Flight+Hotel packages to Funchal for Deals
Find the best holday package deals to Funchal for Deals
Funchal: A stunning Atlantic city
With its multi-coloured houses perched on steep slopes and blessed with breathtaking sea views, the capital of Madeira wows even the most experienced traveller. Figures of the ilk of Christopher Columbus, Winston Churchill, Rainer Maria Rilke, Empress Elizabeth of Austria and Ernest Hemingway all strolled through its picture-postcard streets. Wandering through the old town dotted with popular art, traditional markets, colonial buildings, museums for all tastes, outstanding restaurants and exclusive terraces is a true gift for the soul.
The quintessentially maritime atmosphere of its harbour, the picturesque and much-photographed neighbourhood of Velha and the Rua de Santa Maria, the bustling Lavradores Market, the historic Cathedral and the smell of wood from the legendary Blandy’s wineries are all unique snapshots of this fascinating city. Meanwhile, fans from the world over flock to the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum, an elite sportsman and quite possibly Funchal's most famous son.
The best ways to enjoy its year-round mild climate are to head to its sun-kissed beaches to enjoy your favourite water sport, cool off in the shade of its spectacular flower-filled gardens, and - of course - visit its Michelin-starred restaurants, where you can savour excellent dishes washed down with the best Malvasia wines on the planet. On a trip to Funchal you'll discover a verdant city in the south of Madeira, one of the best destinations in Europe to soak up a truly vibrant atmosphere.
Golf
Madeira and Porto Santo are the ideal places for golf players to experience the best of golf.
The excellent weather, stunning sights, three exceptional golf courses, and an amazing setting provide all professional and amateur golfers with a challenging game.
Put your technique to the test in Madeira (Palheiro Golfe and Santo da Serra Golf Club) or in Porto Santo (Campo de Golfe do Porto Santo).
Dolphin and Whale Watching
With an ocean bottom more than 3,000 metres deep, the Madeira coast is the home to rich fauna ready to be discovered. Here, a boat tour is always full of surprises, with the chance to cross paths with a whale or a friendly group of dolphins, or even turtles
You can go to the Desertas Islands and meet the refuge of the Mediterranean Monk Seal, better known as Lobo Marinho (sea lion). On one of these tours you can also dive into our waters which, throughout the year, have pleasant and very inviting temperatures.
Do not stay ashore, embark on this adventure!
Dazzle your friends and followers with photos in these incredible places
Today's world is all about posting travel experiences on social media or sharing stories with friends and family. Here are some great places for selfies where you're sure to rack up lots of likes and comments.
Lagoa do Vento: in the Rabaçal area, this huge waterfall is a spectacular spot for photos, as well as a dip in its crystal-clear waters. You're sure to be the envy of all your followers!
Miradouro dos Balcões: this viewpoint commands incredible views of a verdant valley and, on clear days, the island's highest peaks: Pico do Areeiro, Pico Ruivo, and the volcanic Penha d'Águia.
Praia do Seixal: no, you're not in Hawaii, this is Madeira’s north coast. This beach has it all: soaring green cliffs, black sand and spectacular blue water. Perfect colour contrasts for all your pictures!
Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo: these locations are perfect for hashtags like #stairwaytoheaven. And it's no exaggeration either! That said, they're not the easiest to get to as you have to hike across mountainous trails, so make sure you’re accompanied by a mountain guide. ;)
Miradouro da Garganta Funda: you'll find this viewpoint at the westernmost point of Madeira, next to the Pedregal road in Ponta do Pargo, with jaw-dropping views of one of the island's highest waterfalls. You'll never have seen anything like it!
Levada Walk
When you visit Madeira, you will learn that a hike is much more than a simple path. It is an intense outdoor experience, where everything is magical and fascinating. To reach the most amazing and dramatic landscapes, there is nothing better than going on foot along walking trails next to the canals known as “levadas”.
“Levadas” are irrigation canals that were built in the past to bring water from the north slopes, where it existed in abundance, to the south side of the Island.
Organise your trip
You can start preparing your trip to Madeira today. We've got all the information you'll need to make your trip to this Portuguese island simply perfect.
WHEN TO VISIT MADEIRA
Madeira's mild and subtropical climate means that you can enjoy fascinating getaways at any time of the year. Average annual temperatures that range between 18°C and 24°C, clear blue skies and low rainfall mean that Madeira is always verdant, lush, and covered in abundant flora.
Spring and autumn are great times to discover this stunning island and its privileged natural environment dotted with characterful attractions. If you'd prefer to bask in the sun on its magnificent lidos, the best time to visit the island is in summer.
VISITING MADEIRA AT A GREAT PRICE
If you're looking to discover Madeira at a great price, it's best to go in autumn and winter. Prices tend to rise on specific dates such as Christmas, Easter and in high season, which usually coincides with the summer months.
TIME ZONE
The Portuguese time zone is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). This means that Madeira has the same time zone as the UK.
ELECTRICITY
Madeira operates on 220-volt electricity. Plugs are the same as in Europe.
Documentation and discounts
To enter Madeira, a region belonging to the European Union (EU), you only need to show their National Identity Document, which is essential for travelling. Don't forget your driving licence if you plan to rent a car. If you travel with your own vehicle, you must also take your car insurance certificate. Always travel with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which will cover most cases in which healthcare is required. If you have a student card, take it with you everywhere for discounts and special rates. Always check what type of identification is required with your airline or travel agency before travelling.
DISCOUNTS IN MADEIRA
With the European Youth Card you can get various discounts at museums and landmarks, while the International Student Card (ISIC) offers discounts for transport and festivals. In both cases, you'll need to prove your age with your ID card or student card.
