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Funchal
Funchal is the capital of the island of Madeira. Situated in the south between Santa Cruz and Camara de Lobos cities.
The city's name comes from the abundance of fennel (funcho) found on the island. It was an important shipping center during the 15th-17th centuries.
Get in
Funchal Airport (FNC) is in nearby Santa Cruz. Once famous for its hair-raisingly short runway ending at a cliff over the Atlantic Ocean, the airport has been expanded to handle all sizes of aircraft. There are several daily flights from most major cities in Portugal. Flight time from Lisbon is 1 1/2 hours. Also, there are good connections from London (mostly Gatwick), with TAP Air Portugal and British Airways; its flying time is estimated at 3 1/2 hours.
See
The central point in Funchal. Commissioned by Portuguese explorer Gil Eanes, the cathedral was built between 1493 and 1517. The ceiling is made from local wood.
Eat
Funchal has an abundance of good, if not necessarily cheap, eating places. Most places serve traditional Madeiran and Portuguese food, which is well-prepared and well-tasting, but not terribly exciting. One of the most typical dishes and served almost everywhere, is "espada com banana", scabbard fish with banana. It is usually served with fresh salad and potatoes. A bit more expensive, bacalhau (dried, salted codfish) is served in many restaurants. One of the more common, and best, varieties is "bacalhau com natas", codfish in cream sauce.
Golden Gate Grand Café, Avenida Arriaga 21, is very centrally located, straight across the street from Palácio de São Lourenço. Its coffee, pastries, food and service is excellent and the café, opened in 1814, has a nice atmosphere with a good mix of local customers and tourists.
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Hotels in Funchal
 | Pestana Promenade  |
Score 8.85 from 10 reviews | | Rua Simplacio dos Passos Gouveia,31 |  |
| The Pestana Promenade is a new 4-star hotel in Funchal, situated close to the Lido, on the promenade that stretches along the seafront to Praia Formosa.
The resort offers fabulous views over the ocean. A relaxing sea view can be enjoyed from 90% of the rooms, which are as comfortable and well-fitted as you would expect in a luxury hotel.
Energize at the fitness centre. Pestana Promenade also has an excellent games room. Rejuvenate at the spa and in the sauna. Follow all with a refreshing dip in the pool. ... more | | |
| | Hotel Windsor |
Score 6.975 from 41 reviews | | Rua das Hortas 4C | |
| Modernly furnished the hotel offers you comfort in a friendly atmosphere, highlighted by the quality of service provided, and an excellent location.
Opened in 1987 and recently renovated, the Windsor hotel is a 4 star hotel located in a quiet area, in the centre of Funchal city.
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 | Hotel Raga |
Score 7.925 from 100 reviews | | Estrada Monumental, nº 302 | |
| Restaurant L’Horizon serves international cuisine and can cater for up to 130 guests. Start your day at the breakfast buffet, available from 07:30 to 10:30 or enjoy eating lunch on the terrace. Guests can choose from an à la carte menu during 12:30 and 15:00. Dinner is served from 18:30 to 21:30. L’Horizon Bar boasts sea views and is the perfect spot to sample light meals and snacks. Open daily from 17:00 to 24:00, the bar features live music most nights. The pool bar is open every day from 10:00 to 18:00. ... more | | |
 | Pensão Residencial Mirasol  |
Score 8.175 from 21 reviews | | Rua Bela De São Tiago 67 | |
| Situated in the historic district in Funchal, Pensão Residencial Mirasol is a traditional Madeiran guest house offering 24-hour personalised service and clean and comfortable accommodation with free breakfast.
The family owners of this cosy guest house offer all guests a warm and friendly welcome. Their hospitality and high standards of service have made this hotel a popular choice amongst travellers.
The rooms at Residencial Mirasol are simply decorated and equipped with modern en suite bathroom facilities. Free internet access is available at Residencial Mirasol, providing great value for money.
Surrounding the guest house are plenty of Funchal's popular restaurants and bars. This excellent location is also well-serviced by public transport, with a bus station just 250 metres away.
Should you prefer to explore Funchal and the surroundings by car, rent one at a good price at Residencial Mirasol.
