Funchal, Madeira

Funchal, Madeira

Portugal

Ride a traditional wicker sledge down steep cobblestone streets from Monte Palace for an exhilarating 2000-year-old toboggan tradition.

💱 Currency Euro (EUR)
🗣 Language Portuguese
🕐 Time Zone WET (UTC+0)
☀️ Best Time to Visit Feb–Apr
🚢 Typical Duration 7-14 nights
💰 Price Range $419–$19,870 per person
Port Type Departure & Port of Call
🚤 Tender Port Yes

Gateway to the Canary Islands and Atlantic cruises, offering year-round mild weather and access to stunning volcanic landscapes and charming Portuguese colonial architecture.

Cruises that visit Funchal, Madeira

Build Your Day in Funchal, Madeira

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 7:00 PM
Usually about 11 hours ashore
🛳 Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Getting around:
Cabo Girão Loved it but this is definitely an experience for people with vertigo. Observation deck · ★ 4.5 · 31k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Jardim Monte Palace Madeira The modern art museum has changing exhibitions; Botanical garden · ★ 4.7 · 29k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Mercado dos Lavradores (farmers' market) Beautiful 1940s building with a variety of fruit glower and Cork crafts . Produce market · ★ 4.1 · 28k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 AM Thu
Madeira Botanical Garden There is also a cafe with indoor and outdoor seating and an amphitheater. Park · ★ 4.4 · 23k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Ponta de São Lourenço There are food trucks for food and snacks before you get going. Nature preserve · ★ 4.8 · 14k
Funchal Cable Car The Botanical Gardens is also extra but worth the journey. Mountain cable car · ★ 4.5 · 13k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:45 AM Thu
Forum Madeira Good selection of high-end and budget shops and food. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 13k 🕐 Open · Closes 11 PM
Plaza Madeira Lots of stores including food court and an IKEA design studio. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 12k 🕐 Closes soon · 10 PM
MadeiraShopping Good selection of stores, lots of free parking in a garage and above ground. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 9k 🕐 Open · Closes 11 PM
Funchal Cathedral Very friendly, easy place the plenty of things to discover. Catholic cathedral · ★ 4.6 · 8k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7:15 AM Thu
Parque de Santa Catarina Also there is a ponds with ducks, outdoor gym and a bar. Park · ★ 4.6 · 8k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 AM Thu
Pico dos Barcelos viewpoint Everything you need from an observation point and even more. Observation deck · ★ 4.7 · 6k
Restaurante Alta Vista Amazing staff, amazing food, and an amazing view from the rooftop. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 5k 🕐 Closes soon · 10 PM
Jardim Municipal do Funchal Has a scene like area for different activities. Garden · ★ 4.6 · 5k
Miradouro da Eira do Serrado You can have coffee to wear the adrenaline rush in nearby cafe afterwards. Observation deck · ★ 4.8 · 5k
Hole in One Fantastic selection of drinks Live music every evening and fantastic staff. Live music bar · ★ 4.4 · 4k
Barreirinha Bar Café Great atmosphere, lots of music acts Bar · ★ 4.6 · 4k
Praça do Povo Can get a drink and snack. Park · ★ 4.6 · 4k
Restaurante Casal da Penha The food, atmosphere, and service were all outstanding. Portuguese · ★ 4.7 · 3k 🕐 Closes soon · 10 PM
Funchal-Monte Cable Car Very efficient and reasonable priced activity. Mountain cable car · ★ 4.5 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Dona Nina Restaurante Amazing food, cozy atmosphere with nice bossa nova music playing. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 3k 🕐 Closes soon · 10 PM
Taberna Madeira Excellent food with efficient service in a modern, stylish atmosphere. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 3k 🕐 Closes soon · 10 PM
Kampo by Chef Julio Pereira Every dish had a unique and elevated flavor that was delicious. Modern European · ★ 4.7 · 2k
Centro Comercial Anadia Shopping centre with one big grocery store - Pingo Doce. Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 2k 🕐 Closes soon · 10 PM
Madeira Story Centre Fun interactive elements and very informative exibitions. Local history museum · ★ 4.1 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Zona Histórica do Funchal Walk past painted doors and wall graffiti. Historical landmark · ★ 4.6 · 2k
La Vaca Negra The service, the steak, the wine — everything was stellar. Steak · ★ 4.8 · 2k
Carvão Grill House Everything we ate and drank was delicious, and the service was impeccable. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 2k
Bar Number Two The staff is friendly, the drinks are great, and the atmosphere is chill. Bar · ★ 4.5 · 2k
Palheiro Gardens Great to spend the day and read a book. Botanical garden · ★ 4.4 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Túnel das Poças do Gomes Entry is free. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 1k 🕐 Closes soon · 10 PM
Bazar do Povo Cracking store with a vast variety of merchandise and good value to boot! Bazar · ★ 4.1 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Thu
Revolucion Cocktail Bar Delicious cocktails, great music, nice atmosphere. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.9 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM Thu
TERRA - Food Concept Cozy chill vibe, excellent service and good food. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k
FugaCidade Proper craft beer selections, Amazing friendly service and atmosphere. Pub · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Flair Spot Bar Super friendly staff, amazing cocktails, great playlist, very comfy chairs. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Dash, Cocktail Bar Delicious drinks, friendly bartenders, great music and vibe Cocktail bar · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Monumental Experience The cheapest souvenirs shops on funchal Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Open · Closes 11 PM
Arcadas São Francisco Nice place with smart shops Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
CentroMar Shopping & Business Centre The small shops are keeping the place going. Shopping mall · ★ 3.7 · 1k 🕐 Open · Closes 11 PM
Bistrot Des Anges We ate there three times and each time was an experience we will not forget. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Galerias São Lourenço Lovely jewellery shop. Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
Gazebo Outstanding dinner experience, service, food and atmosphere were excellent. Modern European · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Three House Rooftop Bar Fantastic setting, live jazz, very friendly service and excellent drinks. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k
VanScape GastroBar Amazing cocktails, great food, super friendly staff. Gastropub · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Eden Mar Shopping Centre Nice shopping centre, some good shops with very good prices. Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
VELVET Lounge Bar Relaxing atmosphere, great music and excellent service. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Funchal Quay Including pirate look alike sailing boat Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Funchal, Madeira is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here — it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.

