Pedro DominguesI’m Portuguese and I already know all the big Portuguese cities on the mainland and on the islands. Funchal is certainly in my top 5, despite being in an isolated spot in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. It is extraordinary in terms of natural beauty and, at the same time, it is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city. There are many things to do in Funchal, as you will soon find out.
Visiting Funchal is discovering one of the best prepared places for tourism in Portugal, with a varied offer of activities to do, from the sea to the mountains. The landscape leaves no one indifferent, and the food is delicious.
Did you know that Madeira Island is considered by many to be the Best Island Destination in the World?
Where are Funchal and Madeira located?
Madeira is an archipelago made up of 4 islands located off the northwest coast of Africa. Funchal is its capital, located on the main island.
Until now this was the only island I visited in this archipelago, so I still don’t know Porto Santo, for example. I know, however, other Portuguese islands, namely 4 islands of the Azores:
- São Miguel Itinerary and Things to do in Ponta Delgada
- Terceira Itinerary and Things to do in Andra do Heroísmo
- Faial Itinerary
- Pico Itinerary
Travel tips for visiting Funchal
1. When to visit Funchal?
I decided to visit Funchal on New Year’s Eve, and it was spectacular to see all the fireworks and the city’s preparation for the event. It’s one of the best New Year’s Eves in the world!
Also don’t forget:
- The Carnival, from the Friday before Carnival until Tuesday. During this festival, 2 large processions take place: the allegorical procession and the clumsy procession.
- The Flower Festival, in May, whose origin dates back to the mid-twentieth century. The event lasts 4 days, with parades, flower exhibitions, flower carpets and lots of music.
- The Wine Festival, usually in September, seeks to recall Madeiran traditions and habits related to wine production. The center of Funchal is filled with decorations based on this theme.
2. How to get to Funchal? Best Flights
For researching the best flights, I recommend using Skyscanner or Google Flights. However, bookings should be made directly on the airline’s website.
>>> Check possible flights with Skyscanner
3. Rent a Car to visit Madeira
There are two excellent ways to visit Madeira Island. You can rent a car or go on excursions from Funchal to the island’s main tourist attractions.
Renting a car gives you greater flexibility, as you can visit each location at your own pace, without major restrictions. Use Discover Cars to compare car hire prices in Madeira Island and make your reservations. That’s the search box I always use.
4. Take out Travel Insurance to visit Madeira
I also recommend that you take out travel insurance for your stay in Funchal, as it is a nature destination where you will certainly want to go hiking. Shit happens, and you should always opt for prevention.
>>> Travel Insurance with World Nomads
5. What to eat and where to eat when visiting Funchal
As far as gastronomy is concerned, here are some tips for you. Of course there are many others! 😉
- Bolo do Caco with Garlic Butter – You can eat it with other things, but the traditional thing is to eat it warm with melted butter.
- Cane Honey Cake.
- Madeira banana and other tropical fruits
- The limpets at Praia Formosa
- To drink, try the traditional beer (Coral), Nikita (made with beer, pineapple ice cream and white wine), Poncha or Madeira wine.
There are also lots of good restaurants, and I leave you some recommendations: Restaurante Casal da Penha, Restaurante Lá ao Fundo, Taberna Madeira, La Vaca Negra.
6. Where to sleep when visiting Funchal?
I slept in the first option, and I loved it. Simple but extremely comfortable! 😉 And very affordable in terms of prices.
| Accommodation | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Pensão Residencial Vila Teresinha | 8.8 | Funchal |
| Museum House | 8.9 | Funchal |
| Travellers Pearl (Apartamentos) | 8.6 | Funchal |
| Madeira Hostel | 8.9 | Funchal |
| Savoy Palace Signature | 9.3 | Funchal |
| TURIM Santa Maria Hotel | 8.8 | Funchal |
| The Cliff Bay (Porto Bay) | 9.3 | Funchal |
| Golden Residence Hotel | 8.8 | Funchal |
| Arts In Hotel | 9.1 | Funchal |
| Enotel Magnólia | 8.8 | Funchal |
| Castanheiro Boutique Hotel | 9.3 | Funchal |
| Quinta da Penha de França | 8.6 | Funchal |
| Apartamentos Turísticos Atlântida | 8.9 | Funchal |
| Pestana CR7 Funchal | 8.8 | Funchal |
| Madeira Panorâmico Hotel | 8.7 | Funchal |
| Hotel Baia Azul | 9.1 | Funchal |
7. Excursions to visit Madeira from Funchal
For the best guided tours, I usually book them with Get Your Guide, Viator and Civitatis. From Funchal you have several options, and I leave you some of them below.
