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Plan Your Trip to Funchal: Best of Funchal Tourism

By joberti

Funchal, Portugal

Funchal, the capital of the Madeira archipelago, was declared a city in the 1500s and became an important point between the old and new worlds. The laidback city became a fixture on the global scene thanks to Madeiran sugar, nicknamed "white gold.” Today, Funchal is known for its gorgeous weather, local wine, and pretty handicrafts. Top spots to visit include the open Worker's Market, Blandy's Wine Lodge, and the Sacred Art Museum with works dating between the 15th and 19th centuries. Don’t miss the historical farmers market for fruit, flowers, and fish. The Monte Cable Car makes a climb of over 1900 feet for impressive views. Friendly locals, walkable streets, and cheap taxis make the city easy to get around. Inspired? We’ve got more recs below.

Essential Funchal

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How to do Funchal in 3 days

A palace garden, scenic swimming pools, and plenty of Madeira wine
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The best places to try poncha in Funchal

When you’re trying your first poncha—the blend of rum, honey, and orange or lemon juice that’s found everywhere on Madeira—how it’s made is the key. When I’m in Funchal, the island’s capital city, I make sure mine is fresh, frothy, and made with a wooden tool called a caralhinho. (Trust me, it matters.) Here are my favourite places to drink poncha in Funchal.
  • Venda Velha
    250
    On 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 Two
    799
    I 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 Funchal
    193
    Locals 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 Velha
    119
    This 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 & Food
    27
    If 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 Poncha
    542
    Another 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

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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