Plan Your Trip to Funchal: Best of Funchal Tourism

Funchal, Portugal
Essential Funchal
Food & drink


How to do Funchal in 3 days

The best places to try poncha in Funchal
- Venda Velha250On the corner of a narrow cobblestone street, Venda Velha calls to mind the vendas where people socialized a century ago. Try the poncha tomatillo, made with the tomate inglès that grows in Madeira. It’s slightly sweet and vegetal, but definitely not the tomato you have in mind. Venda Velha often has a DJ, so if you’re looking for a party, this is your spot.
- Pub Number Two799I stopped by this relaxed pub while visiting two nearby spots, Quinta Magnólia Garden and the Modern Museum Art of Madeira. Not to be confused with Bar Number 2, this is the one that’s preferred by locals. Besides the made-from-scratch ponchas, don’t pass up the bolo do caco (a circular flatbread made with garlic butter). The interior can be a bit dark, so nab a table on the outdoor patio.
- Sete Mares Funchal193Locals flock to this bar for its unbeatable view of the harbour. From one of the umbrella-shaded tables on the deck you can watch the cruise ships as they sail past. Fans also appreciate the wide range of seafood dishes, especially the limpets, a type of mollusk that is common in the tidepools around Madeira. The bartenders make an array of ponchas, including passion fruit—always my favourite flavour.
- Bar Number Two - Zona Velha119This spot near the waterfront is crammed between many other establishments vying for your attention, but it should be the one you hit first. Tables are scattered around the cobblestone street outside. This is the best spot to try a poncha à pescador, or fisherman’s poncha. (The drink is said to have been created by fishermen trying to stay warm.) The most traditional type of poncha, it’s made with rum, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Poncha Da Imperatriz - Wine & Food27If you’re looking for more than just a quick drink, the elegant Poncha da Imperatriz is the place to go for a satisfying meal. It’s open, airy, and has a show-stopping carriage suspended above the dining room. Located in the Galerias do Savoy, it’s the ideal spot to lounge around. Try the tangerine poncha, one of several different flavours on offer.
- Rei Da Poncha542Another local favourite, Rei da Poncha sits on a quiet street in the centre of Funchal’s Old Town. You can’t do better than a table in the cobblestone courtyard. The ponchas here are fresh, fruity, and strong, served with peanuts in the shell or tremoços (a bean that’s probably the region’s favourite bar snack). The average poncha is just a couple of bucks, so you can sample several until you find your favourite.
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Funchal travel advice
Popular Choices
Some travelers recommended Cris’s Place and La Vaca Negra for dining in Funchal. MadMarket and Regional Flavours were also mentioned for their unique offerings, with MadMarket being described as quirky with excellent food and service.
Traditional Cuisine
For those interested in traditional Portuguese and Madeiran dishes, Com Tradições and Taberna Madeira were highlighted. Com Tradições is known for its traditional Algarve and Alentejo dishes, including fresh local tuna with tomato migas.
Varied Dining Experiences
According to forum posts, Mozart and Restaurante Goya provide a more upscale dining experience with prix fixe menus that include a starter, entree, dessert, and house wine for approximately 50 euros per person. For a less expensive option, Espettus offers Brazilian Rodizio, and Tapas y Copas was praised for excellent tapas.
Specialty Cuisine
For those with specific culinary preferences, Window to Asia offers Asian cuisine with options like Duck Noodles and Teriyaki Chicken, while Mad Cuba is recommended for Cuban dishes and mojitos. These eateries offer a mix of traditional and international flavors suited to various tastes.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Airport Taxi Services
According to forum posts, taxis are readily available at Funchal Airport with typical fares to Funchal costing around €30, although prices can vary and are subject to negotiation since taxis are not metered. Pre-booked transfers are recommended for cost efficiency, with companies like Madeira Airport Transfers and Daniel Madeira Taxis often cited for reliability.
Bus and Aerobus Options
Some travelers mentioned the Aerobus as a frequent and economical choice, with a one-way ticket costing €5 and a return ticket €8. The Aerobus routes through major hotels in Funchal, making it convenient for many. Regular bus services are also available; however, they might not offer the comfort and direct routes suitable for tourists with significant luggage.
Alternative Ride Services
Ride-sharing apps like Bolt are available, providing an alternative to traditional taxis and potentially offering cheaper fares. However, services like Uber are not operational in Madeira, limiting the options for app-based transportation.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Portugal Day Celebrations
According to forum posts, Portugal Day is celebrated in Funchal with a military ceremony at the São Lourenço Palace, which usually happens around 11:30 AM.
Mardi Gras and Carnival
Some travelers indicated disappointment regarding the cancellation of the 2022 Mardi Gras and Carnival events due to COVID-19. Normally, these festivals feature vibrant celebrations in Funchal.
New Year's Eve Fireworks
Travelers have called out New Year's Eve as a significant festivity in Funchal, with spectacular fireworks displays that can be viewed from various locations, including boats and hotel terraces.
