Funchal, Madeira Praça do Povo and liner pier

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.

Christmas and New Year's Eve in Funchal.
Funchal's seafront promenade is a great viewing point for the spectacular Firework display, which in 2006 was awarded by the Guinness World Records the largest firework display in the world.

Madeira has possibly one of Europe’s largest New Year's celebrations with more than 100,000 people in the city and more than 25,000 from cruise ships to watch the fireworks. The celebrations continue until 10 o’clock the following morning, and cruise ships in Madeira can number up to 14 and take turns to berth in the harbour. The city becomes one big Carnival with bands, dancing, music and street parades. With an average temperature of 20°C, street cafes and esplanades are always full.

Christmas and New Year are one of the best times to visit the Island of Madeira.