The Portuguese city of Funchal located on Madeira’s South Coast is pretty much the perfect holiday destination. It caters for everyone with its quaint old town complete with cobblestone streets, picturesque tropical gardens and not to mention the stylish restaurants and bars.
One of the main reasons Funchal is considered a top holiday spot is the perfect temperatures, you can expect warm summers with an average temperature of 23 degrees and comfortable winters with the average being 16 degrees, making it the ideal year round destination.
But what is there to do in Funchal? Well here at www.Cruise.co.uk, we’ve got your back and we’ve decided to investigate what you can do in the perfect city, for under £30! So not only will you be having a fantastic time, you’ll be saving money too…
Admire Funchal’s Incredible Views
Cable Car: 16EUR (£13.70) for a return ticket
Take this amazing cable car ride from Old Funchal to Monte. The 15-minute journey will take you 560 meters above sea level and give you breath-taking 360 degree panoramic views of the town’s red brick roofs and the striking blue of the north Atlantic Ocean. There really is no better way to see the sights!
Take A Trip Downtown Like Never Before
Toboggan: 15EUR (£12.85) for one, 30EUR (£25.70) for couple.
Taken the cable car up to Monte and fancy another way to get back down? Well how about tobogganing? From Monte hop into a wicker basket with brakes and take the 10 minute 10km ride to get back into town. Believe it or not, it used to be a form of transport in the mid-19th century for the rich to get down town quickly. One thing’s for sure though, it’ll be the most fun way you’ve ever nipped into town!
Walk Down The Funkiest Street In Town
Santa Maria Street: FREE
When in Funchal you simply have to visit the city’s oldest street, Santa Maria. But trust us, this is no run of the mill lane. After storms in 2010 damaged the town, the Art Open Doors project was launched which gathered artists from all over the city to come and paint the doors. The result? A street that really puts the fun in FUNchal.
Visit Monte Jardim Tropical Palace
12.50EUR (£10.71) Per Person
Stretching over 70,000 square meters is the Monte Jardim Tropical Palace. Boasting a huge exotic plant collection with plants from all over the world and the Monte Palace Museum showcasing breath-taking art, you’ll find yourself lost for hours in this haven. If you’re after a quiet few minutes, why not rest on a bench and watch the unique black swans as they dip in and out of the garden ponds?
Treat Yourself to Coffee or Cocktails at Café do Teatro
10EUR (£8.57) Average
Located in the Funchal’s centre, Café do Teatro is a café by day, where you can sit outside beneath parasols eating delicious snacks and drinking coffee to take a break from the Portuguese heat. But come nightfall the café transforms into a stylish cocktail bar bustling with entertainment and soul satisfying traditional music. It’s the perfect spot for all occasions!
Eat Traditional Portuguese Cuisine at Venda da Donna Maria
Average Price PP: 12-27EUR (£10.28-£23.12)
For some real home style Portuguese cuisine to satisfy your taste buds, go to Venda da Donna Maria. The restaurant’s shabby chic style and cosy feel makes it perfect for a relaxed dining experience, or you can book a quiet booth away from everyone else for the most romantic evening you’ve ever had. Enjoy classic dishes such as: espada and sao martinho codfish and be whisked away by the charming décor and friendly atmosphere.
Whale And Dolphin Watching
Online Price 35EUR (£29.97)
You’ll spend 3 hours relaxing and sailing the coast of Madeira where you’re pretty much guaranteed to hear/see a Dolphin/Whale in their natural habitat, as Madeira has one quarter of the world’s species of cetaceans, and they’re there all year round! The crew on the tour are experienced sailors and animal experts, so they know how you can make the most out of your trip too.
Sample Fine Madeiran Wines at Blandy’s Wine Lodge
10.50EUR-27.50EUR (£9-23.56) Depending on tour
One of Madeira’s most defining qualities is its wine, so when you’re visiting you simply have to visit a wine lodge. At Blandy’s you’ll be given a tour and learn all about how those delicious wines are made and the process from vine to wine, then at the end of your tour you’ll even get the opportunity to taste them! There’s different packages on offer, including the premium package and the vintage package which is slightly more expensive, but it’s worth it for those incredible vintages.
So there you have it! Now you know how you can spend £30 or less in Funchal. But what do you think? Are you interested in visiting the Portuguese city? Have you been before? Do you fancy a toboggan ride into town? Let us know in the comments below!
