Cheap trip Funchal

When is the best time to go?

Madeira is mild all year (18 to 25 degrees), so there is no bad time to go. April to June and September to October offer the best walking weather and clear views; the flowers peak around the Flower Festival in late spring. February brings the colourful Carnival, and New Year's Eve is famous for one of the largest fireworks shows in the world over the bay.

The best areas in Funchal

• Zona Velha (Old Town) Cobbled lanes with the famous painted doors, fish restaurants and bars; charming and lively in the evening.
• Sé and centre Around the cathedral and the Mercado dos Lavradores: central, handy and within walking distance of everything.
• Lido and São Martinho The hotel zone along the coast with pools, a promenade and sea bathing spots, ideal for relaxing.
• Monte High above the city, green and cool, with the famous cable car and the tropical garden.
• Câmara de Lobos A colourful fishing village just outside Funchal, loved by Winston Churchill for painting.

Top 5 things to do in Funchal

• Cable car to Monte Glide up over the rooftops to Monte in 15 minutes for a sweeping view (€18 return, €11 one way).
• Toboggan ride (Carreiros do Monte) Be pushed down the streets of Monte in a wicker sledge by two carreiros dressed in white (€35 for two people).
• Mercado dos Lavradores The lively market full of tropical fruit, flowers and fresh fish; try passion fruit and custard apple (free entry, Mon to Fri 7am to 6pm).
• Levada walk Follow a water channel through the laurel forest; the Levada das 25 Fontes is a classic of about 3 hours and free.
• Cabo Girão skywalk Stand on a glass platform above one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe (580 m), with views along the coast (€2 to €3).

Insider tip: try poncha, the local cocktail of sugar-cane rum, honey and lemon (about €3) in an old bar in the Zona Velha. And for the best view over the city take the bus or a taxi up to Pico dos Barcelos, especially at sunset.

Flights + transport from the Netherlands

From Schiphol you fly direct to Madeira (FNC) in about 4 hours with Transavia, TUI fly and easyJet; extra flights run in summer. The airport is 18 kilometres outside Funchal: the Aerobus reaches the centre for about €5, a taxi costs around €25. In the city itself you walk most places; cheap buses cover day trips.

What does a trip to Funchal cost?

Hostels from €20, mid-range hotels €60 to 120 and apartments around €85 per night. Food is good value for the quality: an espetada (meat skewer) €15, a daily special €10 to 12, dinner €18 to 30 and a glass of poncha €3. Budget from €520 per person for 5 days including a direct flight.