City guide
Funchal
May-September for the driest, sunniest weather; late December for the New Year fireworksBest time
BeachVibe
PortugalRegion
Funchal is Madeira's capital, a harbour city climbing steep hillsides above the Atlantic, known for its botanical gardens, Madeira wine trade and one of Europe's biggest New Year fireworks displays. A cable car links the centre to the hilltop suburb of Monte, source of the traditional wicker toboggan ride back down.
About Funchal
Funchal is Madeira's capital, a harbour city climbing steep hillsides above the Atlantic, known for its botanical gardens, Madeira wine trade and one of Europe's biggest New Year fireworks displays. A cable car links the centre to the hilltop suburb of Monte, source of the traditional wicker toboggan ride back down.
BeachCityFood & DrinkMountainsFamily Friendly
Country: PortugalLanguage: PortugueseCurrency: Euro (EUR)Time zone: UTC+0
FunchalSee what's onThe vibe & who it suits
Funchal is Madeira's capital, a harbour city climbing steep hillsides above the Atlantic, known for its botanical gardens, Madeira wine trade and one of Europe's biggest New Year fireworks displays. A cable car links the centre to the hilltop suburb of Monte, source of the traditional wicker toboggan ride back down.
Best forWine and garden visits; hiking levada trails nearby; New Year's Eve trips
When to goMay-September for the driest, sunniest weather; late December for the New Year fireworks
Getting aroundAirport 18km from centre; cable car to Monte; hilly streets mean taxis or buses beat walking uphill
Where to stayZona Velha (Old Town) for restaurants and nightlife on foot; Lido for beach-facing resort hotels
Maybe skip ifYou want flat, easy walking, since the city climbs steeply from the harbour
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