Funchal Chess Open 2026: a practical guide for players
Playing the Funchal Chess Open, 26 November to 2 December 2026: where the playing hall is, when to fly in, where to stay within walking distance, eating between rounds and what to do on free mornings.
The first Funchal Chess Open runs from Thursday 26 November to Wednesday 2 December 2026: nine rounds of FIDE-rated classical chess at 90 minutes plus 30 seconds a move, with a separate tournament for players rated under 1900. This blog’s editor is playing too, with his son, so this guide is written from the player’s side of the board.
The playing hall
The Open is played at the Externato Princesa Dona Maria Amélia, Avenida do Infante 12, in central Funchal. Avenida do Infante runs west from the roundabout by Santa Catarina Park towards the hotel district, so the hall is a flat walk of about 15 minutes from the cathedral and the seafront. The U1900 regulations place that tournament at the sports complex of the same foundation; check with the organisers which door is yours.
When to fly in
Round 1 starts on Thursday 26 November at 17:00, after the opening ceremony. Arrive on Wednesday if you can. Madeira’s airport is famous for wind, and on a gusty day flights land late or are diverted, so a same-day arrival is a gamble you do not want before round 1. From the airport, Funchal is about 30 minutes by road.
- Getting to Madeira and airport wind and diversions
- From the airport to Funchal: bus, taxi and Uber
Where to stay
Stay where you can walk to the board. The best areas are the streets around Avenida do Infante and Santa Catarina Park, the Lido hotel district a little further west, or downtown around the cathedral and the Old Town. Avoid anything described as “with a view” high above the city: Funchal is steep, and climbing a hill after a five-hour game is no fun. You will not need a car.
- Where to stay in Madeira
- Buses and taxis, Uber and Bolt for everything else
The schedule, from a player’s point of view
- Thursday 26: free morning; opening and round 1 at 17:00.
- Friday 27 and Sunday 29: double-round days, at 10:00 and 16:00. A long morning game can leave you barely an hour before the next one.
- Saturday 28, Monday 30 and Tuesday 1: one round a day at 16:00, so the mornings are yours.
- Wednesday 2: round 9 at 10:00, closing ceremony at 15:00.
Eating between rounds
On double-round days, eat close to the hall. Cafés in central Funchal serve a prato do dia, a dish of the day at lunchtime, that is quick and filling. A prego (steak sandwich) or bolo do caco with garlic butter works when time is short. Save the espetada and the poncha for the evening: neither is a good idea before a Sicilian.
Free mornings
- Close to the hall: Santa Catarina Park, with its view over the harbour, is next door; the gardens of Funchal and the seafront are a short walk away.
- Half a morning: the Mercado dos Lavradores and the painted doors of the Old Town, or the cable car to Monte and the toboggan back down. Be back by early afternoon.
- Tuesday 1 December: after round 8, the Christmas lights go on in downtown Funchal. A good way to end the day, whatever the result.
Longer outings, like a levada walk, fit better before or after the tournament. Our levada guide has walks for every level.
Weather
Late November in Funchal is mild, usually around 20°C by day, with the chance of a shower. Bring a light jacket for the evenings and something warmer if you plan to go up into the mountains. More in Madeira in November.
Before you go
- Entry is by bank transfer; send your name, FIDE ID and proof of payment to [email protected]. Residents of Madeira get 30% off. Phone: +351 931 962 025.
- Phones stay out of the playing area. Spectators are welcome.
- The gala dinner and masterclasses are still being planned; the tournament website has the latest.
See you at the board.