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

Funchal Travel Guide: 500 reviews and 1,020 photos

Botanical gardens above Funchal - Funchal
Botanical gardens above 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 - Funchal

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! - Funchal

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)

steep streets below Monte - Funchal 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

painted ceiling - Funchal 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

hills behind Funchal - Funchal 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

us at Pico dos Barcelos - Funchal 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

Comments (31)

  • Reply
    Vincedem's Profile Photo
    Sep 3, 2006 at 5:11 AM

    Good page about beautiful Funchal! Greets from Belgium, Vince

  • Reply
    Maurizioago's Profile Photo
    May 21, 2005 at 10:22 AM

    I'd like to go there soon! Ciao!!!

  • Reply
    fiveportions's Profile Photo
    Apr 30, 2005 at 7:48 AM

    Sandysmith - AWESOME Madeira page! Thanks for all the info and beaut pics.

  • Reply
    annk's Profile Photo
    Mar 8, 2005 at 6:29 PM

    The city looks gorgeous with the sea views, unique gardens, lovely structures and colorful markets! Wonderful photos.

  • Reply
    iandsmith's Profile Photo
    Feb 18, 2005 at 8:19 PM

    Lovely gardens, lovely views but, a cross between a pineapple and a banana??? Doesn't bear thinking about!

  • Reply
    Avieira67's Profile Photo
    Aug 30, 2004 at 3:26 PM

    Hello/Olá! And about Azores? Why not to visit these beautiful islands? From Azores.

  • Reply
    barbskie's Profile Photo
    Aug 14, 2004 at 3:44 PM

    Beautiful gardens !

  • Reply
    EllenH's Profile Photo
    Aug 8, 2004 at 12:14 PM

    These gardens are gorgeous...

  • Reply
    nada1712's Profile Photo
    Apr 25, 2004 at 10:47 AM

    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

  • Reply
    Maph's Profile Photo
    Apr 5, 2004 at 2:59 PM

    Great pics

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