Guided Tours with Get Your Guide: 1 - Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching - Catamaran Cruise 2 - Madeira: Skywalk, Porto Moniz Volcanic Pools, and Fanal Tour 3 - Madeira: Private Cristiano Ronaldo Tour with CR7 Museum 4 - Hike Madeira: Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo 5 - Madeira: Nature & Wine 4x4 Tour from Funchal or Caniço 6 - From Funchal: Best of Madeira's West Tour 7 - Madeira: Best of the East Tour from Funchal 8 - From Funchal: Intermediate (Level 2) Canyoning Adventure 9 - Canyoning Level 1 10 - 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour 11 - Madeira Day Trip: Levada Walk in the Rabaçal Valley
Excursions with Viator: 1 - Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching 2 - Madeira Food and Cultural Tour 3 - Madeira Island West Tour 4 - Old Funchal Walking Tour 5 - 2 Day tour of Madeira Island 6 - Canyoning Experience in Madeira Island
Guided Tours with Civitatis 1 - Madeira 2-day tour 2 - Valley of the Nuns Tour + Madeira Basket Carts Ride 3 - East Madeira Tour 4 - West Madeira Tour 5 - Northern Madeira 4x4 and Porto Moniz Pools Tour 6 - Swim with Dolphins in Madeira 7 - Desertas Islands Schooner Cruise 8 - Beginners Scuba Diving in Garajau
Things to do in Funchal | Madeira
And now, all things to do in Funchal, what to see and do in 2, 3 or 4 days. I tell you the essentials to visit in the historic center of Funchal, and then in the surroundings. Of course, you can always go to more distant places on Madeira Island, for example, taking a tour.
Map with things to do in Funchal and surroundings
Visit Funchal City Center
I will consider that Monte region is also part of the center of Funchal. However, it is on Avenida Arriaga that I will start, as I consider it the heart of the city.
1. Avenida Arriaga and Funchal Municipal Garden
Avenida Arriaga starts at Dom Manuel I Square and ends at Infante Roundabout. It is a cobbled avenue with many trees, cafes and terraces. Along it you will find some of the main monuments of the city, such as the Cathedral of Funchal.
The Municipal Garden, in turn, is on one side of Avenida Arriaga. Also known as Garden of Dona Amélia, it is located where the Convent of São Francisco used to be, of which the coat of arms still remains. Funchal has a special connection with flowers, so here you will find a huge variety, coming from all over the world.
2. Municipal Theater Baltazar Dias
In the vicinity of the Municipal Garden of Funchal you will find the Municipal Theater named after the blind playwright from the island of Madeira. The building was built at the end of the 19th century and is one of the most elegant in the city.
3. Cathedral of Funchal
The Cathedral of Funchal, also on Avenida Arriaga, is the main church in the city, although not the prettiest, in my opinion. The ceiling of the church, and the altarpiece from the 16th century, clearly stand out.
4. College Church and Town Square
The most beautiful church in Funchal is College Church, also known as Church of São João Evangelista. From the outside it is very simple, but inside it is spectacular. Its gilded carving is from the 17th century and considered one of the most valuable pieces of Portuguese carving of the time. Also, don’t forget the tiles and paintings on the walls.
5. Funchal City Museums
In the Historic Center of Funchal you will also find several museum spaces. I didn’t visit all of them, so I leave you a link to the official VisitFunchal website where you can access all the useful information about them, for example timetables and prices. Below is just a brief description:
- Frederico Freitas House-Museum, where you can find various art collections belonging to Frederico Freitas, such as glass, ceramics, sculpture, painting, furniture and even tiles.
