Still have no plans for the most magical evening of the year? Essential has some suggestions for you.
The most festive evening of the year is fast approaching and marks the beginning of another cycle. December 31st is a night of celebration and of many traditions as well. Champagne, raisins and chicken soup are but a few.
A landmark in the Madeiran tourism landscape, year after year, this night is cause for surprise for its impressive fireworks and the hustle and bustle of the streets.
While many spend this night in the comfort of their home, many others instead choose to invade the downtown of Funchal and immerse themselves in food and beverage. Others still, prefer a bit more of glamour.
Essential Madeira has an array of proposals to make give you a memorable night in the company of those you love most.
Forte restaurant
This restaurant right at the heart of Funchal has various options for your New year’s dinner, not to mention a party.
Couples, families and groups of friends all have the chance to get a dynamic evening in one of three different rooms with live music. The theme of the night, the roaring 20s.
The terrace of the Fortress of São Tiago sporting a 360º view of the Madeiran capital will make it impossible for you not to feel the vibes of the Madeiran amphitheatre at around midnight.
And because the party lasts well into the morning, starting at 1 a.m., the 80s are the theme for a well spent night.
180€ per adult | 50€ for children aged 1 to 5 | 85€ for children aged 6 to 11
Goya Restaurant
Located in the tourism area, this finely decorated restaurant starts its New Year’s celebrations at 7 p.m. with the reception to the guests.
Other than the tunes of the violin and the harp, the programme also includes a dinner service with gala menu, wine service, a digestive and transportation to the Fortress of São Tiago where, around midnight, you can watch the fireworks show with a good glass of bubbly in your hands.
Starting at 1 a.m., the +arty is left in the hands of the Fortress of São Tiago’s DJs with an open bar included.
180€ per adult | 50€ children aged 1 to 5 | 90€ children aged 6 to 11
Pestana CR7 Hotel
The Pestana CR7 Hotel offers you a golden night for December 31st. A dînatoir cocktail and party in one of the best placed locations of Funchal.
With a view of the bay of Funchal, service includes hot and cold dishes, beverages and desserts. Be it a CR7 lobster salad, Lamb ribs with peppermint sauce or Mango Pannacota, dinner will be sure to thrill your palate.
Watching fireworks and getting on with the night by dancing will get you to the Rooftop party and give you a unique view. It includes raisins, two drinks and a meal.
Dînatoir cocktail & party | 180€ per person
Rooftop Party, fireworks | 100€
Beer House Restaurant
At the heart of Funchal, this restaurant bordering the sea and enveloped in glass is the perfect place to enjoy the fireworks after a meal alluding to that special time of year.
84€ per person
Nini Andrade Silva Design Centre
For the celebratory dinner, the Nini Andrade Silva Design Centre has two suggestions.
A Gala dinner at the Atelier Restaurant, located on the building’s last floor with a welcome cocktail at 7: 30 p.m. and a dinners with entrees, fish and meat dishes and included beverages at 8 p.m. and the customary champagne and raisins for the transition.
The evening at the Design Centre starts with a welcome cocktail at 7: 30 p.m., the buffet dinner with drinks included starting at 8 p.m. and champagne and raisins being served at midnight.
After dinner service with live music, the museum’s DJ will e taking care of entertainment until 4 a.m. All customers who dine at the Design Centre will be given access.
Atelier Restaurant |280€ for adults | 200€ for children
Design Centre Museum | 150€ for adults| 70€ for children
VMT Madeira - Catamaran
Ever pictured watching the fireworks framing the bay of Funchal? You can now do this from the sea thanks to VMT.
The party aboard a catamaran includes music, a cocktail, open bar and champagne. A fun way of celebrating midnight with a privileged view of the show.
120€ per adult | Free for 5 year olds and under | 60€ for children aged 5 to 12
Chalet Vicente
The Chalet Vicente restaurant, with its special ambience, interior and exterior spaces, located at the heart of the tourist area offers you an a La Carte dinner.
The cuisine focuses in traditional Portuguese dishes, mostly grilled on charcoal, oven or fire, blending the flavours of several regions.
From grilled octopus with potatoes to tuna and rabbit, traditional cuisine calls forth the art of fine dining paralleled with the history of a great people.
Lobo Marinho Ferry
For many, tradition still holds and the Lobo Marinho ferry-boat remains the choice when it comes to watching the fireworks from water.
With an immersive scenario, the ferry offers you a dynamic evening. Guests board between 10 and 11 p.m., fireworks starting at midnight. And, of course, the night will continue with an open bar and meal.
Should you just want to enjoy the party, you can also simply board after 1 a.m.
Fireworks | 135€ per adult | 67,50€ per child
Party | 60€ for all
Castanheiro Boutique Hotel
With a view of the city where the historic buildings blend with city roofs, fireworks can be enjoyed from the terrace of the Castanheiro Boutique Hotel.
The typical charm of New Year’s is joined by champagne and a New Year’s meal (included in the price). Celebrations will continue on the distinguished terrace with a DJ.
45€ for adults | 22,50€ for 12 year olds and under
www.castanheiroboutiquehotel.com/pt/
Bahia Restaurant
This restaurante atop Casino da Madeira possesses a panoramic view over Funchal and a quality gastronomic selection. In other words, it meets all the conditions for a memorable New Year’s celebration.
Reception starts at 7 p.m., dinner accompanied by piano, entertainment by the Casino Band, and as a bonus, a moment by the Show Cabaret Circus. Fireworks can be enjoyed from the terrace and, starting at midnight, there will be entertainment at the Copacabana nightclub.
160€ per person
The Vine Hotel
Dinner at The Vine takesplace in one of two distinct spaces, the Terra Lounge Restaurant and the Uva Restaurant.
Both with a set menu crafted to meet the needs of a very special evening, open bar until 2 a.m., chicken soup at around 1: 30 a.m. and live music.
Around midnight, the party rises to the 360º Sky Bar amidst glasses of Pommery Champagne and raisins. A DJ will be present between 11:30 p.m. and 2 a.m.
Should you simply wish to enjoy the fireworks, entry is priced at 35€, if you confirm it until December 25th, going for 40€ thereafter. Children aged 4 to 12 years old pay 17.5€. The price includes chicken soup and a drink.
Terra Lounge Restaurant | 290€ per person
Restaurant Uva | 320€ per person
