Funchal, Madeira Islands: Average Review Ratings

Weather

Mostly dry and warm though somedays can be showery.

This year (2010) was unusually wet and culminated with disastrous floods in the region.

We have visited Funchal many times at this time of year and usually it is pleasantly warm.

Holiday

Funchal is a friendly, safe location. Madeira has spectacular scenery, incredible gardens and good food. The locals are welcoming and helpful. The public transport system is good and trips through the local villages can be breathtaking! In Madeira you either climb up towards the mountains or drop down to the sea, sometimes on roads that are narrow and twisting, or through newly build roads that go through mountains- literally!
The airport alone is worth a visit, the runway perched on massive pillars that run into the sea itself.

Places Recommended

The East and West coast tours are a must. The scenery is spectacular.

Visit the gardens. They can grow anything on this island.

If your legs are good walk the Levadas.

Stroll along the Lido area and take in the elevated landscape of the sea over lunch and a beer.

Recommend Funchal to others

Yes

Weather

The Weather in Maderia is perfect in June/July and August if you are not a sun worshiper.

Warm to Hot sunny mornings with partial cloud coming in during the afternoons taking the intense heat way, The afternoon is a good time to laze and read a book or take a snooze in the warm shade.

But the bonus comes in the evening with the warm breeze. The heat of the day is still there blowing in the evening breeze.

Sub Tropical is the best description I can think of.

Holiday

I have had 8 visits to Maderia and each visit has been better then my first trip.

Funchal just buzzes during the day, with locals going about their daily work.

Funchal has a wonderful fruit, flower and fish market.

The Public Transport service runs very well throughout the island and by reading the timetables it is easy to find your way around. The local taxi service is first class and all the drivers are registered and you will not get over charged.

The Old Town has lots of Cafe Bars and really good Resturaunts. Where nothing is too much trouble for the staff.

The Maderians are hospitable and English is freely spoken by the younger generation. You have no problem when paying in supermarkets/shops or asking for directions etc.,

You feel safe when going out at night even when returning to your hotel via. the side streets.

Places Recommended

Things that are a must during your visit.

Get out of Funchal for a day, take a trip to the East and or West Coast of the island. Breathtaking views !!! SPECTACULAR !!!

Take the cable car to Monte and return into the TOP OUTER AREA of Funcahl by Tobogan. Still a long down hill walk into Funchal after the tobogan drops you off.

Visit the one or all of the many Gardens of Maderia. The scent of the flowers is wonderful,

Visit the Blandy Maderia Wine Lodge in the centre of Funchal. Take one of the daily tours and sample the free wine tasting.

Take the 'mini cruize ship' to Porto Santo Island for the day. Beware - the sea can get very 'choppy' when you leave shore.


Walk around the many Parks in Funchal and the side streets. The locals are very proud of their Parks.

Most of all book a guided Lavada Walk. They are GRADED - so, take time to select one that suits your fitness level. You will feel you are walking on top of the world.

Recommend Funchal to others

Yes