Funchal

Departing from Birmingham Airport

Whether you want to do some window shopping, or you’ve left some travel essentials to the last minute, Birmingham Airport has a huge range of shops for you to browse. Check out World Duty Free for great savings on liquor or perfume or InMotion for a range of electrical goods, or maybe grab a book and snacks for the plane from WHSmith. 

There’s also a selection of great cafés, bars and restaurants where you can dine before you fly. You can grab a wrap from Wrapchic or, if you’d prefer, Giraffe is perfect for families and Wetherspoon has a great food and drink menu.  If your looking for your daily caffeine fix then choose from Costa, Caffé Nero and Pret a Manger.

If you prefer the finer things in life, you’ll want to book into one of our airport lounges. Here you can enjoy complimentary food and drinks, unlimited WiFi and great runway views before you fly.

Need currency for your trip abroad?  Whether you’re looking to top up your Euros before you fly, or withdraw a few UK pounds for your return, then head over to our Travelex stores conveniently located in the Arrivals area of the terminal building and Departures Lounge.  If you prefer, you can pre-order your currency and get next day collection if you order before 3pm at Birmingham Airport.  

For those driving to the airport we have 7 car parks on-site, all within walking distance of the airport terminal or accessible via a free shuttle bus. If public transport is more convenient, options are plentiful. Birmingham International train station is just outside the airport, with free and frequent transport that takes passengers to the terminal in just two minutes. You can also find public buses and coaches that travel from all over the country and drop you right outside departures.

Arriving at Funchal Airport

The airport is located 13.2 km east-northeast of the regional capital, Funchal.

There is an Aero-bus which is a frequent express bus service between the airport and Funchal city. The prices are low, at €5 per adult and €2.50 for children.

If you would prefer to jump in a taxi to the city centre, there are plenty of taxis that are able to take you to your accommodation. The airport taxi rank is located outside the arrival lounge, just look for the yellow cars with blue stripes and a 'TAXI' sign on top.

Pre-book your transfer with HolidayTaxis and avoid the queues when you arrive.

What to expect in Funchal

The main language spoken in Funchal is Portuguese, but a lot of people speak English very well. That doesn’t mean learning a few Portuguese phrases isn’t recommendable though.

Funchal enjoys warm, sunny summers and milder winters. The average high June temperatures are around 23°C.

Culture in Funchal

Often called the Garden Isle, whilst visiting Funchal you’ll find some of the world’s most amazing floral displays. The Madeira Botanical Garden does not disappoint. Based in layers on a steep hillside overlooking the harbour and its dedication in preserving the island’s indigenous and endemic plants, makes it a must-see whilst you travel. There’s even the famous Flower Festival that takes place every year, two weeks after Easter.

Check out the Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmer's Market) and pick up some fresh produce. A bustling scene of fresh fish, local vegetables and exotic plants. Get there early to experience the market at its best.

Funchal is the birthplace of Cristiano Ronaldo, hailed as ‘the best player in the world' – that is what it says on the plaque underneath his giant statue by the picturesque marina. The perfect photo opportunity if you're a football fan.