- Quinta das Cruzes Museum, in the same style as the previous one.
- Madeira Story Center, where you can learn more about the history of the island of Madeira, from its volcanic origin millions of years ago.
- MAMMA – Museum of Modern Art of Madeira.
- The Museum of the City of Sugar, in honor of the history of the sugar industry on the island of Madeira and the sugar cycle.
- The CR7 Museum, which needs no introduction. In it you will find mainly the trophies won by Cristiano Ronaldo throughout his career. Check also this tour.
- The Sacred Art Museum, housed in the old Episcopal Palace of Funchal, and with collections of painting, sculpture and jewelery from the 15th to the 19th centuries.
- Madeira Photography Museum, with photography exhibitions by different authors.
- The Electricity Museum, housed in the former Funchal Thermal Power Station.
- The Natural History Museum of Funchal, located in the São Pedro Palace (18th century). Here you will find the municipal aquarium, and several species of reptiles, fish, birds, insects, plants, as well as minerals and marine fossils.
- The Toy Museum, with more than 20,000 toys since the end of the 19th century.
- Henrique and Francisco Franco Museum, with works by those brothers.
- Madeira Military Museum, located in the incredible Palácio de São Lourenço, a 15th century fortress. Here you will learn about Madeira’s military history and its importance during Portuguese expansion.
- The Museum of Optical Devices in Madeira
- Mary Jane Wilson Museum, dedicated to the life and work of Sister Mary Jane Wilson, founder of the Franciscan Congregation of Our Lady of Victories.
- The Design Center Nini Andrade Silva, located in the Fortress of Nossa Senhora da Conceição.
- The Institute of Wine, Embroidery and Crafts of Madeira.
- And São Francisco Cellars, with an exhibition on the history of Madeira Wine.
As you can see, there are many museums! Choose the ones that most arouse your curiosity and go visit them. I recommend that you at least visit the Military Museum, the CR7 Museum, the Story Center Museum, the Natural History Museum of Funchal, the Institute of Wine, Embroidery and Crafts of Madeira, and the Cellars of São Francisco. In the latter you can taste Madeira wine or even buy a few bottles.
6. Fortress of São João Batista
The Fortress of São João Baptista dates back to the 17th century, and initially served as a gunpowder warehouse. Later it passed into possession of the Navy, which turned it into the Navy Communications Center. It is one of the best preserved forts in Madeira, and provides an exceptional viewpoint over the city of Funchal.
7. Sea Avenue and Funchal Marina
If Avenida Arriaga is the heart of Funchal, Sea Avenue is the most pleasant in the city, and you should walk along it from the CR7 Museum to the Fortress of São Tiago. São Lourenço Palace stands out, but also look for the old Customs building, and Funchal Marina, always full of boats.
8. Fort of São Tiago
São Tiago Fort was built in the 17th century to protect the city of Funchal from attacks by pirates and corsairs. It later had other purposes, namely as a shelter for troops, police and military squads, and also as a shelter for victims of the floods that occurred in Madeira at the beginning of the 19th century.
9. Santa Maria Road
Santa Maria road is one of the most beautiful in the city, mainly because of the street art on each door. Here you will also find many cafes and bars in the city, being a very popular place. Below are some of the best paintings you can find there. Are they true works of art or not?
10. Farmers’ Market
Farmer’s Market is open every day of the week, except Sundays, Saturday afternoons and holidays. It is the ideal place for shopping in the city of Funchal, and here you can find the most exotic vegetables and fruits on the island of Madeira. It is a place full of colors.
11. Cable Car from Funchal to Monte
Finally, I’ll write about the cable car you should take to visit Monte region in Funchal. Pick it up on Sea Avenue, not far from the Farmer’s Market.
Prices are €11 one way and €16 round trip, but on the official website you can always confirm updated information. If you want to visit the Botanical Garden, don’t forget that it takes two trips by cable car: one to Monte and another from Monte to the Botanical Garden area.
The view you get when using the cable car is phenomenal.
