The storm protected seawalled harbour and the marina dominate the coastline in front of Madeiras' promenade restaurants and streets. This is understandable given that Madeira is an island dependent since its foundation in the 1400s on looking to the sea for communication trade and food. While fishing remains a high priority tourism has left it far behind in its importance. It is not surprising then that the marina is packed with large expensive visiting yachts as well as the massive catamarans/large boats which cater for tourist round the island excursions and game fishing. The harbour also often plays host to numerous cruise ships each summer as well as the local island hoping ferries and ferries to mainland Africa.
The marina of Funchal opened about 20 years ago, is located in a sheltered area in Madeira’s main port, at 530 nautical miles from Lisbon and 36 nautical miles from Porto Santo Island.
This infrastructure has 210 berths for yachts and a quay for tourist vessels.
The marina of Funchal facilities offers multiple services that include water and electricity supplies, fuel stations, shower facilities and toilets, nautical shops, restaurants and bars, among other facilities.
Madeira’s promenade, marina, liner pier, park area and bathing area in the heart of Funchal makes a beautiful city even better.
This project was inaugurated in November 2014.
Funchal's mega project, whose cost was approximately 300 Million Euros, consisted of widening and redirecting the flow of the two river mouths on either side of Funchal city, constructing a new liner pier directly in front of the Cathedral and extending the capacity of Funchal harbour to five cruise liners.
A new beach area and an extension to the existing Yacht marina were built. Funchal, Madeira has been a cruise liner destination from more than 100 years and is considered to be one of the two most spectacular harbour destinations in the world along with Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
As in Madeira it is always summer, most cruise liners visit the island during the winter months, from September onwards. The number of cruise ships visiting Funchal can be up to 75 per month, which makes it one of the world's busiest winter destinations.
Funchal city centre is just a 200-metre walk from the liner piers and is popular for shopping, museums, gardens always in bloom throughout the winter, open-air cafes, especially The Ritz Madeira on the main street with its live music and great for people watching. The Ritz Madeira also features Sian Lesley's Gala Dinner show every Saturday night.
