Rent a Motorhome in Funchal & Discover Madeira

Discovering Funchal: The Pearl of the Atlantic

Welcome to Funchal, the captivating capital of the Madeira archipelago and the perfect starting point for your island adventure. If you plan to rent a motorhome Funchal, you've chosen the ideal base to explore this Atlantic gem.

Geography and Setting:
Nestled in a stunning natural amphitheater on Madeira's sunny south coast, Funchal is cradled by volcanic mountains and overlooks the deep blue Atlantic Ocean. Its unique topography means you can drive from sea level to mountain peaks in under an hour, offering dramatic changes in scenery and climate. The city's name is derived from 'funcho' (fennel), which grew abundantly when Portuguese settlers first arrived.

History and Culture:
Founded in 1424, Funchal quickly became a crucial trading post between the Old and New Worlds. Its wealth grew from the sugar cane and, later, the world-renowned Madeira wine industries. This rich history is visible in the city's historic core, with its colonial architecture, cobbled streets, and centuries-old cathedrals. Today, Funchal is a vibrant, modern city with a population of over 111,000 residents, but it retains its traditional charm and relaxed island pace. When you rent a camper Funchal, you're not just getting a vehicle; you're unlocking access to centuries of culture.

Famous Personalities:
Funchal is famously the birthplace of international football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. The city celebrates its hero with a dedicated museum (Museu CR7) and a bronze statue at the cruise port, making it a must-visit for sports fans.

Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Madeira is often called the 'Island of Eternal Spring' thanks to its mild, subtropical climate. Funchal enjoys warm temperatures year-round. Summers (June to September) are dry and sunny, with average temperatures around 25°C (77°F). Winters are mild and wetter, with temperatures hovering around 17°C (63°F). The best time to rent a motorhome Funchal is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is ideal for hiking and exploring, the famous flowers are in full bloom, and the tourist crowds are smaller, making for a more relaxed experience on the road. For those seeking a unique off-road experience, considering to rent a 4x4 camper Funchal is a fantastic option to tackle the island's diverse terrain.

What to See and Do Around Funchal with Your Camper

Once you pick up your keys and rent a motorhome Funchal, a world of discovery awaits you right outside your door. The city and its surroundings are packed with incredible sights and activities.

Zona Velha (Old Town):
Park your camper and wander through the narrow, cobbled streets of the Old Town. Here you'll find the 'Arte de Portas Abertas' (Art of Open Doors) project, where hundreds of doorways have been transformed into colourful canvases by local artists. It's a living art gallery and a perfect spot for an evening stroll, filled with traditional restaurants serving fresh seafood.

Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers' Market):
A feast for the senses! This famous market is a whirlwind of colours, sounds, and smells. Marvel at the exotic flowers, taste unusual tropical fruits you've never seen before, and watch the fishmongers expertly handle the day's catch, including the formidable black scabbardfish (espada).

Funchal Cable Car to Monte:
For breathtaking panoramic views, take the cable car from the seafront up to the parish of Monte. The 15-minute ride offers a stunning perspective of Funchal's bay and terraced hills. Once in Monte, visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, a spectacular botanical garden with plants from all over the world, and the iconic Church of Our Lady of Monte.

Madeira Botanical Garden:
Another paradise for plant lovers, this garden is home to over 2,000 species of plants. Its meticulously designed flowerbeds, including a geometric pattern that is a symbol of the garden, are a photographer's dream. It's easily accessible and a wonderful half-day trip when you rent a camper Funchal.

Cabo Girão Skywalk:
Just a short drive west from Funchal, you'll find one of Europe's highest sea cliffs. The glass-floored skywalk at Cabo Girão juts out over a 580-meter (1,900-foot) drop, offering a thrilling and unforgettable view of the coastline below. It’s a must-do for every visitor.

Dolphin & Whale Watching:
The waters around Funchal are rich in marine life. Numerous tour operators depart from the Funchal Marina, offering you the chance to see dolphins, whales, and sea turtles in their natural habitat. It's a magical experience for all ages.

Unforgettable Road Trips Starting from Funchal

When you rent a motorhome Funchal, the entire island becomes your playground. Here are a couple of suggested itineraries to inspire your road trip.

🚗 The Western Wonders Tour (Coastal Views & Natural Pools)

⛰️ The Peaks and Peaks Tour (Mountain Scenery & Traditional Houses)

Returning Your Campervan Clean in Funchal

Before you return your vehicle from your rent a motorhome Funchal experience, you'll need to ensure it's clean, both inside and out. Finding a suitable car wash for a high-roof campervan can be tricky, as many automated car washes have height restrictions.

The main challenge is finding a 'lavagem' with sufficient vertical clearance. Your best bet is to look for manual jet wash stations ('lavagem manual') or facilities designed for larger commercial vehicles and trucks. These often have open-air bays where you have full control over the process.

Here are a few options and tips for getting your campervan cleaned in or around Funchal:

1. Large Fuel Station Jet Washes:
Many larger fuel stations, like those from Galp or Repsol, have self-service jet wash bays. These are usually open-air and perfect for campers. You pay with coins or tokens for a certain amount of washing time.
Example Location: Repsol Station (Estrada Monumental) or Galp Cancela (near the VR1 highway exit). It's always best to drive by first to check the clearance.

2. Commercial Vehicle Washes:
Look for services that cater to trucks and buses. These are guaranteed to have the space and equipment needed for a larger vehicle. They might be located in industrial areas on the outskirts of Funchal.
Address Tip: Search for "lavagem de pesados Funchal" on your map application to find dedicated truck washes.

3. Manual Washing:
If all else fails, a bucket, a long-handled brush, and a water source at a campsite can do the trick for the exterior. For the interior, ensure you've swept it out, wiped down all surfaces, and emptied all waste tanks as per your rental agreement. Preparing ahead will make the return process smooth and easy after your fantastic trip where you decided to rent a camper Funchal.

Your Journey to Funchal

Your adventure to rent a motorhome in Funchal begins with your journey to Madeira itself. As an island, the primary mode of arrival is by air, landing at Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC), located just east of Funchal.

From the UK & Ireland:
You are in luck! There are numerous direct flights to Funchal. From the United Kingdom, airlines like British Airways, easyJet, and Jet2 offer direct routes from major airports including London Gatwick (LGW), London Heathrow (LHR), Manchester (MAN), Bristol (BRS), and Glasgow (GLA). From Ireland, you can find direct flights from Dublin (DUB), especially during the tourist season.

From the USA & Canada:
While direct flights are rare, the journey is straightforward with a single stop. From the United States, you can fly from major hubs like New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), or Miami (MIA) with a connection in Lisbon (LIS) with TAP Air Portugal, or through other European hubs like London or Amsterdam. From Canada, travellers from Toronto (YYZ) or Montreal (YUL) will typically have a similar one-stop journey via a European capital.

From Australia, New Zealand & South Africa:
For travellers from down under, the journey will involve two stops. From cities like Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), or Auckland (AKL) in Australia and New Zealand, a common route is via a Middle Eastern hub like Dubai (DXB) or Doha (DOH), followed by a connection in a major European city like Lisbon, London, or Paris before the final leg to Funchal. From South Africa, flights from Johannesburg (JNB) or Cape Town (CPT) follow a similar pattern, often connecting through Europe.

Once you land at FNC, your pre-booked campervan will be ready for you, allowing you to start your Madeira road trip immediately. The decision to rent a camper Funchal is the first step to an incredible island holiday.