The warm hosts are available 24 hours a day to answer any queries and offer personal recommendations to help you make the most of your stay. ... more | | |
 | Solar da Bica |
Score 9 from 9 reviews | | Stio dos Lameiros | |
| The Solar da Bica provides its guests with a personalised, quality service in a home-like atmosphere, offering a comfortable stay and the experience of a privileged contact with nature. Apart from the 3 rooms in the main house, there are also 11 modern, fully equipped rooms in a new wing of the installations. The building, with modern architecture, looks entirely in place in the oldest and most luxuriant landscape of the site and provides a functional setting for rest and leisure.
In addition to the listed facilities the hotel has a central patio made with a centrepiece of volcanic rock flagstones.
Lovers of grilled food have a fully equipped kitchen at their disposal with a traditional fireplace, tables and chairs which afford a welcoming area for socialising.
For those wishing a complete rest, traditional tasting meals may be provided. The communal area is based around an old press. It overlooks the valley and the tops of the mountains, which constitute the spectacular views that the windows provide.
Children have a place here to play, and adults to have a drink or simply enjoy some socialising. A wood burning fireplace, for use on cooler days, makes the Solar da Bica even more welcoming.
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| | | More hotels in Funchal |
| Full Day Enchanting West Madeira - Cabo Girao, Encumeada, Porto Moniz, Paul da Serra |
8 hours |
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Enjoy the view over the typical fishing village Camara de Lobos from Pico da Torre, before continuing to Cabo Girao. This is the second highest sea cliff in the world, 580 meters high. Stop to enjoy the amazing view out to sea.
At Encumeada summit (1,007 meters) both sides of the island (north and south) can be seen at the same time (weather permitting). Enjoy a stop for lunch, before continuing to Porto Moniz where you can discover one of the most beautiful points of the north coast - a road built on the rocks by the sea where you can admire the astonishing waterfalls.
Porto Moniz on the northwest coast, is a village well known for its volcanic swimming pools, and Paul da Serra is the only plateau on the island at 1,400 meters high. On the way back to Funchal, you will visit Ponta do Sol.
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4 hours |
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The last stop will be at Camara de Lobos a typical fishing village, with its colorful boats, is one of the sights which Winston Churchill had painted from his terrace when he dedicated himself to painting back in the 1950's. While visiting this charming fishing port, enjoy visiting a private wine cellar to tasting of various Madeira wines.
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8 hours |
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Camacha is a village famous for being the wickerwork center. Visit the factory and see artisans working and perhaps purchase articles from a wide collection available. Next you'll visit Pico do Arieiro, which is the second highest summit on the island (1,810 meters high) and offers wonderful views. Discover a natural park and take some time to explore a trout hatchery at Ribeiro Frio. After visiting the beautiful area of Faial, climb up to Santana, a picturesque village where you will find enchanting cottages with pointed thatched roofs which are today known world wide. Stop for lunch before visiting Portela (670 meters), a place where you can admire the impressive rock formations of the Eagle's Cliff, and part of the north coast, Pico do Facho. Return to Funchal visiting the historic seaside town of Machico where the discoverers first disembarked in 1420.
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| Half Day Funchal Sea Cruise |
2.5 - 3 hours |
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Board the boat and keep your eyes on the sea to search for jumping dolphins or some slower whale fins cutting the salted water. If any wildlife is spotted, the boat will carefully get closer to watch these amazing sea mammals. In summer seabirds are commonly seen flying around and turtles seen swimming and diving deep below the surface.
The route has to be taken to Cape Girao, one of the highest capes in the world, falling steeply from 580 meters of altitude to the deep blue sea. Trips running from May to September will make a stop here so you may go for a swim in the clear and calm waters.
The way back to Funchal is along the coast to see the landscape of southwest Madeira where the green mountains spotted with houses contrast against the blue sea. The boat will pass along the bay of Camara de Lobos, a typical fishing village, near some of Madeira beaches and hotels.
If weather conditions are not favorable to go to the west side, your itinerary may change to the east side of Funchal.
Crew members will welcome you aboard and will help with anything you may need. There is a bar service on board with drinks available.
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