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Funchal

Funchal, nestled on the sun-drenched southern coastline of Portugal's exotic Madeira Island, beckons travelers with its scintillating blend of natural beauty, cultural wealth, and easy-going Mediterranean charm. Renowned for its terraced landscapes, stunningly beautiful gardens like Monte Palace Tropical Garden and the Madeira Botanical Gardens, Funchal is a horticulturalist's dream. The city effortlessly merges historic, centuries-old structures, exemplified by its captivating Se Cathedral, with modern elements such as the CR7 Museum dedicated to Portugal's football legend - Cristiano Ronaldo, who was born here. Funchal is also famous for its fruits and vegetables market, Mercado dos Lavradores, and its traditional New Year's Eve fireworks display, regarded as one of the world's most extraordinary. In a nutshell, Funchal is the perfect cocktail of relaxing beach life, invigorating mountain hikes, and vibrant city culture – there is something for every travel enthusiast.

3.9 /5

Based on our research

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Safety:Very safe

Funchal, the largest city and the capital of Madeira, Portugal is highly noted for its safety. Crime rates are relatively low, and locals are generally welcoming and helpful towards tourists. As in any city, it's always essential to remain cautious and aware of your surroundings, but the risk of encountering safety issues in Funchal is comparatively low. Even walking alone at night in well-lit and populated areas is generally considered safe. The city also offers a good standard of healthcare facilities and effective emergency response services.

Transport:Easy

Funchal is quite navigable with a well-structured and efficient public transport system. The city is small enough for you to explore on foot, allowing you to enjoy its beautiful setting at your own pace. Taking public buses or taxis is an option for reaching places on higher grounds. However, the city does have some steep streets that could be challenging to traverse daily.

Things to do:Interesting

Funchal, offers a myriad of engaging activities and experiences. It boasts stunning gardens like the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, featuring panoramic views and rare plants. The nightlife is vibrant with trendy bars and wine tasting experiences, specifically in D'Oliveiras. You could thoroughly enjoy a stroll through the historical centre, Zona Velha, filled with colorfully painted doors. Take a delightful cable car ride to the Botanical Gardens and discover various species of amazing flora. Though safe, always be cautious and aware of your surroundings, as in any travel endeavor.

Food:Above average

Funchal, offers an intriguing variety of dishes with a heavy influence from the sea given its coastal setting. Expect a diverse and flavorful journey of seafood, vegetables, fruits like bananas and passion fruit, and of course the rich and mouth-watering Madeiran wine. However, the cuisine caters more towards non-vegetarian pallets, which is worth considering for those who lead a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. That said, there are vegan and vegetarian-friendly options available, but they may not be as prevalent.

Budget:Moderate

Funchal offers a good balance of affordability and quality experiences. Accommodation and food can be found to suit a moderate budget, however, some activities and attractions may have a higher cost. The public transportation is excellent and cost-effective, and you can also find cheap local markets for groceries. Some areas can be touristy with prices to match, but you can also find spots popular with locals where your money will go further.

Kajal (34)

United Kingdom

Solo travel experience

I'd highly recommend going to Funchal for a solo trip. I stayed in the Next Savoy Hotel and felt very safe during the four days I was there. Lots of places to eat around the hotel and within walking distance of the hotel, with vegetarian options available too. I visited Monte Tropical Gardens, which I travelled to using a local bus and travelled back using the cable car (highly recommended for beautiful views of Funchal). The Gardens were absolutely beautiful and I spent most of the day there. All in all, a very wonderful trip. I didn't do much as I was there solely to relax but it is a city that I'd love to come back to. I found locals to be very friendly and helpful.

Posted: February 10, 2024Experienced: May, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5

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Armanda

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Hi there! My name is Armanda and I'll be your guest for the next days! While saving some money, I am also looking for personal experiences with the locals of the places I am visiting! I hope you can show me the best of your home while I can show you the best of mine! Let's keep each other company, create amazing memories and become travelling pals!