Funchal Cruise Port Guide
Photos: Bengt Nyman (CC BY 2.0) · via Wikimedia Commons; Gary Hutson, Alby Set, Katharina Filip, Andrzej Koziol · via Google Maps
- Country:
- Portugal
- Region:
- Canary Islands & Madeira
- Coordinates:
- 32.6500° N, 16.9167° W
About Funchal
Funchal welcomes cruise ships throughout the year, making it accessible whenever you plan your voyage. The capital of Portugal's Autonomous Region of Madeira, this city of 105,795 sits on the Atlantic coast and ranks as the sixth largest city in Portugal. It is the leading Portuguese port for cruise liner dockings and draws visitors for its high cultural and historical value.
The port location puts you within easy reach of Funchal's main attractions. Parque de Santa Catarina and Jardim Municipal do Funchal are both less than a kilometre away, whilst Funchal Cathedral stands just 0.8 km from the dock. The Madeira Botanical Garden, 2.5 km away, offers extensive collections across its grounds.
What to see near the port
Walking distance from your ship, you'll find Praça do Município, the city's historic main square, and the Lido Promenade with its waterfront views. For those wanting to explore further, the Túnel das Poças do Gomes tourist attraction lies 3.3 km away. Funchal also gains popularity as a New Year's Eve destination, drawing visitors keen to celebrate in this Atlantic setting.
If your cruise visits nearby ports, other Canary Islands and Madeira stops include Agadir, Arrecife, Las Palmas, Puerto del Rosario and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Funchal, officially City of Funchal, is the capital, largest city and a municipality in Portugal's Autonomous Region of Madeira, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. The city has a population of 105,795, making it the sixth largest city in Portugal. Because of its high cultural and historical value, Funchal is one of Portugal's main tourist attractions; it is also popular as a destination for New Year's Eve, and it is the leading Portuguese port on cruise liner dockings.
Read more on Wikipedia (text CC BY-SA)
Things to do in Funchal on a port day
Top-rated sights within reach of the cruise terminal. Ratings, hours and reviews from Google — check opening times before you go.
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Photo: Oskar Henriksson · via Google Maps Park and Garden
Madeira Botanical Garden
4.3 (24,403) 2.5 km from port
Hillside botanical gardens with a bird park, natural history museum & glass houses, plus sea views.
Near: Jardim Botânico D (312) (30 m) · Fundação (32 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- 5 · “Mind you, the park is on a steep slope Very diverse healthy plants , very well taking care of. "The…” — Amiram BenAmram-Segre
- 5 · “The Madeira Botanical Garden is a lovely place to spend an afternoon. It’s exactly what you want from a botanical…” — Valentina Ch
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Photo: Sé Catedral do Funchal · via Google Maps Church
Funchal Cathedral
4.6 (8,358) 0.8 km from port
Gothic-style, late-15th-century Catholic church with an ornate interior comprising 3 naves.
Near: Hotel Catedral, Funchal (24 m) · Celeiro (26 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 7:15 am – 6:30 pm
- Tuesday: 7:15 am – 6:30 pm
- Wednesday: 7:15 am – 6:30 pm
- Thursday: 7:15 am – 6:30 pm
- Friday: 7:15 am – 6:30 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm, 4:00 – 7:00 pm
- Sunday: 7:30 am – 12:00 pm, 4:15 – 7:00 pm
- 5 · “Madeira's principal cathedral, dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption. Construction began in 1493, and the church became the cathedral…” — Seokjin Ham
- 5 · “Gorgeous and quirky old cathedral. Don’t forget to go around the back for an even more interesting aspect!” — megbrydon
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Photo: Santa Catarina Park · via Google Maps Park and Garden
Parque de Santa Catarina
4.6 (7,987) 0.6 km from port
Large, garden-like park with diverse trees, flower beds & walkways, plus a lake with ducks & swans.
Near: Externato Princesa Dona Maria Amélia (32 m) · Santa Catarina Children's Park and Playground (167 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Saturday: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Sunday: 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
- 5 · “A beautifully serene and spacious park that offers some of the absolute best views in Funchal. Perched on a hill…” — Łukasz Hodurek
- 5 · “If you need a quick escape from the bustling city streets, the Jardim Municipal is the perfect place to recharge.…” — Miroslav Srb
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Photo: GirlMixALot · via Google Maps Garden
Jardim Municipal do Funchal
4.6 (4,935) 0.5 km from port
Near: Arcadas São Francisco (69 m) · Hotel Madeira (73 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Beautiful Park..one side looks over Funchal Harbour. Delightful cafe in park..great coffee..icecream etc..overlooking large pond with fountains ⛲️ (in picture).…” — Andrew Steadman
- 5 · “It's a good botanical garden, well curated! And you can find many different areas” — Valentina Maggio
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Tourist attraction
Túnel das Poças do Gomes
4.5 (1,597) 3.3 km from port
Near: El Mexicano Steak House (33 m) · Restaurante Marisqueira O Barqueiro (54 m)
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
- 5 · “Really cool tunel with a “window” to the sea. It connects to the beach, it can be a really nice…” — Beatriz Monteiro
- 5 · “So beautiful, definitely recommend taking the promenade walk to the beach and natural pools and you’ll find these dimly lit…” — Menna Y
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Park and Garden
Jardim Panorâmico
4.5 (1,255) 2.5 km from port
Near: Estacionamento Tecnoparque (28 m) · Legacy Lounge Bar & Restaurant (52 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Saturday: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Sunday: 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
- 5 · “Great place to play padel and enjoy a beer. The mini golf is different, good fun though on about five…” — stew crombie
- 5 · “Great spot for a walk, views or a snack 》 a few places around.” — JA
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Historical landmark
Praça do Município
4.6 (1,098) 0.7 km from port
Near: Chafariz da Praça do Município (7 m) · Igreja de São João Evangelista do Colégio do Funchal (38 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Beautiful square with lovely paving. Fantastic church here with the most ornate interior. Road is very busy” — Lou Smullen
- 5 · “This is a great little high street to visit and when we visited in May there was a flower festival…” — Maya
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Park and Garden
Lido Promenade
4.7 (636) 3.1 km from port
Near: Poças do Governador (67 m) · Madeira Magic Health Club (70 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “The Lido Promenade Walk to Câmara de Lobos – One of Madeira's Finest Coastal Walks If you're staying in Funchal…” — phil king
- 5 · “Was a very enjoyable walk from where I stayed. Saw a lonely rock, saw excellent views passed a swimming area…” — Vivianne Dear
Map of Funchal and nearby attractions
Best time to visit Funchal
Cruises to Canary Islands & Madeira mostly sail all year round.
- Jan
- Feb
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- Apr
- May
- Jun
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- Aug
- Sep
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- Nov
- Dec
Cruises calling at Funchal
Deals update daily — see all Canary Islands & Madeira cruises.
