have a staircase providing easy access to the sea.

There is an admission charge 5,20 eur.

• Complexo Balnear do Lido – map
• Complexo Balnear do Punta Gorda – map

Transport and public transport

How to get around Funchal?

By bus

Public transport in Funchal is provided by around 20 bus routes.

Stops are clearly signposted with timetables and route maps. It can be confusing that some Funchal public transport services and intercity buses share the same route number, even though they are different services and the routes go to completely different destinations.

Funchal’s public transport operatesyellow buses.

The ticketing system uses GIRO cards, which you can top up repeatedly with new journeys. The initial purchase of the card costs 0,50 eur plus the price of the chosen ticket.

So don’t throw the card away! You can buy the card from ticket machines or ticket kiosks, though these are mostly only in the city centre. However, you can also buy it from the driver for a total of 1,95 eur (0,50 eur for the card + 1,45 eur for a single journey). You can only top up your card at ticket machines or ticket kiosks. In this case, the fare works as follows:

• 1 journey – 1,45 eur
• 1 journey when topping up with 10 tickets – 1,35 eur
• 1-day (valid only on the calendar day) - 4,50 eur
• 3-day – 11,50 eur

Tickets are valid only on yellow public transport buses within Funchal; they are not valid for journeys outside the city.

Timetables, current ticket prices and route maps can be found on the official website,horariosdofunchal.pt.

By cable car

There are two cable car services operating in Funchal. One runs from the city centre directly to Monte Palace and Jardim Tropical, whilst the other connects the two botanical gardens: Jardim Botânico and Monte Palace with Jardim Tropical.

• Teleférico do Funchal – The journey from the city centre up to Monte, over 3,200 metres long, takes 15 minutes and covers an altitude gain of 560 metres. A return ticket costs 18 eur, a single ticket 12,50 eur; for more information, visit madeiracablecar.com.
• Teleférico do Jardim Botanico – A 1,600-metre-long cable car connects the two botanical gardens. A return ticket costs 14 eur, a single ticket 9,25 eur; further information is available at telefericojardimbotanico.com.

By car

Parkingin Funchal is always subject to a charge; please note that the pay-on-arrival machines usually only accept coins.

Parking rates range from 1,50 eur per hour to discounted rates of around 6,50 eur for the whole day.

As well as traditional taxis, the Uber app is also available in Funchal.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Madeira.