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Luxury Funchal Holidays

Cobbled streets and colourful gardens

Funchal

The capital of Portugal’s famously beautiful island of Madeira, Funchal is perfect for couples and families. Enjoy the fantastic tropical gardens filled with bright flowers and palm trees, as well as the cable car which takes visitors to the top of the mountain for spectacular views. Take the ride over the winding streets of the whitewashed town which lead down to the sparkling Atlantic Ocean or wander through, ducking into boutiques, street side cafés and bars along the way.

Families and couples can spend lazy days relaxing on the golden sandy beaches, with water sports and activities perfect for those wanting to keep active. Backed by lively tavernas you can enjoy delicious fresh fish caught straight from the Atlantic, as well as Portuguese specialities, salads, pastas and light dishes. In the evening taste some of the island’s delicious cocktails, as well as international wines and champagnes and the famous Madeira wine at its best. 

Explore the sights of Funchal

There are plenty of fantastic sights and amenities for those wanting a taste of luxury on holidays in Funchal. The lively atmosphere centres around the beautiful harbour where you can window shop for luxury yachts as you watch the sky turn pink as the sun sets. Cosmopolitan bars and restaurants line the area, with fine dining menus designed by expert chefs and fresh seasonal dishes perfect for those who like to dine al fresco.

The narrow cobbled streets are dotted with interesting shops, restaurants and cafes, and at the city's heart is a towering 16th-century cathedral (remember to look up – it’s got a beautiful ceiling carved from local wood). The old town is home to bustling farmers' markets and flower markets in spring, and is fringed with a mix of parks, galleries and museums, as well as pretty botanical gardens.

At Sovereign we have hand selected each of the hotels in our luxury Funchal holidays collection. We’ll ensure your holidays is fantastic from start to finish, how about cliff side romance at Belmond Reid’s Palace? The Cliff Bay offers luxury amenities and facilities overlooking the crystal clear Atlantic, with six bars and restaurants to choose from and a fantastic spa where you can relax with a massage as you take in the views of the bay.

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Your plans, our expertise

Start planning your Sovereign holiday by getting in touch with one of our Personal Travel Planners.

Lines open: Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 17:30 (Wednesdays from 9:30), Bank Holidays 10:00 to 16:00.
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Samantha Grist

I would definitely recommend getting back to the Old Town from Monte by sliding down the steep hill on a traditional wicker toboggan (30€ for two).


Find Out More

Our pick of the top hotels in Funchal

Every one of our hotels is handpicked and personally visited by our team

Madeira, Funchal

Barcelo Funchal Old Town
  • Fantastic central location in Funchal
  • Magnificent views from the rooftop pool
  • Beautifully decorated rooms with touches of Madeira’s history
  • New to Sovereign
Recommended

Madeira, Funchal

Les Suites at The Cliff Bay
  • Exclusive five-star all-suite hotel in Madeira with a fantastic location 
  • Idyllic setting with access to all of The Cliff Bay hotel facilities 
  • Elegant suites and a new dining concept

Madeira, Funchal

Quinta Da Casa Branca
  • Five-star boutique luxury hotel, set among stunning tropical gardens in Funchal  
  • Perfect for couples looking for relaxation and serenity – stroll through the lush botanic gardens or enjoy a spa treatment 
  • Offers international cuisine, casual afternoon tea, and afternoon cocktails overlooking the mountains 
  • The hotel’s modern design and welcoming staff make it the perfect base for exploring the best of Funchal.  

Madeira, Funchal

Quinta Jardins Do Lago
  • Traditional boutique hotel
  • Set within stunning botanical gardens
  • Ideal for couples looking to experience historic Portuguese culture 

Madeira, Funchal

Reids Palace a Belmond Hotel
  • A five star hotel offering traditional luxury
  • Perfect hotel for golf enthusiasts, with excursions available for guests
  • 15% Early booking discount and free room upgrades available 
Recommended

Madeira, Funchal

Savoy Palace And The Reserve
  • A Leading Hotel of the World hotel, just a 10 minute walk from Funchal
  • Seven diverse dining options, including a panoramic rooftop restaurant with unrivalled views
  • Suites with private plunge pool include a Personal Assistant and Premium Experience 
  • Award-winning Laurea Spa offers 11 treatment rooms plus a fully equipped gym
 
View all hotels in Funchal

Typical Costs

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Bottle of beer
€2-3
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Bus return
€4
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Cup of coffee
€1-1.50
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Glass of wine
€3-5
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Main course
€12-15
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Small souvenir
€6

Flight Information

Flight time from the UK to Madeira is around 3 hours 45 minutes.

If you're planning a trip to Madeira (FNC) from the UK, the following airports have direct flights:
Birmingham (BHX), Bristol (BRS), East Midlands (EMA), Edinburgh (EDI), Glasgow (GLA), Leeds Bradford (LBA), Liverpool (LPL), London Gatwick (LGW), London Heathrow (LHR), London Stansted (STN), Manchester (MAN) and Newcastle (NCL).

Transfer Time

Transfer time from Madeira airport is approximately 20-30 minutes.

When to go

Madeira has a pleasant mid-20s average throughout summer, with mild temperatures in the spring and autumn that are ideal for beach-going, sightseeing and golfing. Madeira tends to get most of its rain out of the way in November and December, leading to beautiful springs.

Visa Information

Currently visas are not required for UK citizens travelling to Portugal.

Tipping

Many hotels and restaurants include a service charge, so check your bill carefully – if it hasn’t been included, you should leave around 10% tip. Taxi drivers, hotel staff and other tourism workers are normally tipped two or three euros and it’s common to tip taxi drivers 10% of the fare.

Introduction to languages

The official language of Portugal is Portuguese. English is widely spoken too, so getting by is easy.

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What our guests think

We've been finding people their own slice of paradise for 50 years, and like to think we're pretty good at it. 
Don't just take our word for it, though - see what our customers have said about their Sovereign experience..

Read guests reviews...
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