Capycation
Watercolour illustration of Funchal (Madeira)
Funchal (Madeira)

Funchal (Madeira) holidays

Terraced Atlantic city-base combining Madeira's harbourfront old streets with easy access into dramatic island scenery.

25°C AugustBest Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct2–3 nightsDirect from London Gatwick

Check flights on Aviasales

At a glance

  • winter sun city stays
  • island touring bases
  • short breaks with day trips

Trip cost

4 nights in Funchal (Madeira)≈ €455–€660 pp
Return flight
≈€116
Stay
≈€448
Food & local
≈€96

Includes the return fare from London Gatwick. An estimate, not a quote — each booking happens separately with its supplier. How we work this out.

Stays

Stays in Funchal (Madeira)

From €116/night · Typical €222 · 96 stays · 4-night stay assumed

Booking.com
View all 96 stays
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No 5-star stays found for these dates. Check the full list.

Plus 93 more places to stay.

Getting to Funchal (Madeira)

  • AirportMadeira Airport (Cristiano Ronaldo Airport) (FNC)
  • Transfer optionsBus, taxi

The Aerobus airport express and local SIGA network buses connect Madeira Airport with Funchal along the south coast, alongside taxis.

Flexible-date fares from London Gatwick

August from €222 return

Typical €241 · 9 nights

Wed 26 Aug

easyJet

See August flights

September from €161 return

Typical €228 · Direct · 8 nights

Mon 21 Sept

easyJet

See September flights

October from €143 return

Typical €196 · 14 nights

Mon 26 Oct

easyJet

See October flights

November from €116 return cheapest

Typical €126 · Direct · 3 nights

Fri 6 Nov

easyJet

See November flights

December from €159 return

Typical €374 · Direct · 11 nights

Thu 31 Dec

easyJet

See December flights

Indicative, per traveller. You book with Aviasales.

Cheapest and typical return fare to Funchal (Madeira) by month, from London Gatwick.
See fare details — 5 months as a table

Pick a month to set your trip to its real dates.

MonthLowestTypicalOptions
Aug€222€2418
Sep€161€2285
Oct€143€1967
Nov€116€1263
Dec€159€3747

Areas of Funchal (Madeira)

A few places people base themselves, and who each tends to suit.

  • Zona Velha (Old Town)Best for first-time visitors who want cobbled streets, Rua de Santa Maria and close access to the harbour.
  • Funchal DowntownSuited to those prioritising shops and everyday city life near Avenida Arriaga and central squares.
  • MonteHilltop area reached by cable car, fitting travellers who enjoy gardens and viewpoints over the bay.
  • Lido / São MartinhoWest-side hotel zone for visitors wanting seafront walks and pools slightly away from the old town bustle.

When to go

Monthly climate normals (ERA5 reanalysis, 2022–2024). Gold months are the best weather fit.

Best overall
July · August · September · October
Hottest
August · 25°C
Wettest
June · 144mm
  • Jan17°109mm
  • Feb17°67mm
  • Mar17°95mm
  • Apr19°58mm
  • May20°56mm
  • Jun21°144mm
  • Jul24°19mm
  • Aug25°12mm
  • Sep23°74mm
  • Oct23°105mm
  • Nov20°75mm
  • Dec18°109mm

What each season is like

Spring
One of the best times to visit, with the Madeira Flower Festival and good walking conditions before peak crowds.
Summer
Generally warm but not extreme, attracting more visitors while still feeling more temperate than many mainland coasts.
Autumn
Shoulder season from around October offers quieter stays and similar landscapes to summer.
Winter
Chosen by many for winter sun, with Funchal remaining active while northern Europe is much colder.

What’s on in Funchal (Madeira)

See all events in Funchal (Madeira) on Wanderistan

Compare Portugal destinations

Still deciding? Other Portugal destinations, with the same weather and typical-stay data behind them.

DestinationAugTypical stay
Faro (Algarve)30°C2–3 nights
Lisbon29°C3–4 nights
Porto25°C2–4 nights

Good to know about Funchal (Madeira)

Worth it for

Functions as a practical base for exploring Madeira's levadas and viewpoints while still feeling like a lived-in city.

Keep in mind

As the least wild part of the island, Funchal can feel more urban than many visitors expect from Madeira.

Why go

  • Functions as a practical base for exploring Madeira's levadas and viewpoints while still feeling like a lived-in city.
  • Offers harbourfront promenades and historic lanes rather than pure resort-strip development found elsewhere.
  • Gives access to winter-sun conditions and shoulder-season calm that contrasts with mainland winter city breaks.

Worth knowing

  • As the least wild part of the island, Funchal can feel more urban than many visitors expect from Madeira.
  • Steep streets and hilly terrain mean slopes are unavoidable, which may not suit everyone.
  • Staying only in Funchal gives a limited sense of the island unless you plan regular drives or tours.