Portugal

Funchal (Madeira)

Search flights

Hiking Bliss and Culinary Treats

Funchal, the island capital of Madeira, is still an insider tip among travellers. But there is nothing like the present to visit this fascinating town on the “Floating Garden”.

Hiking enthusiasts are likely to fall in love with Madeira the moment they set eyes on it. The island is decked with mountains and cliffs. Waterfalls seemingly play a game of criss-cross with mountain paths, while striking sea views easily make up for even the steepest of climbs. Peaking at 5965 ft. (1818 m), Pico do Arieiro is the third-highest mountain on the island and an especially popular hiking area. It is also the only mountain accessible by road. The starting point for hikes is easy to reach by rental car or taxi. By the way, winter need not be feared. Even if temperatures get a little cooler, the island is always green.

Timetable
Hotel

Flight time

03:30 h

Distance

2644 km

Time difference

- 1 hour CET
Ø Temperature in February
19 °C
CHF
1.00
=
EUR
0.94
Car rental & airport transfer

Language

Portuguese

A cup of cappuccino costs around

CHF 1.22

Harbour art

The romantic municipality of Santana, situated approximately an hour away from Funchal, attracts visitors with typical Madeiran houses that feature straw roofs. When returning to the capital, it is worth taking a detour to Madeira’s botanical garden. This is where it becomes blatantly clear why Madeira is also referred to as the “Floating Garden”: orchids, magnolias and bird-of-paradise flowers –the botanical symbol of Madeira– bloom here in wonderful abundance.

Feast like the locals

Meat is something of a national dish in Madeira. Numerous small restaurants in Funchal serve tasty grilled meat dishes, complemented with garlic bread. For those who favour vegetarian food, the Funchal Market Hall is just the place. Early in the morning, fruit and vegetable stands are set up and fill the courtyard. You never know, some of the fruit and vegetable sellers may just be charmed into revealing a typical Madeiran recipe or two.

Edelweiss Holiday Stories The Garden Island
Show

Travel recommendations

Powered by
TripAdvisor Viator

Activities

  • 1 Ratings
    Funchal New Years Reveillon Aboard a Catamaran

    Come aboard this catamaran to see one of the most ...

    More on Viator
  • 59 Ratings
    Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching on a Luxurious Catamaran

    Sail along the coast of the island of Madeira to C ...

    More on Viator
  • 17 Ratings
    Porto Moniz - Enchanted Terraces: Open 4x4 Tour

    Enjoy a beautiful and pleasant tour alongside Made ...

    More on Viator
  • 1 Ratings
    Sunrise At Pico Do Arieiro And Hike To Pico Ruivo - By Pico Transfers

    More on Viator
  • 26 Ratings
    Funchal Hop-On Hop-Off Tour 3 in 1

    This combination last 5 days allowing you to go through 3 turist circuits with one ticket: Funchal Tour, Câmara de Lobos ...

    More on Viator
  • 5 Ratings
    Full-Day Madeira Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch

    Over the course of a day you will taste several wi ...

    More on Viator
  • 0 Ratings
    Private Half day Maderia tour (8 seat Mercedes Vito)

    I'm a native professional Maderian tour guide. ...

    More on Viator
  • 2 Ratings
    Madeira Exquisite Food on Foot Tours

    Introducing Funchal to the World - Food & Cultural tourPrepare yourself for a sensory ...

    More on Viator
  • 0 Ratings
    Northwest Terraces and Volcanic Pools 4x4 Full Day Tour

    Explore the northwest side of Madeira in a 4x4 veh ...

    More on Viator

Other destinations

Albania
Argentina
Brazil
Bulgaria
Canada
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cuba
Cyprus
Dominican Republic
Egypt
Finland
Greece
Italy
Kosovo
Maldives
Mauritius
Mexico
Morocco
Morocco
North Macedonia
Norway
Portugal
Scotland
Seychelles
South Africa
Spain
Sri Lanka
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
USA
Vietnam