Holidays to Funchal

The 500 hundred year old city of Funchal, lying on Madeira’s south coast and nestling in a natural amphitheatre above its harbour , is the island’s capital and location of the majority of hotels, museums, churches and historic buildings. Old streets are lined with beautiful houses perched on low cliffs and backed by green terraced mountains. Try the dry toboggan ride down through the streets starting at Monte, which is located towards the top of the city. Funchal is also known for the sweet profusion of flowers from its superb gardens. Monte Palace Tropical Garden hosts a selection of 100,000 flower species from all over the world and lakes filled with Koi Carp from China and Japan.

At whatever time of the year, Funchal is blessed with a mild climate, verdant vegetation and is very much a favourite for a winter break. Temperatures rarely fall below 17 degrees, even in January. Most important of all is that this is a very civilised and friendly place. Yes, Funchal has long been a tourist destination but its professionalism is everywhere to be seen. It’s an elegant capital and proud of its history. It’s a walkable city with very good restaurants and many cafes from where to people watch and, surprisingly - and contrary to its traditional image - quite a vibrant night life.

There are plenty of activities to be had as well: swimming with dolphins, whale watching, golf, coastal excursions and, of course, the famed walks along the Levadas; irrigation canals that were built to bring water from the mountainous northern slopes.