Sign in with Facebook
Hotel Class: 
2.5 Stars - 7 Opinions
Rua do Estanco Velho nr. 5, Funchal, Portugal
Check Rates and Availability
of people enjoy staying here
7 Opinions
Church in Sao Martinho seen from Pico dos Barcelos
A statue of Columbus near the park.
Emma on the cable car
The blooming Tropical Garden
Hi,
I'm arriving in Funchal on a cruise later this month and we have a whole day on the island. Are there any car hire companies at the cruise terminal/port? Or are they all in downtown Funchal? Who are reliable companies to choose? Thanks.
We were there for a cruise stop also last year. There will be a great number of taxis on the pier. Traffic appeared rather heavy and I would not have wanted to drive in it. There is plenty to see and do by walking off the ship and around the pier to downtown. I recall there being several travel agency and car hire locations in the downtown area just a short walk from the ship.
We can organise car hire for you for about €48 for the day including taxes and insurance. We can have the car waiting for you at the port in front of the cruizer. Email us with your details of cruizer, day / time of arrival and ofcourse name.
madeira.seekers@gmail.com
Just to thank you George from Madeira Seekers for organising the tour. It was just what we wanted and we had a superb guide, much better in the end that our original plan of hiring a car.
Walking around in Funchal is a real joy, the beautiful mansions, sometimes a bit neglected, but also this has its charm.
I enjoyed the nice decorated and designed pavements in the streets and squares and the many sculptures in the parks and along the avenidas and streets. These sculptures on the picture we pass every day at our walk into town.
One of Madeira's hidden secrets, Rabacal is a one-house town at the eastern end of the Ribiera da Janela. If you decide to g take a picnic as it is quite remote. It is an adventurous drive down a steep and winding single lane ( without crash barriers!!) that decends into a vivid green revine for just over a mile.It is a marvellous opportunity to samplethe unspoilt interior of Madeira and to appreciate the unique pleasures of levada walking.
Funchal's yellow taxis are fairly good value - there are set prices for the tourist destinations. Check first and always insist on the meter being put on. They can also be hired for half day/full day tours of the island - your own itinerary if desired and for a group of three or more can be more economical then the organised tours.
This museum is two-in-one: Casa Calçada (the mansion) and Casa dos Azulejos (the house of tiles).
The mansion used to be home to Mr. Frederico de Freitas, a lawyer, who lived here from the 1940's until his death in 1978. In his will he left all his possessions to the government of Madeira, who turned his place into a museum.
The house is stuffed with religious art, but also has an interesting china collection. You wander from room to room, while attendants are very helpful explaining the things on display. I was most impressed by the indoor Wintergarden, while the Library was just stunning! Another treasure was the Mugs-room: "continents for liquid contents"; those Freitas collected as souvenirs given by friends-travelers. The museum has over 2000 in its collection, not all on display. But when the lady-attendant saw my excitement, she pointed me to a closed basement, "just switch on the light!" and there I was admiring 100's more adorable mugs!
After that overwelming experience I went next door to the 'house of tiles', an open and light exhibition-hall covering 4 levels with azulejos. A workspace explaining how tiles were designed and made, and different floors covering Persia, Turkey, Iran, Syria, Spain, Flanders, England, Netherlands and Portugal. Madeira made tiles until well into the 20th century.
Unfortunately no pics allowed inside. (you need about 1-2 hours here)
Opening times: Tues-Sat 10.00-12.30 and 14.00-17.30
Sun 10.00-12.30
Entrance fee: €2,50 for both houses
The nick name of the island is the Flower or Garden island, and it is simply amazing how many tropical plants grow here. Cycads from Africa, orchids from South America and Asia, and tropical blooming flowers from all over the world.
Sponsored Links
Similar to Residencial Chafariz
Near Residencial Chafariz
Step Up from Residencial Chafariz
Cheapest in Funchal
Great Hotels for Less
Q: RESTUARANT FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE "We are two couples aged 60+ from Norway, who are looking for a good restaurant to spend the New Year's Eve in Funchal. We are..."
A: "New year's eve is an huge event at Funchal, all good spots are booked whit months in advance, so I suggest you to contact a travel agent (or the place where you are..."
Sponsored Links
Latest Funchal hotel reviews
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Check Rates and Availability (from our partners)
