The port of Funchal was voted Europe’s Best Cruise Destination at the annual World Cruise Awards gala, which this year was held in Bahrain. The Madeira islands had been nominated for this category as well as for the category of World’s Best Cruise Terminal for Sustainability.
The Madeira islands had already won the award for Europe’s Best Cruise Destination back in 2022 and 2023. Then, in 2024, Madeira brought home the award for World’s Best Cruise Terminal for Sustainability.
In the 2024/25 season, between 1 September and 31 May, the port of the Madeiran capital recorded 743,699 passengers on 335 stopovers, which represents record numbers.
Among the advantages of Madeira's port is its proximity to the city. It can be reached on foot or in a few minutes by transport. The city itself is also considered cosmopolitan, with many attractions and a mild climate in winter. And the excursions are not very long.
Funchal has a long tradition as a port city. The bay served as a shelter for ships crossing the Atlantic on routes to Brazil, South Africa, and the Indian Ocean. This geographical location brought people and customs that took root on the island. Not to mention that it is due to its climate and location that Funchal has become one of the oldest tourist cities in Europe.