Next Departures from Funchal, Madeira

About Funchal, Madeira

Funchal, Madeira has established itself as a vibrant hub in the Atlantic, attracting 15 major cruise lines and hosting over 400 sailings annually. While primarily a port of call destination, Funchal serves as a strategic stop on many European and Atlantic itineraries, particularly those exploring the Canary Islands. The port's popularity peaks during the shoulder seasons of February through April and again in October and November, when travelers favor 7-night voyages that combine Madeira with nearby island destinations like Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote.

Stepping ashore in Funchal rewards cruise passengers with a blend of natural beauty and cultural charm. The city's dramatic clifftop setting and lush botanical gardens provide stunning backdrops for exploration, while the historic old town invites leisurely strolls through cobblestone streets lined with local shops and traditional restaurants. Whether you're seeking a quick afternoon excursion or a more immersive port experience, Funchal delivers the authentic Portuguese island character that makes this region so compelling for cruise travelers.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Historic Zona Velha Charm

Wander through Funchal's enchanting Old Town with its cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings, and vibrant street art. Explore the 16th-century Cathedral and browse artisan shops selling traditional Madeira embroidery and local crafts. The harborfront location makes it perfectly walkable from the cruise port in just minutes.

2

Taste Authentic Madeira Wine

Sample the island's famous fortified wine at local tasting rooms and restaurants throughout the city center. Pair Madeira wine with fresh espada fish or traditional scabbardfish, a local delicacy prepared in simple, elegant ways. Wine tastings often include insights into centuries-old production methods unique to this Atlantic island.

3

Ride the Iconic Cable Car

Ascend 560 meters via the famous red cable car to Monte Palace for breathtaking panoramic views of Funchal's harbor and surrounding mountains. At the top, explore lush botanical gardens and enjoy refreshments while taking in vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and terraced hillsides.

4

Browse Farmers Market Treasures

Visit the bustling Mercado dos Lavradores to experience authentic local life among vendors selling exotic tropical fruits, fresh flowers, and traditional Madeiran products. The market's colorful stalls and vibrant atmosphere capture the island's agricultural heritage and offer perfect souvenirs like passion fruit and local honey.

5

Discover Cristiano Ronaldo Museum

Explore the CR7 Museum dedicated to Funchal's most famous native son, featuring memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and multimedia displays chronicling his legendary football career. Located near the port, this modern museum offers an engaging cultural experience celebrating local pride and international achievement.

Cruise Lines at Funchal, Madeira

Cruises Departing From Funchal, Madeira

Cruises Visiting Funchal, Madeira

Ship Schedule at Funchal, Madeira

Funchal, Madeira Location

Other Cruise Ports in Portugal

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the port code for Funchal?

The UN/LOCODE is PTFNC, assigned to Funchal, Madeira.

What can I do near Funchal port?

Explore Madeira's gardens, markets, and coastal viewpoints from Funchal.

When is the best time to visit Madeira?

Spring and autumn offer mild weather and fewer crowds.

Is Funchal port suitable for cruise ships?

Yes, Funchal serves as a common call for cruise itineraries.