12. Botanical Garden in Funchal
Unfortunately I did not visit Funchal Botanical Garden. I just opted for Monte Palace Madeira instead. The Botanical Garden is located in Quinta do Bom Sucesso, and from the research I did, it has impressive views over the city of Funchal, in addition to a natural history museum and, of course, its immense species of plants.
13. Monte Palace Madeira
Monte Palace Madeira fascinated me a lot:
- It has an exhibition of tiles that portray the History of Portugal.
- It has a collection of over 1000 sculptures from Zimbabwe.
- It also has a collection of minerals from Portugal, Brazil, South Africa, Zambia, Peru, Argentina and North America.
- Also noteworthy are the elements of Japanese culture present in the gardens.
14. Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte
The Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte is very close to the famous basket carts of Madeira. This is the most important pilgrimage site in Madeira, in honor of the island’s patron saint.
15. Madeira Basket Carts
To ride the basket carts at Carreiros do Monte, be prepared for queues and high prices. After all, this is one of the main tourist attractions on the island, and one of the most memorable things to do in Funchal. The route is about 2km long, and the carts do not have wheels, just wood sliding along the road.
When I visited Funchal, prices were €25 for one person, €30 for two people and €45 for three. The kids were not paying!
Visit the surroundings of the City of Funchal
For the city of Funchal, I wrote about 15 different sights, but it is possible to count 30, considering each museum individually. A full day itinerary is the minimum necessary to visit the entire city. Once you’re done with the city, you’ll explore the nearby surroundings. 😉
1. Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo
Go see the sunrise at Pico do Arieiro and, if you feel like it, walk to Pico Ruivo. This is the most spectacular trail on the island, but also quite difficult due to the huge steep slope to overcome along the way.
I recommend that you take a guided tour, as this will include transfers, both to Pico do Arieiro and on the way back to Funchal from Achada da Teixeira. It makes everything easier, believe me: that’s exactly what I did!
Guided Tour with GET YOUR GUIDE: Hike Madeira: Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Viator is also a great possibility: Tour with Viator Extra Tip: If you decide to do the trail for yourself, then I advise you to observe the weather before going there, and you can do it at Portal da Madeira. This applies to other places on the island.
In total there are about 10 km of trail: 7 km from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo + 3 km from Pico Ruivo to Achada da Teixeira. These are the highest points on the island of Madeira, with over 1800 meters.
2. Levada dos Balcões (PR11)
Levada dos Balcões is an excellent alternative to the previous trail. Here, many tourists decide to feed small birds called Finches or “Tentilhões” in the palm of their hands, as you can see in the video below. 😉 The landscape is beautiful, and the trail is very quick and easy to do.
3. Viewpoint of Eira do Serrado and Nun’s Valley
Another exceptional viewpoint on the outskirts of Funchal is Eira do Serrado, which offers the best views over Nun’s Valley. With more time, you can drive down to the village, which is now easily accessible via a tunnel in the mountain.
4. Cabo Girão Viewpoint
Cabo Girão is one of the most impressive viewpoints on the coast of Funchal. It has a small suspended glass platform, therefore transparent, which allows you to walk and see the highest cape in Europe, 580 meters above sea level.
5. Viewpoint of Pico de Barcelos
Closer to the city of Funchal, you will find another impressive lookout on Pico de Barcelos, with an awesome view over the city center.
6. Câmara de Lobos Bay
Câmara de Lobos has one of the most beautiful fishing ports on the entire island of Madeira. I loved its colorful boats and sea promenade. Mandatory stop! 😉
7. Viewpoints of Neves and Pináculo
Observing the bay of Funchal from these 2 viewpoints is also one of the must-do things in Madeira.
Visit other highlights of Madeira Island
To end this article, I leave you with other corners of Madeira Island, for those who want to explore more than just what is close to its capital Funchal. Don’t forget to also read my article with the full Madeira Itinerary, because there you will find much more detailed information to visit Madeira in up to 7 days.
Next I’ll just share my favorite spots on the rest of the island.
