A lush island city with mountain views and botanical gardens.
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Overview
Funchal is the captivating capital city of Madeira, a Portuguese archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of North Africa. Often referred to as the "Garden Island" or the "Pearl of the Atlantic," Madeira is celebrated for its lush, subtropical vegetation, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and a surprisingly diverse array of microclimates. Funchal itself is a charming city built into a natural amphitheater of hills, offering stunning views of the bay and a vibrant blend of historical sites, bustling markets, and modern amenities. It's a popular port of call for cruises traversing the Atlantic or embarking on Canary Islands itineraries.
Cruise ships calling at Funchal typically berth at the main Funchal cruise terminal, which is conveniently located very close to the city center. Depending on the exact docking spot, the heart of Funchal is often a pleasant 15-20 minute walk from the pier, or a short taxi/shuttle ride away. This excellent accessibility allows cruise passengers to easily explore the city's highlights independently, or embark on organized excursions to discover the island's diverse natural beauty. Funchal offers an unforgettable blend of culture, history, stunning scenery, and unique Madeiran experiences.
Take the scenic Funchal Cable Car from the waterfront up to the charming hillside village of Monte. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city and bay during the ascent. From Monte, experience the thrilling and unique Monte Toboggan Ride, a downhill descent in traditional wicker sledges steered by two "carreiros."
Tip: The cable car can have long queues; consider going early. The toboggan ride ends a couple of kilometers outside Funchal, so you'll need a taxi or bus back.
Once in Monte, visit the magnificent Monte Palace Tropical Garden. This expansive garden features a stunning collection of plants from around the world, exotic birds, tranquil lakes, waterfalls, and an impressive display of tiles and sculptures, offering incredible views.
Tip: Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore these beautiful gardens. There's a separate cable car from Monte down to the Botanical Gardens if you wish to visit both.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant sights, sounds, and smells of the Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers' Market). This bustling market offers an incredible array of exotic fruits, fresh flowers (especially Bird of Paradise), vegetables, and a separate fish market section with the famous Black Scabbard fish.
Tip: Engage with the vendors, but be aware that some fruit samples can be expensive, so confirm prices before purchasing.
Discover the unique fortified Madeira Wine at one of Funchal's historic wine lodges, such as Blandy's Wine Lodge. Take a guided tour to learn about the wine-making process and history, followed by a tasting of different styles of Madeira wine.
Tip: This is a great way to learn about an iconic Madeiran product and find a unique souvenir to take home.
Explore Funchal's charming Old Town (Zona Velha) with its narrow, cobbled streets and historic buildings. Don't miss the "Art of Open Gates" project (Rua de Santa Maria), where many doors have been beautifully painted by local artists, transforming the street into an open-air gallery.
Tip: This area is also home to many excellent traditional restaurants where you can enjoy local cuisine.
Take an excursion to Cabo Girão, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, featuring a stunning glass-floored skywalk offering dizzying views. Alternatively, visit the picturesque fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, famous for its colorful boats and as a favorite spot of Winston Churchill.
Tip: These are popular excursion spots easily reached by taxi or organized tour from the port.
Aboard
MSC Preziosa
From
Funchal (Madeira), Portugal
1 Sailing
Apr 14, 2026
Aboard
MSC Meraviglia
From
Funchal (Madeira), Portugal
1 Sailing
Oct 27, 2026
Aboard
MSC Meraviglia
From
Funchal (Madeira), Portugal
1 Sailing
Oct 27, 2026
Published prices from
per person*
taxes & fees included
Aboard
MSC Fantasia
From
Funchal (Madeira), Portugal
1 Sailing
Mar 30, 2027
Published prices from
per person*
taxes & fees included
Aboard
MSC Fantasia
From
Funchal (Madeira), Portugal
15 Sailings
Dec 15, 2026 - Mar 23, 2027
Published prices from
per person*
taxes & fees included
Aboard
MSC Musica
From
Funchal (Madeira), Portugal
17 Sailings
Dec 20, 2025 - Apr 11, 2026
Published prices from
per person*
taxes & fees included
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