Madeira Flower Festival
Forum posts highlight the Madeira Flower Festival as a major event occurring in May. The festival includes a grand parade with floral floats and various performances along Funchal’s main roads.
Madeira Wine Festival
According to user discussions, the Madeira Wine Festival takes place from late August to early September. Events include live grape harvests and wine tastings, particularly in the Estreito de Câmara de Lobos area.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?General Weather Patterns
According to forum posts, Funchal typically experiences mixed weather patterns. Some travelers noted warm and sunny days, particularly during the summer months, with temperatures around 25 to 31°C. However, it's also common for evenings to feel cooler, and occasional rain showers are mentioned.
Variability and Seasonal Shifts
Travelers have called out that the weather in Funchal can be quite variable due to its island location. During autumn and winter, the weather tends to be more changeable, with possible cloudy days and rain. Despite this, daylight lasts until after 6 PM even in winter, providing more enjoyable daylight hours.
Advice for Visitors
For many users, the consensus is to prepare for a range of conditions. Packing light layers such as cardigans or light jackets for the evenings is advisable, alongside more summery attire for daytime. Checking local weather forecasts close to the travel date, particularly from IPMA, is recommended for the most accurate and current information.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Cruise Ship Schedules
Some travelers mentioned that information about cruise ship schedules in Funchal can be found on the website apram.pt, which lists anticipated arrivals and durations of stay for cruise ships.
Impact on Local Areas
According to forum posts, when cruise ships dock, particular areas in Funchal, such as the Cable Car terminal and the Old Town, tend to get crowded. However, most cruise passengers converge in specific areas and return to their ships for meals, so other parts of the city are less affected.
Accommodation Near Cruise Port
Travelers have called out that staying near the cruise terminal, such as at the Pestana CR7 hotel, might not be ideal due to noise and air pollution from the ships. It was suggested that other hotels might offer quieter environments while still providing good access to local attractions.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Popular Gardens
According to forum posts, Palheiro Gardens and Monte Palace Tropical Gardens are highly recommended by travelers. Palheiro Gardens are appreciated for their beauty, and Monte Palace is favored for its unique and fantasy-like appeal.
Additional Garden Options
Some travelers also highlighted the Quinta Magnolia Gardens as their favorite in Funchal. Moreover, the Botanical Gardens, despite past concerns about caged birds, offer a diverse plant display and have been updated following the 2016 fires to improve conditions.
Free and Low-Cost Options
For budget-conscious visitors, Santa Catarina Park and the Municipal Gardens in the center of Funchal offer free access. The Governors' Garden, with an entry fee of about one euro, is also suggested as worth visiting.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Overview
Savoy Palace in Funchal offers a modern, luxurious accommodation experience with a range of facilities. It is described as having a Dubai style architecture and is part of the Savoy group.
Facilities and Atmosphere
The hotel features typical amenities expected from a 5-star establishment, including a lovely breakfast area and excellent service. It has been noted for its super friendly staff and a roof bar with stunning views. While it maintains a modern aesthetic, which some may find overly flashy, it generally receives positive reviews for its quality.
Location and Accessibility
One notable aspect of its location is that, although it is near the coast, a road separates the hotel from direct coastal access. Guests need to pass through the adjacent Royal Savoy for beach access. However, the facilities are shared between guests of both the Savoy Palace and Royal Savoy, enhancing the convenience.
Dining Options
For dining, it is recommended to opt for the bed and breakfast option and explore local restaurants, as Funchal hosts a variety of good dining spots. However, the hotel itself offers some excellent meals, particularly praised by past guests.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Bus Transportation
According to forum posts, you can take regular bus services from Funchal to Camara de Lobos. Travelers have mentioned Rodoeste buses as a convenient option, with multiple bus numbers serving this route, including bus no. 7. The bus fare was noted as €2.20 for a single journey.
Alternative Transportation
Some travelers suggested using taxis or the Hop on Hop off bus service for more direct and flexible travel. The green train from Funchal to Cabo Girão, stopping in Camara de Lobos, was also recommended for those looking for a scenic route. Additionally, a sea taxi to Fajã dos Padres from Camara de Lobos is an option for a unique travel experience.
Travel Tips
For many users, walking from Funchal to Camara de Lobos along the coastal path is a pleasant activity, offering scenic views and a chance to explore at one's own pace. This walk is popular and well-received by visitors seeking to combine exercise with sightseeing.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?