1. Cape of São Lourenço
Cape of São Lourenço is one of the most unique places you will find on Madeira Island. There is a trail to do there, which I recommend 100%. Along the trail you will have access to beaches and incredible landscapes.
2. Machico beach
Machico was the place where Portuguese navigators landed for the first time when they discovered Madeira. The beach is artificial, made of sand from the Sahara desert in Morocco. It is the best easily accessed beach in the island, in my opinion. 😉
3. Typical Houses of Santana
The more touristy houses are next to Santana Town Hall and have been transformed into stores selling regional products.
4. Véu da Noiva Viewpoint
Véu da Noiva Viewpoint is located before reaching Seixal and is an excellent lookout for a waterfall that falls where the old road ER101 used to pass. This stretch is closed precisely because the road collapsed and it is no longer possible to go there.
5. Porto Moniz Natural Pools
They are natural pools of volcanic origin: an excellent place to cool off on the island of Madeira. Guided Tour tip: 1 day visiting Porto Moniz and the Volcanic Pools.
6. Forest of Tis in Fanal
It is excellent to visit the Forest of Tis in Fanal on very foggy days, to find the most spooky environment! 😉
7. Garganta Funda Waterfall and Ponta do Pargo
To access Garganta Funda viewpoint (to the waterfall), follow the path that you will find next to Ponta do Pargo. In Ponta do Pargo itself, the best time of day to visit is at sunset.
8. Angels Waterfall at Ponta do Sol
Also Waterfall of Angels, that falls directly on the road that goes from Calheta to Ponta do Sol. Unmissable for a freshwater bath in Madeira. 😀 Well, you can just drive past it while staying inside the car, if you prefer. 😉
Itinerary – Things to do in Funchal for 2, 3 or 4 days
1. Visit Funchal in 2 days
- Day 1 | Visit the city center of Funchal: consider the 15 starting points of this article, everything you can find in the historic center and in the Monte region.
- Day 2 | Close to Funchal: finish your visit to Funchal city center, if you didn’t manage to do so on the 1st day. Do not take the trail between Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo, just go for the sunrise at Pico do Arieiro and then opt for the Levada dos Balcões hike. Finish with the best sights around: Eira do Serrado, Cabo Girão, Pico de Barcelos, Câmara de Lobos and Miradouro das Neves.
2. Visit Funchal in 3 dias
- Day 1 | Same as the 2 day itinerary.
- Days 2 and 3 | Hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, and go discover Cape of São Lourenço. Also visit all the sites mentioned on day 2 of the previous itinerary.
3. Visitar Funchal in 4 dias
- Days 1, 2 and 3 | Same as 3 day itinerary
- Day 4 | Go on a day-trip to another location on the island, for example Porto Moniz, Santana, or Ponta do Pargo. Take one of the guided tours I recommended, for example. How about simply going to see the dolphins or go canyoning?
Other Itineraries and Travel Guides in Portugal
- N2 Portugal Road Trip Itinerary
- Madeira Itinerary and Travel Guide
- São Miguel Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Terceira Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Pico Itinerary in Azores
- Faial Itinerary in Azores
- Minho | Northern Portugal Itinerary
- Porto Itinerary and Travel Guide
- Things to do In Braga (Minho)
- Things to do in Guimarães (Minho)
- Things to do in Viana do Castelo (Minho)
- Peneda Gerês National Park Itinerary
- Douro Valley Itinerary
- Trás-os-Montes Itinerary
- Things to do in Bragança
- Montesinho Natural Park Itinerary
- Douro International Natural Park Itinerary
- Things to do in Aveiro
- Things to do in Coimbra
- Things to do in Leiria
- Things to do in Fatima
- Things to do in Nazaré
- Things to do in Peniche
- Things to do in Évora (Alentejo)
- Things to do in Beja (Alentejo)
- Algarve Road Trip Itinerary
- Things to do in Lagos (Algarve)
- Things to do in Portimão (Algarve)
- Things to do in Faro (Algarve)
- Things to do in Tavira (Algarve)
Have a good stay in Madeira. I hope this article with things to do in Funchal is useful on your travels there. 😉
