"Funchal Impressions" Top 5 Page for this destination Funchal by sandysmith

Funchal Travel Guide: 542 reviews and 930 photos

Botanical gardens above Funchal - Funchal

Despite mixed weather, a broken camera first day, and a water logged mobile phone the second day, we did manage to enjoy the tropical island of Madeira and its capital city Funchal.

Funchal used to be the haunt of the rich and famous but now its affordable and more reachable for all thanks to the airport runway extension in recent years. There was more to Funchal than we first thought as we got our first glimpses on the way from the airport. The harbour, the colourful market, the old town and squares of Funchal easily need a day or so.

Monte's church

Allow another day to take a cable-car trip to Monte above Funchal. Visit the church and the tropical gardes therre before taking the wicker basket sledge down. Still time to vist the botanical gardens too that day.

madeira on tap!

Save some time to savour the delights of the old Blandy's wine lodge - I spent a pleasant time there in the old courtyards before sampling its wares in the tasting rooms ;-)

Pros and Cons

Pros:lots to see in town
Cons:weather can be unpredictable!
In a nutshell:good winter destination

Last visit to Funchal: Oct 2003
Intro Updated Apr 25, 2004
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Reviews (67)

Walking back to Funchal Tourist Traps (2)

The Toboggan run doesn't go all the way into Funchal...so take an expensive taxi or walk! If your knees can take it... more travel advice

Monte Church Things to Do (27)

Make sure you have a look inside the church at Monte. I particularly liked the colourful wooden painted ceilings. Also... more travel advice

Pico dos Barcelos View Off The Beaten Path (10)

As well as views over Funchal at Pico dos Barcelos the views of the terraced mountains behind were lovely - and we had... more travel advice

Pico dos Barcelos Off The Beaten Path (10)

The Pico dos Barcelos is a viewpoint about 1km above the hotel zone of Funchal. We stopped here on the way to Nun's... more travel advice

Local Customs (3)
See All Carreiros do Monte
Favorites (10)
See All Parrots for the President
Nightlife (1)
Fancy your Chances?
Restaurants (4)
See All Big portions of Cake!

Sports & Outdoors (1)
Levada Dos Tornos
Hotels (4)
See All Spoilt for Choice - Pink Palace
Transportation (5)
See All Sailing Trips
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Comments (32)

Vincedem Sep 3, 2006 at 5:11 AM Report Abuse

Good page about beautiful Funchal! Greets from Belgium, Vince
36waterfalls Jul 18, 2006 at 5:53 AM Report Abuse

great tips, lovely pics, thanks!
Maurizioago May 21, 2005 at 10:22 AM Report Abuse

I'd like to go there soon! Ciao!!!
fiveportions Apr 30, 2005 at 7:48 AM Report Abuse

Sandysmith - AWESOME Madeira page! Thanks for all the info and beaut pics.
annk Mar 8, 2005 at 6:29 PM Report Abuse

The city looks gorgeous with the sea views, unique gardens, lovely structures and colorful markets! Wonderful photos.
iandsmith Feb 18, 2005 at 8:19 PM Report Abuse

Lovely gardens, lovely views but, a cross between a pineapple and a banana??? Doesn't bear thinking about!
Avieira67 Aug 30, 2004 at 3:26 PM Report Abuse

Hello/Olá! And about Azores? Why not to visit these beautiful islands? From Azores.
barbskie Aug 14, 2004 at 3:44 PM Report Abuse

Beautiful gardens !
EllenH Aug 8, 2004 at 12:14 PM Report Abuse

These gardens are gorgeous...
nada1712 Apr 25, 2004 at 10:47 AM Report Abuse

This is a wonderful and accurate site on Funchal. The best hotels I have found are the traditional Pousadas which are in the central area as well as the countryside. Best wishes nada