Funchal has a lot going on for visitors and is a great place to spend a holiday. Funchal is the capital of the island of Madeira and is the port of call for numerous cruise ships. The western area is much like a city of hotels where the eastern area encompasses the old town and has plenty of great restaurants for dining as well as the exciting market of Mercados dos Labadores. In between these areas is the center of Funchal where visitors can find the cathedral, the lovely municipal building with it’s pretty courtyard and Quinta das Cruzes, a stately house with colorful gardens.

The favorite mode of transportation is a Fhunchal cruise. There are a variety of ships ready and waiting to take visitors on a tour of the surrounding area. A Fhunchal cruise can be a days-long adventure or a fun day trip. Many of the longer Fhunchal cruises also visit areas such as Lisbon, Malaga and Barcelona as well as many other ports depending on the type of Fhunchal cruise taken. Day cruises tend to go on the route through Cape Girao, one of the largest capes in the world. Half-day cruises are also available and often dolphins and other sea mammals can be spotted. Sometimes the captain will let guests out for a swim on a nearby Portugal beach.

When looking for a flight Funchal is accessible by Madeira International Airport only 15 minutes away in Santa Cruz. Many tour packages are offered from the UK where some great deals can be found. When coming in on a flight Funchal is serviced through Santa Cruz by TAP Portugal Airlines and British Airways which fly direct in about 3.5 hours from London Gatwick. Major US city passengers have to connect in Lisbon via Lisbon Airport. When on a Gatwick flight Funchal and the surrounding island area provide a spectacular view from the sky.

Portugal Map

Funchal enjoys a steady climate which leaves Funchal travel at its best most times of year. Upon deciding when to go take a look at the seasonal temperatures. Funchal travel from December through May will see temperatures from mid to upper 60's while Funchal travel from June through November sees temperatures throughout the 70's. Rain during Funchal travel is often seen between October and April and though the rains aren’t torrential you’ll likely need an umbrella at some point!

A Funchal cruise is still the best way to see the Madeira Island expanse. The half day sea cruise is perfect for those wanting the experience but not wishing to be on aboard too long. A half day Funchal cruise will normally journey along the coast to see the southwest Madeira landscape where houses dot the green mountains and contrast nicely with the blue water. The bay of Camara de Lobos where a typical fishing village lies might be passed by on a Funchal cruise and often the captain will stop in calm waters so those aboard the ship can jump ship and have a refreshing swim. Portugal fishing trips for deep sea catches are also available from Madeira Island.

No matter how you decide to spend your holiday on the Madeira Islands Funchal will inevitably be a part of it. Island life is fairly quiet during the week as the tourist to local ratios is quite low but the weekends can be really exciting. Depending on your mood there are several options for an evening out from relaxed dining or a chat at a café-bar or pub to dancing into the night at one of Funchal’s fun bars, nightclubs or discotheques