How to get there
BY PLANE
Madeira Airport, or Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (named after Madeira’s biggest world star), offers regular air connections directly to major European capitals such as London, Paris, Berlin, Lisbon or Porto. The duration of the flight is short, from 1 hour 30 minutes to Lisbon to ap-proximately 3/4 hours to Paris, London or Berlin.
ORGANISED TRIPS AND PACKAGE TOURS
Charter flights are another option for getting to Madeira. Remember that with these types of tickets you can't change the date or time. Some travel agencies like ours offer organized trips and package tours that, in addition to the flight, include half-board or full-board accommodation and transfers to and from the airport. On arriving at Madeira International Airport Cristiano Ronaldo or Porto Santo International Airport, there are bus stops and taxi ranks to make your trip more comfortable.
CAR RENTAL
To explore the diverse landscapes of Madeira it's best to rent a car at the airport. Some agencies like ours offer packages that include flights and car rental in the price.
TOURS
More and more tourists are choosing tours as a great option to discover the island's main landmarks, cultural attractions and culinary delights in a short time. Our agency offers fascinating tours such as Madeira Al Completo Plus and Madeira Funchal Esencial, so that you only have to worry about enjoying yourself.
Getting around Madeira
Madeira has an extensive public bus service that connects all parts of the island. However, the best way to explore Madeira is by renting a car. Check out our car rental deals and find the car that best suits your needs, always at the best price.
TAXI
Taxi fares from Madeira International Airport Cristiano Ronaldo vary depending on the time of day and the number of suitcases. There’s also a supplement for trips to the hotel area.
BUSES
Madeira has an extensive public bus service that connects almost all most parts of the island.. In the centre of Funchal there are wheelchair-adapted, environmentally friendly minibuses that take you to the most stunning corners of the island. These provide direct services from A to B and without designated stops, so you can catch them anywhere in the city. They have a limited timetable and do not run on Sundays and public holidays.
FERRY
To travel from the island of Porto Santo to the capital of Funchal, the ferry is the most reasonable alternative. The trip takes about two-and-a-quarter hours.
Where to stay
Madeira has plenty of hotels, including major domestic and international chains. Check our year-round promotions and our low-season deals and package tours with hotel and flight included. In Madeira, you can choose between luxury hotels, small urban hotels, hostels and boutique hotels, located in iconic buildings and close to the most central streets and the main nightlife and shopping areas. For couples and romantic getaways, Madeira boasts a select network of properties where the service, the atmosphere, the culinary selection, the activity programmes and the facilities and services are tailored to this type of guest. And as staying in a hotel isn't just about sleeping, in Madeira you'll also find a whole host of spa hotels where you can unwind like royalty.
OTHER ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS...
Pousadas
These properties are the equivalent of the luxury paradores in Spain. They are iconic buildings, always found in unique locations or privileged natural settings. You can find pousadas in monasteries, convents, castles, etc. Other, more modern ones have prime locations in cities and command stunning views.
Estalagem
These properties are located in buildings perfectly integrated into the local urban landscape and blessed with spectacular views, providing guests with first-class services and facilities.
Turismo de Habitação
This Portuguese term describes small guest houses in rural settings.
Pensão
This type of accommodation is something like a hostel. They don't tend to have on-site restaurants.
Currency and tips
Since the the escudo was replaced in 2002, the euro has been the official currency in Portugal. You can find ATMs at most banks in the main towns on Madeira. Most credit and debit cards are accepted.
TIPS
As in the UK, there's a custom of leaving tips in Portugal. The amount is at the customer's discretion.
CREDIT CARDS
Credit cards can be used to buy things and to withdraw cash from ATMs. Just make sure that the ATM you're going to use displays your card symbol. Bank fees may apply.
PHONE NUMBERS FOR CANCELLING BANK CARDS
<li>4B (Visa Electron - MasterCard - Visa): (+34) 902 114 400 / (+34) 913 626 200</li>
<li>Servired (Visa - Visa Electron - MasterCard): (+34) 902 192 100</li>
<li>American Express: (+34) 902 375 637</li>
<li>Red 6000: (+34) 915 965 335</li>
If I book Flight + Hotel, when will I receive my travel documents?
Once the booking is confirmed you will receive a confirmation e-mail. The voucher for the hotel will be also sent by email plus the vouchers for any other services (car hire, transfer, travel insurance) if booked.
Please note that no flight tickets are sent due to most airlines using e-tickets. You only need to print our confirmation email where the Airline`s booking reference appears and take it with you to the airport with your ID/Passport documents.
Important: Some Low Cost Airlines (Ryanair, Easyjet, Wizzair, Blueair and others) now request all passengers to check-in online and print the Boarding Cards before departure through their corresponding websites. Failure to do so, these airlines will charge you a supplement at the airport.
Other package holiday FAQS...
- Can I change or cancel my booking? How much will I have to pay?
- What expiry date should I have on my passport to travel to.....?
- How early should I arrive at the airport?
- How can I book a package Holiday on the website?
- How would I know if there is availability for my booking request?
- General Conditions of my booking
- What happens if my booking or part of it is pending confirmation?
- Does my package holiday include a travel insurance?
- Do I need to pay airport taxes?
- Where do we meet our driver for the transfer service ?
- What do I do if the transfer to the hotel or the transfer to the airport is not there?
- Why do I get duplicate vouchers for the transfer service?
- Do I need a visa to travel to......?
- Why is it that the price of the child is the same as the adult?