Hotel Class: 
4.5 Stars - 69 Opinions
Rua da Estalagem 23, Palheiro Golf Sao Goncalo, Funchal, Madeira, 9060-415, Portugal
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of people enjoy staying here
69 Opinions
Madeira - Portugal
Funchal bay fireworks
view over the ocean from the lobby
Cable Car to Monte
Hello,
I'd like to book a week's holiday at beginning of December. What can we expect in Funchal weather wise for our break? Thank you in anticipation of a reply.
regards alex
The climate tables here will give you a rough idea, though weather is always unpredictable:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/city_guides/results.shtml?tt=TT004810
Due to extreme climatic changes the World is experiencing at the moment, trying to predict the weather can be difficult because of local, on the day variations.
Most places now are seeing weather conditions well outside the norm.
The information below should be used as a guide only.
Here is the average weather for Funchal for this time of year.
Enjoy your holiday.
December.
High 60f / 16c
Low 51f / 11c
Rain 4.30in / 110.0mm
Rain days 13
Hours of sun 5
Daylight hours 10
UV level 3 = Moderate
Humidity = Frost may occur in December
Sea temp 67f / 19c
December last year was wetter than previous years. The frost only occurs in the highest parts, Encumeada, Pici D Arreiro etc, never in Funchal, temps in Funchal about 16-18 but chilly early morning and evening
Madeira (and Funchal) are so dedicated to tourism, that many places seem... to artificial, too well composed to achieve a good look, too... touristy.
The central area of town, its original quarter, gives an idea of authenticity, that helps to forget the general sensation. Don't miss!
The compact town of Funchal is easy to get around, and the ideal place to explore on foot. Funchal is Portugal, and yet it is a culture unto itself. Historical buildings to stroll around include the 15th century cathedral, numerous churches, elegant colonial houses and the charming cobbled streets reveal delights at every turn. Nature lovers will appreciate the rich array of tropical plants found throughout Funchal. Time to explore it!
We can honestly state that the best way to explore Funchal is by foot and the second best way is also by foot! Besides giving you the opportunity to roam the narrow streets and the cosy squares, it is the quickest way too. If you really want to, you can cross the city in approximately 45 minutes. Remember that sometimes it might be quicker (and nicer!) to take a few short-cuts into picturesque alleys instead of following the masses of tourists. Maybe this is easy for us to say as we stayed for a longer period of time and not like most of the tourists only for one day. But even when your stay is rather short, do try to get away from the crowds and just have a 'look around'. Funchal is simply a perfect place to walk for a few hours and pretending to know where you are. Have a look at our Funchal Packing List.
The first institution of national education to appear in the middles of the XVI century, for regal letter of D. Sebastião, 20 of August of 1569, was created the college of the Jesuits of the Funchal. In 1599 it was initiated the construction of the great building of the College, in the center of the city, where today it is installed the Madeira University.
Restaurants are surely not what is missing in Madeira as they are abundantly spread all over the city of Funchal and the rest of the island, however this one just conquered me.
You can choose italian, indian, thai or portuguese food without leaving the table.
In fact it's a group of 3 restaurants that operate together. They have a wonderful terrace where one can feel the light breeze while dining.
And of course we can't forget a portuguese wine to really enjoy the place Everything Indian
Did you know, that until 1950 the Island of Madeira had no electricity apart from the Greater Funchal area!
But after using olive oil, fish oil, petroleum and gas, the island discovered hydropower and the levada network was expanded, more waterforce created and powerstations built.
Only by 1997 the whole island, including the mountain regions were switched on!
To celebrate the occasion the Museum Casa da Luz was opened on 24th November 1997.
There is a detailed overview of the process on the groundfloor of the Museum of Light. Upstairs is an exibition of the way we get our global energy supplies, an interactive playground and room for temporarely exibitions.
Highly recommended! Very interesting!
(you need about 30-45 mins here)
Opening times: Tues-Sat 10.00-12.30 and 14.00-18.00
Entrance fee: €2
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