Nearest Airport
: Madeira international
at 25
Kilometres
Nearest Ferry
: Porto do Funchal
at 10
Kilometres
Nearest Motorway
: Express Way
at 5
Kilometres
Nearest Beach
: Barreirinha
at 10
Kilometres
Nearest Golf
: Santo da Serra
at 40
Kilometres
Car: necessary
Funchal
The city itself is nestled in a great natural amphitheatre, facing the blue Atlantic with a backdrop of dramatic mountains. Located in the south of the island amidst the most beautiful gardens.
Funchal is a modern, cosmopolitan, rejuvenated city, well known for its harbour, its nightlife, its warm climate and of course its most famous exports, world class soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo and fashion designer Fatima Lopes
You might think that Funchal is just a quiet sleepy city only for walkers and body and mind enthusiasts. But, in fact “beware” on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, Funchal comes alive after midnight. There are two stages to an evening out in Funchal, one is the bars and clubs that operate between Midnight and 4am and the other is the 4am to 7am clubs.
Of the many festivals, perhaps the most well known are the world-record New Year’s Eve Firework display, which is the largest display in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records.
The spectacular Carnival and the colorful Flower Festival, complete with samba beats and colorful costumed parade are a definite must.
During June, the Atlantic Festival International Fireworks Competition every Saturday evening is sure to impress.
Christmas is a fantastic fairytale season, with lights and festive decorations lighting up the whole city and night sky, the city centre becomes a wonderland and the twinkling lights that line the mountain streets look down on Funchal like glimmering stars.
And off course let’s not forget the renowned Wine Festival
Funchal has also for many years been one of the Atlantic Cruise-ship’s main ports of call; with the Liner Harbour right in the middle of the town. The approach to Funchal Harbour is well documented as one of the two most spectacular in the world, being on a par with Rio de Janeiro. It has now become a tradition that most European Liners, on their maiden voyage, call here; it is quite usual to see upwards of four cruise ships in at any one time. Once ashore, the cafés, restaurants and history that mark this famed capital are just a stroll away
