Port of Call Information

Overview

Funchal is the capital city located on the Madeira archipelago, southwest of Portugal. Settled in 1425 by Portuguese explorers, it became a major trade hub through its popular exports of sugar and wine grown in the unique tropical climate. The city is diverse and has a relaxed atmosphere, with its heart at Old Town full of easily walkable streets, active nightlife, and a revived art scene. The year-round sunny weather, natural beauty from the beaches to the mountains, and excellent shopping for locally made crafts, make it a must-see destination that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Things to Do

Iconic Neighborhoods

• Old Town- The oldest neighborhoods in the city, Old Town is the beating heart of Funchal. A local arts scene has grown here with a vibrant nightlife. With historical architecture, the streets are full of colorfully painted doors, street art, cafes, and small shops. It is a good place to sample the traditional Poncha drink while people-watching.
• Monte- Hop onto a cable car and ascend the mountain for panoramic views of the city and the water beyond. The quiet and peaceful environment is well-known for its for green spaces, such as the Municipal Garden which offers a rich variety of exotic plants, trees, and garden paths to meander through. On your way down, take a basket car, or toboggan, made of wicker and wood with room for two, as it careens down the streets driven by local guides.

Hotels

Hotel Royal Savoy
Address: R. Carvalho Araújo, 9000-022 Funchal, Portugal
Phone: +351 291 213 500
0.4 miles from Cruise Terminal

Pestana Carlton Madeira
Address: Largo António Nobre, 9004-531 Funchal, Portugal
Phone: +351 291 239 500
0.4 miles from Cruise Terminal

Activities

• If you decide to take in a little peace and quiet, head up to Monte via cable car and visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden. Walk through historical gardens, past Asian gardens, and koi ponds, and plants from around the world. It has a large collection of panels and glazed tiles from palaces, churches, chapels and private houses in Portugal that date back to the 15th century. Visit the Monte Palace Museum with a large mineral and sculpture collection and a contemporary African art exhibit from Zimbabwe. Right next door you can see the Nossa Senhora do Monte Church which holds the tomb of the last Hapsburg Austrian emperor and other religious artifacts.
• For a different experience, spend the morning at the Mercado dos Lavradores, the largest farmers market, local landmark, and the city’s trade center. Inside the art deco building dating to the 1930’s, visitors can see a wide variety of colorful flowers, exotic fruits and vegetables, and different varieties of fish, and spices. It is also a great place to mingle with the local population while sampling different market fare and enjoy the sights and sounds of the market.

Family Friendly

• Those who like a little bit of excitement can take their family to the Cabo Girao skywalk. At over 1900 feet above sea level, it juts out over the ocean below on some of the tallest cliffs in Europe. Tourists will find some of the best views of the coast and city- so get your camera ready! Grab a bite to eat at one the nearby eateries serving traditional dishes.
• Have a soccer fan in the family? Make a visit to the Museu CR7, the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum, Madeira’s most famous celebrity. Here tourists can see childhood pictures, trophies and medals won, as well as a wax statue of the football star. There are interactive exhibits where kids can learn more about his career, and an augmented reality experience where fans can take a picture with Ronaldo.

Sports

Soccer/Futbol
C.S. Marítimo
Estádio do Marítimo: Caminho da Nazaré 39, 9000-160 Funchal, Portugal

Clube Desportivo Nacional
Estádio do Marítimo: Caminho da Nazaré 39, 9000-160 Funchal, Portugal

Clube de Futebol União
Centro Desportivo da Madeira: VE4 65, Ribeira Brava, Portugal

Basketball
Clube Amigos do Basquete
Pavilhão do CAB: R. do Curaçau, 9000-093 Funchal, Portugal

Driving Directions

Port of Funchal
Av. Sá Carneiro
Funchal, Portugal

Directions From Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport (FNC) to the Port of Funchal:

• Head northeast on Acesso ao Aeroporto Internacional do Funchal
• Merge onto VR1
• Use the left lane to take the exit toward Funchal Centro/Porto
• Continue onto V1
• Take the exit toward Pilar/L. do Cavalo/Barreiros
• Continue straight onto Levada dos Ilhéus
• At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Túnel da Pontinha
• Continue onto Pontinha
• Destination is straight ahead