Funchal (Madeira), Portugal: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2025

Funchal offers some of the best places to stay in Madeira, with neighbourhoods that cater to every type of traveller—from those seeking oceanfront luxury to those who prefer charming historic streets or peaceful garden surroundings. The city divides naturally into several appealing areas: the Old Town (Zona Velha), the city centre, the Lido/Hotel Zone, and the quieter hillside districts above Funchal. Each has its own character, making it easy to find a stay that suits your travel style.

Staying in the Old Town is perfect for travellers who want atmosphere and convenience. This is the most historic and walkable part of Funchal, filled with narrow cobbled lanes, painted doors, small restaurants, and easy access to the cable car, Mercado dos Lavradores, and waterfront. A great option here is Sé Boutique Hotel, which blends artistic décor with an excellent central location. Another appealing choice in this district is Porto Santa Maria Hotel, offering elegant rooms overlooking the harbour.

The city centre around Avenida Arriaga and the cathedral is ideal for those who want culture, shops, markets, and museums at their doorstep. This area has a sophisticated yet relaxed feel, with tree-lined avenues and plenty of dining options. One of the best places to stay here is Castanheiro Boutique Hotel, a beautifully restored complex of historic buildings with a rooftop pool and stylish interiors. Another excellent choice nearby is Hotel Madeira, perfect for travellers who want comfort in the heart of the city.

The Lido and Hotel Zone west of the centre is the best area for oceanfront stays, resort-style facilities, and easy access to coastal walks. This neighbourhood stretches along a scenic promenade with swimming complexes, sea platforms, and panoramic views. Travellers looking for luxury and sea views might opt for Pestana Promenade, which offers pools, gardens, and easy access to the Lido promenade. Nearby, The Cliff Bay is one of Madeira’s top hotels, known for its exceptional service and commanding cliffside position above the Atlantic.

For a quieter, more residential experience, the hills above Funchal—including Monte, São Roque, and São Gonçalo—offer peaceful surroundings and sweeping views over the bay. These areas suit travellers who enjoy tranquillity and don’t mind being slightly removed from the city centre. A beautiful hillside stay is Quinta da Bela Vista, a traditional quinta with lush gardens and elegant interiors. Further east, Quinta Mirabela offers modern comfort blended with classic style, as well as panoramic views stretching across the city.

Whether you prefer the historic charm of the Old Town, the dining and cultural scene of the centre, the oceanfront calm of the Lido district, or the scenic peace of the hillside quintas, Funchal offers a diverse range of places to stay, each providing a memorable base for discovering Madeira.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Funchal (Madeira). Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Madeira offers a consistently mild Mediterranean climate throughout the year, making it an ideal destination whenever you have the opportunity to visit. Despite its lush landscapes, the island experiences moderate rainfall without reaching uncomfortably high temperatures. The varied microclimates, notably the contrast between the windy and damp northeast and the more arid and sheltered south due to the mountainous terrain, provide diverse weather conditions.

Visiting Funchal in the Winter

For those seeking winter sun, Madeira doesn’t disappoint. In December, January, and February, daytime temperatures can reach 20°C in the lower regions below the ‘banana line,’ known for ideal banana cultivation. However, glimpses of snow on the mountaintops are not uncommon. Carnival celebrations, a major attraction, occur from the Friday before Lent to Shrove Tuesday, requiring early booking if you plan to travel during these dates.

Visiting Funchal in Spring

Spring, especially from March to May, offers delightful weather with shorts and T-shirt conditions, though occasional heavy rain is possible. The vibrant foliage during walks is particularly striking, and Funchal comes alive with color during the Flower Festival in May, featuring parades and floats adorned with fragrant blooms.

The island’s annual Carnival and Flower Festival, held in May, stand out as highlights in the events calendar. Walking holidays are available year-round, with spring and summer particularly enchanting due to vibrant vegetation and warm sunlight.

Visiting Funchal in Summer

Summer is optimal for whale watching, with daytime temperatures around 24°C. From June to August, the leste, a dry and hot wind from the Sahara, can raise temperatures to 33°C. Mornings in June and July may start with cloud cover, gradually clearing over the day.

Visiting Funchal in Autumn or Fall

Autumn, spanning September to November, brings a quieter atmosphere to Madeira. The weather remains pleasant and sunny, with warm seas suitable for comfortable swimming. While rainfall increases slightly, temperatures stabilize around a balmy 22°C, making it an ideal time for leisurely walks in shaded areas.

Travelling to Funchal by Plane

Travelers heading to Madeira have two primary entry points. The first is Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport, situated in the city of Santa Cruz, serving as the main hub for arrivals and departures in the region. It is also known as Madeira Airport, Funchal Airport, or Santa Catarina Airport It's worth noting that international flights to Funchal from significant European cities are both frequent and reasonably priced. On average, these flights take approximately three to four hours, providing efficient and accessible travel options. For those departing from Lisbon, the journey to Madeira is notably shorter, taking just 90 minutes. Whether arriving by air or sea, Madeira is well-connected and easily accessible for visitors from various locations.

The airport is located 13.2 km (8.2 mi) east-northeast of the regional capital, Funchal.

Visiting Funchal by Ferry or Boat

The second option is the Port of Funchal, strategically positioned along the route of major international cruise ships. It is a 15 minutes walk from the centre of Madeira’s capital, to the Funchal harbour.  There is occasionally a ferry service operating from Portugal to Madeira, although this does vary year to year!

Travelling to Funchal by Road

The journey from the airport to the city typically takes a mere 15 to 20 minutes, ensuring swift and convenient transportation. For budget-conscious travellers, local bus services offer an extremely affordable option, efficiently taking visitors to various locations in and around the city.

Travelling to Funchal by Bus

Passengers can enjoy splendid views from elevated bus seats, and the drivers, known for their expertise, provide a sense of safety throughout the journey. Four companies manage the public transport system in Madeira: Horários do Funchal, SAM, Rodoeste, and EACL (Empresa de Autocarros do Caniço), each covering different parts of the island.

For most people, SAM and Rodoeste buses can be boarded at their main departure points on Avenida do Mar, and tickets can be purchased directly on the bus or, in some cases, at the operators' kiosks near the departure points. It's worth noting that fare-saving tickets are available for the orange town buses (HF). Travelers should be aware that identical bus numbers may serve different routes, for example, the orange town bus 20 to Monte and the green/cream country bus 20 to Santo da Serra.