Does Madeira have an old town?

Does Madeira have an old town? Zona Velha (Old town) is a crossbreed of small and cozy alleys where locals and tourists come and stroll during the day and enjoy beautiful and quiet evenings.

How far is Funchal from the beach?

On the dramatic northeast coast, around 35 minutes from Funchal, Alagoa is one of the best beaches in Madeira for combining sandy days, surfing, and scenic viewpoints.

Do I need cash in Funchal?

Most places in Madeira do take cards, but you'll need some cash for buses, and I've heard that some of the cable cars only take cash too (the cable car from the promenade in Funchal does take cards). The small shops and cafes I visited all took cards but it's best to have some money just in case.

Which month is best for Funchal?

Weather in Funchal The average temperature is around 26°C, which lowers to around 20°C to 25°C from October to March. The best time to go to Funchal for the most heat is in the summer. August is the hottest time of the year with just nine rainy days spread over the month.

Is Madeira for older people?

I write about travel, food, culture and fashion. This article is more than 3 years old. The Portuguese island of Madeira has traditionally attracted an older clientele than the Spanish Canary Islands partly due to its comfortable subtropical climate year round, thanks to its proximity to Northern Africa.

What is the main shopping street in Funchal?

One of the most iconic places to go shopping in Funchal is Rua Dr. Fernão de Ornelas, named after the mayor who, in the first half of the 20th century, prepared the city to welcome tourism.

What time do people eat dinner in Funchal?

The Portuguese have three meals a day, between 7:30 and 10 a.m. we have breakfast, consisting of drinking coffee or fruit juice with toast or a sandwich. The main meals are lunch, between 12:00 and 2:30 p.m., and dinner between 7:30 and 10:30 p.m.

Is Funchal a walkable city?

The capital of Madeira is the perfect city to explore at your own pace. Walking around Funchal is always a pleasant experience, as the green of the mountains and the blue of the ocean accompany you while you discover this city by the sea.

Is Madeira cheap or expensive?

Madeira in general isn't an expensive place to live. Housing, transport, and food are quite affordable for expats staying in Madeira longer term.

Is Funchal easy to walk around?

Walking Tours in Funchal, Portugal Creating your own self-guided walk in Funchal is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Is Funchal safe to walk at night?

Funchal is generally considered safe for female travelers. The city is known for its friendly locals and low crime rate. Women should still take the usual precautions when traveling, such as avoiding walking alone at night and keeping valuables out of sight.

Is Funchal worth it?

Funchal is worth visiting, due to its location, weather, several events during the year, historical monuments around the city, its culture and museums, world-renowned parks and gardens, amazing viewpoints to watch the sunset, and the nearby beaches and swimming pools.

What part of Funchal is best to stay in?

For those searching for somewhere to stay in Funchal with easy access to the city's attractions, the Old Town – also known as Zona Velha – is your best option. This historic district is made up of ancient streets and traditional Madeiran buildings, many of which date back to the 15th century.

What is the difference between Madeira and Funchal?

If you don't already know, Funchal is the capital city of a magical Portuguese island archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic known as Madeira.

Is there a promenade in Funchal?

Those who stroll along Funchal's Seaside Promenade have the opportunity to enjoy a unique view over the coastline, bathed by the Atlantic Ocean. In addition, the entire route has a diverse flora, which harmoniously integrates endemic species from Madeira and several exotic plants.

What is the most expensive part of Madeira?

Funchal is the most expensive place to buy property on the islands – given its higher demand and abundance of services.

Why is Madeira so cheap?

The average standard of living tends to be a bit lower than in mainland Portugal, and the local autonomous government gives generous subsidies coming from the tourist industry revenues and from the Portuguese national budget. Go where the locals go and everything will be cheap.