Cruiseabout: Port Funchal, Madeira | Destination: EU Mediterranean


SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Funchal, Madeira

Funchal is the centuries old capital of Madeira, an island in a Portuguese Archipelago consisting of Madeira, Porto Santo and the uninhabited islands of Selvagens or Desertas. Funchal is located in an absolutely unique area. The almost 'amphitheatre' like formation it rests in begins on the beach and rises almost 1200 metres on gentle slopes.

Funchal is an enchanting town set on a glittering bay against a background of soaring green mountains. Its historic core overlooks the harbour and features some fine government buildings and stately 18th century mansions.

Attractions include the botanical gardens located on the edge of the city, and after that the famous Monte toboggan ride back into town. East of the city and rising to a height of almost 600 metres is Cabo GirÃ£o, the world's second-highest sea cliff. The rest of the island is easily reachable from Funchal, including the characteristic triangle-shaped houses at Santana on the north coast, and the secluded deep-valley location of Curral das Freiras, where nuns sought refuge from invading pirates in the mid 16th century.

Things to See & Do

* Levadas - An impressive system of aqueducts
* Jardim OrquÃdea - Orchid garden
* Jardim BotÃ¢nico -Funchal Botanical gardens
* Jardim do Monte Palace - Magnificent gardens of the former Monte Palace hotel
* Madeira Story Centre

General information

Cruise Season Â

Cruiselines

Royal Caribbean International
Celebrity Cruises
Holland America Line
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Sea Cloud Cruises
Seabourn Cruise Line
Cruise and Maritime Voyages
MSC Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line
Thomson Cruises
SeaDream Yacht Club
Princess Cruises
Costa Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Louis Cruise Lines
Oceania Cruises
Voyages of Discovery
Star Clippers
Peter Deilmann Cruises
Oceanwide Expeditions
Silversea Cruises