The islands location on the Gulf Stream gives it excellent year-round weather, where flowers flourish, roses and bougainvillea that gravitate down the mountains in spectacular colors. The people are friendly, joyous and gracious. Funchal has something for everyone from it's somewhat grueling hiking trails, absolute stunning landscaping for the nature lover, and excellent shopping opportunities for locally made crafts and embroidery, Funchal is a magical place. 

Madeira is also an atonomous region which is self governing but still under the Portuguese Constitution. Funchal's botanical gardens are world famous and home to rare tropical flowers, scenic nature walks along the levada (irrigation channels) and the local vineyards are some of the primary attractions. A diverse population of plants and animals is also a main attraction for visitors and such animals as the Madeiran long-toed pigeon, are interesting and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. 

Ship Location

The cruise port is right near the center of the city, but the dock is still some distance from the main oceanfront drive, shuttles will be provided to the center of town.

Getting Around

Taxis are plentiful in Funchal and rates are government regulated.

Attractions

Funchal offers a wide range of opportunities able to suite anyones needs. The great Atlantic Ocean provides sailing, fishing, wale and dolphin watching, water skiing, surfing, diving and swimming. Aquatic enthusiasts are able to enjoy Europe's first underwater nature reserve located of the coast line of Garajau. Levda wlaks in Madeira are offer some of the best opportunities to get back in touch with nature and soak up the relaxing landscape and peacefulness of the area. Scuba diving has also claimed fame for Madeira in the last few years because of the comfortable water temperatures and the likelihood of spotting barracudas, monkfish, dolphins, rays, and even mantas. Surfing is also recently new to popularity but some of the best conditions for surfing can be found here.