Funchal Holidays

Last minute holidays in Funchal

Funchal, the 500 year old capital of Madeira, is a beautiful place to book last minute breaks, whether you’re an older couple, a honeymooning pair or a mixed group off on their family holidays.
Funchal enjoys year round sunshine, making it ideal for last minute breaks out of season.  As well as being surrounded by lovely beaches, the town is weighed down with museums, galleries, churches and architecture from every period. It is as popular with the old as it is the young.
Funchal has accommodation ranging from budget apartments to luxury spa hotels, available throughout the year. We at Future Travel have both self-catering and all inclusive holidays in Funchal, a delightful region of Madeira.

Cultural last minute breaks in Funchal

Funchal’s picturesque winding streets are punctuated by leafy gardens and city parks, and there are countless al fresco cafes to dine in. The architectural gems are countless. Visit the Bishops Palace, a sublime example of Baroque architecture, before heading to the town’s fortress (also a modern art museum) and enjoying the views over the sparkling bay.
The 15th century Sé Cathedral has a simple whitewashed exterior that belies the treasures inside. The magnificent ceiling is made of Madeira cedar wood and inlaid ivory, and there are also beautiful carvings of the Sacramento chapel. Elsewhere, the Quinta das Cruzes on Calçada do Pico is where the island’s founder once lived. It sits next to the little 16th century church where he is buried.
Madeira, of course, is famous for its wine. The Old Brandy Wine Lodge forms part of a former 17th century Franciscan friary, and guided tours include a wine tasting session.

Active family breaks

Family holidays in Funchal inevitably mean a few exploratory excursions. Backed by verdant green valleys and towering mountains, Funchal makes a perfect base for a walking holiday. 
The Funchal Ecological Park, sited between Monte and Poiso, takes you up to two of Madeira’s highest points. Another must-see is the Curral das Freiras ravine. Translated as “The Nun’s Refuge,” today it is the refuge of thousands of beautiful butterflies and song birds. Closer to town are the famous Botanical Gardens.
Family breaks to Funchal aren’t complete without a ride on the Monte to Funchal toboggan, an exhilarating and madcap experience that was invented in 1850, as form of passenger transport! For more dizzying heights, take a trip to the scenic fishing village of Câmara de Lobos. Here, you can look up at the worlds second-highest sea cliff. At 589m, it swamps Beachy Head.
Whether it’s digging sand castles in the depths of winter, or taking toboggan rides in the height of summer, we at Future Travel have last minute breaks and all inclusive holidays in Funchal for you.