Funchal
Madeira Island

Last update: March 2026

Guide to Portugal



Madeira Archipelago

Summer in Funchal, Madeira

Funchal, with approximately 112,000 inhabitants, is the capital of the Autonomous Region of Madeira. Madeira

Founded in 1424, the historic center of Funchal concentrates some attractions that enchant its numerous visitors. The great highlight of the old center of Funchal is the colonial architecture, with narrow, busy streets and vibrant life, which makes the heart of the city an unmissable place both during the day and at night.

Currently, the city boasts an excellent infrastructure to welcome visitors: good hotels, resorts, restaurants, spas, golf courses, among other facilities.

With beautiful beaches, pleasant climate, lush nature and vegetation, the capital of Madeira is the starting point for experiencing unforgettable moments in this pearl of the Atlantic, off the coast of Morocco and just an hour and a half from Lisbon by plane.

If you visit Funchal in the summer, you will be enjoying the best of Madeira.


View of the Historic Center of Funchal, Madeira, Portugal Guide © / Visit Madeira
View of the Historic Center of Funchal, Madeira, Portugal Guide © / Visit Madeira



Funchal Historic Center

In the streets with colonial architecture from the early 15th century, highlighting the colorful Rua de Santa Maria, with its beautiful Sé Cathedral and the São Tiago Fort. Another highlight of the Historic Center is the Farmers' Market (Mercado dos Lavradores).

Learn more: Main Tourist Attractions of Funchal

Besides the Historic Center of Funchal, several other attractions attract the curiosity of visitors, such as the unmissable cable car ride. The highlights are:

• Museum of Sacred Art of Funchal

• Municipal Square

• Arriaga Avenue

• Monte Walk

• CR7 Museum (Cristiano Ronaldo)

Learn more: Historic Center of Funchal


View of Funchal, Madeira, Portugal Guide
View of Funchal, Madeira, Portugal Guide © /Internet



Madeira Wine

One of the world's most famous wines, Madeira Wine is the great ambassador of this region of Portugal.

In Funchal, visitors will have opportunities to taste these renowned wines in the bars and restaurants of the lively streets of the old Historic Center of Funchal.

Learn more: Madeira Wines


Traditional Cuisine and Gastronomy

Don't miss out on tasting the typical specialties of the Traditional Cuisine of Funchal and Madeira in the best restaurants in the center of Funchal: Madeiran Espetada, Tuna Steak, Swordfish with Banana and much more.

Learn more: Funchal Cuisine


Some distances

Madeira Island is located approximately 685 km from the coast of Africa (closer to Morocco), 973 km from Lisbon, 520 km from Gran Canaria Island, and 891 km from Santa Maria Island, the closest to the Azores Archipelago.

Pleasant climate

Temperatures in Madeira are around 20°C for most of the year. Even the sea water temperature is 26°C in summer (17°C in winter).


Guide to Portugal
Madeira - © Images of Portugal



Funchal all year

Currently, the city has an excellent infrastructure to welcome visitors: good hotels, resorts, restaurants, spas, golf courses, among other facilities.


Holidays in Funchal

In a beautiful bay on the south coast lies the city of Funchal, the capital of the archipelago. With its undeniable beauty and pleasant Atlantic climate, Funchal is the gateway to discovering these paradisiacal islands.





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