Where to stay in Funchal
Stay between the old town and the Lido strip and everything runs on foot or by cable car: the market in the morning, gardens in the afternoon, poncha in Rua de Santa Maria at night. The hillside hotels have the views but budget for taxis back up.
Getting there and around
The airport is 20 minutes east; the aerobus and taxis both work well. In town you walk, and for Monte you take the cable car up and, if your knees agree, the wicker toboggans partway down.
Common questions about Funchal
How many days do you need in Funchal?
Two full days cover the old town, Monte and the gardens without rushing. Most visitors base themselves here for a week and day-trip the rest of the island, which the road tunnels have made easy.
Is Funchal walkable?
The centre is, and it is the best way to see it. The catch is the gradient: anything above the centre climbs steeply, which is what the cable car, buses and taxis are for.
What is Funchal known for?
The painted doors of the old town, the Lavradores market, Madeira wine lodges, the Monte cable car and toboggans, and one of the great New Year fireworks shows in Europe.