Make holiday rental accommodation or a villa in Funchal, Portugal your home away from home

The capital of the Portuguese Island of Madeira, Funchal, is built upon the gentle slopes which surround the harbour forming a natural amphitheatre. No matter where your Funchal holiday rental is located within the city, the town centre will be accessible on foot. It is a beautiful city surrounded by even more beautiful scenery.

Things to do on holiday in Funchal, Madeira

A Funchal villa is surrounded by every type of scenery. To the front lies the sparkling sea, and behind are the rugged mountains of the interior of Madeira. The town itself is filled with botanical gardens, historic building, fine art galleries and modern shopping centre and markets. The 15th century Cathedral which stands proudly in the centre of town makes for fascinating viewing from any of the rental villas in Funchal.

There is actually only one beach in Funchal, which is located at Praia Formose, a spectacular black sand beach adorned with large cobbles. Around the marina however are a range of Madeira’s finest seafood restaurants and cafes which serve the finest of the days catch. At night, there are a few good bars and a casino to keep you entertained when renting a Funchal villa. The marina is the departure point for both whale watching trips and cruises to the idyllic Porto Santo Island.

The hills which surround Funchal are a dream for walkers and hikers, and the island offers a range of facilities for surfing, golf, scuba diving and balloon rides all year round. The Madeira Theme Park and Santa Cruz Aqua Park ensure that families will never run out of entertainment from self catering accommodation in Funchal.

Places to holiday in Funchal, Madeira

Calheta is both stunningly beautiful and a mecca for sailing enthusiasts staying in a Funchal holiday villa. Santa Cruz is a more remote location, set on the back of a secluded bay beach, and offering some beautiful rural scenery.

Weather in Funchal, Madeira

Funchal is blessed with one of the most enviable climates in the world. Temperatures never become scorchingly hot, peaking at around 34°C, and never averaging less than 15°C even during the winter.

Flights to Funchal, Madeira

Madeira Airport (FNC) is also known as Funchal International as it is located within half an hour of the city centre. Direct flights are provided by British Airways, but for the largest range of cheap flights to Madeira, look for flights to mainland Portugal and connecting flights to Madeira from there.