Funchal Portugal
Country: Portugal · Region: Atlantic Islands · Currency: Euro
Funchal is the capital of Madeira, a beautiful Portuguese island city with historic architecture, botanical attractions, and vibrant markets. The compact city center is easily walkable and offers cultural sites, gardens, and local cuisine.
Top sights
Sé Cathedral, Madeira Botanical Garden, Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro Park, Mercado Dos Lavradores, Santa Clara Convent, Monte Palace Hotel Gardens
Things to do
- Sé Cathedral
- The central point of Funchal and its most-visited monument, built between 1493 and 1517 with a ceiling made from local wood.
- Madeira Botanical Garden
- Hillside gardens featuring more than 2000 plants and a collection of parakeets and parrots, offering excellent views of Funchal.
- Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro Park
- A manor in British colonial style with public gardens including a French Garden, Sunken Garden, and Camellia Avenue, set at 500m altitude.
- Funchal Cable Car
- A gondola offering views of the city from above, with the upper station at Monte where visitors can access Monte Palace gardens and church.
Beaches
- Barreirinha Bar Cafe
- Beachfront café on the water with outdoor tables overlooking the ocean, offering affordable tostas, burgers, and poncha in a relaxing yet hip atmosphere.
Where to eat
- Il Gallo d'Oro
- Two Michelin-starred restaurant serving modern aromatic Iberian cuisine in classic-yet-contemporary surroundings at The Cliff Bay Hotel.
- Olives
- Contemporary author's cuisine restaurant near the city market with a terrace overlooking the port, offering fish, meat, and vegetarian/vegan dishes with house wine from €12.50.
Bars and nightlife
- Palm Bar
- A casual bar located within the Casino da Madeira offering relaxed atmosphere and entertainment options.
Forecast for Funchal
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Weather in Funchal by month
Averages from 2015 to 2024, not a forecast. Within about two weeks of a date, the live forecast above is the one to trust.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rainfall | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 63°F | 55°F | 2.8 in | 8 |
| February | 63°F | 54°F | 2.6 in | 8 |
| March | 64°F | 54°F | 2.9 in | 10 |
| April | 66°F | 56°F | 2.9 in | 11 |
| May | 68°F | 58°F | 1.4 in | 8 |
| June | 72°F | 62°F | 2.8 in | 8 |
| July | 76°F | 65°F | 0.5 in | 5 |
| August | 79°F | 67°F | 0.5 in | 3 |
| September | 75°F | 65°F | 1.6 in | 10 |
| October | 73°F | 64°F | 3.3 in | 12 |
| November | 68°F | 59°F | 3.3 in | 11 |
| December | 65°F | 57°F | 3.2 in | 10 |
Getting around
The city center is small enough to explore on foot; orange city buses serve the area with single rides costing €1.90, or Giro cards available for €2.20 with two journeys.
What to eat
Local specialties include espada com banana (scabbard fish with banana) and bacalhau com natas (codfish in cream sauce), widely available at traditional Portuguese restaurants throughout the city.
Tips
Visit Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro Park in the afternoon to avoid large bus tour crowds; entrance is €10.50 and it's accessible by bus lines 36 or 37.
Best for
Gardens, historic sites, local markets