Madeira: City Breaks

The city of Funchal in Madeira lends itself perfectly to a short city break, with a flight time of only 3 and a half hours from the UK. The small capital city of Madeira is easy to walk around, with plenty of attractions within easy reach. On your city break in Madeira, don’t miss a visit to Mercado dos Lavradores, a huge, colourful market where you can buy everything from plants to fish. Enjoy the mild climate on your city break in Madeira by taking a short tour around Funchal via open top bus and then take the cable car to Monte to view the full panorama of the city and harbour, berthed with cruise ships.

If you want to include some retail therapy on your city break in Madeira, Funchal centre is a warren of narrow cobbled streets where little shops offer traditional wares including embroidery and wickerwork. There are several big shopping centres that are open seven days a week.
Other attractions worth a visit are Sé Cathedral, the Cidade do Açúcar Museum, and the 17th and 18th century buildings surrounding the Praça do Município (main square): the Museu de Arte Sacra, the town hall (Câmara Municipal), and the Igreja do Colégio. Remember to include a tour of the Madeira wine institute – including a free tasting.

In the evening during your city break in Madeira, enjoy a Portuguese steak washed down with Madeira wine and finish the night in Funchal casino! If you want to take an excursion on a bus or boat, you’ll find all tours leave from Funchal.