Funchal is the capital of Madeira and a great place to start, end, or use as a base for your Madeiran adventure. It is located on the coast with major port welcoming boats from the Atlantic Ocean. The majority of the island's population have settled in the city making it a very vibrant destination with lots to see and experience. This travel guide on Funchal will help you learn about what Funchal has to offer so you can have the best visit possible!
25 best things to do in Funchal
Monte Palace Tropical Gardens
Toboggan Ride
Cable Car
Old Town
Mercado dos Lavradores
Sao Tiago Fortress
Botanic Garden
Jardim Municipal do Funchal
Port
Beach
Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo
Whale and Dolphin Watching
Shopping District
Use Funchal's Public Transport
Day Cruise to Porto Santo
1. Monte Palace Tropical Gardens
What to Expect
Monte Palace, Madeira is one of the top attractions because of its impressive tropical gardens covering 70,000 square meters.
The gardens are made up of an exceptional worldwide-sourced plant collection of exotic species.
Paths will navigate you to every corner of these beautiful gardens. You will pass lots of different water features from the central lake to botanical ponds.
One of the interesting things about Monte Palace Tropical Gardens is a significant tile collection by José Berardo along with an impressive 300 precious gem collection located within Monte Palace Museum.
As you walk around the gardens keep a look out for the pink flamingos, tortoises, swans, fish, colourful peacocks and traditional houses!
VIEW MY MONTE PALACE TROPICAL GARDENS SHORT VIDEO!
Opening Hours
Gardens are open 7 days a week from 9:30am – 6pm.
Museum is open from 10am – 4.30pm.
NOTE: hours may differ on national holidays.
How to Get There
Cable Car
The cable car connects Funchal and Monte (read more about the cable car later on in this travel guide).
You can purchase a one-way (€12.50) or a return ticket (€18).
Taxi
Taxis are reliable and can be found all over the city of Funchal. The journey up to Monte Gardens takes under 10 minutes by taxi.
Day tariff: starting fee of €3.25 then €0.47 per km.
Night tariff: starting fee of €3.90 then €0.56 per km.
Bus
From Funchal take the Horias of Funchal bus number 20 or 21.
Both routes depart from the same stop in the centre of Funchal – R 31 Janeiro, S.
Bus number 21 cost me €1.95 (disclaimer: 04/2023 price could change).
It takes around 25 minutes to get up to Monte. Where the Monte bus terminates, the tropical gardens are just a short walk away.
TOP TIP: The gardens are popular so you may need to queue at the ticket offices. Getting there in the first or last couple of hours during the opening times is recommended as the best time to visit for a quieter experience.
See the bus schedules on the official website linked here: Horias of Funchal
Tickets
An entry fee of €12.50 can be payed in cash or card at the park’s 3 entrances:
Caminho das Babosas, 4A
Caminho das Babosas, 4
Caminho do Monte, 174
TOP TIP: The gardens are popular so you may need to queue at the ticket offices. Getting there in the first or last couple of hours during the opening times is recommended for a quieter experience.
With your ticket you will receive a map to help navigate yourself around the gardens. On the map there is a numbered system which you can follow, or you can just walk around the gardens however your wish.
2. Toboggan Ride
What to Expect
The traditional sledge ride from the village of Monte down to Livramento dates back to the 19th century.
As a passenger, you sit in the front of a wicker basket sledge and enjoy the views of Funchal from the top of the hill.
Two male runners dressed in white with a traditional straw boater hat will guide your sledge along the route – capable of reaching speeds of 30kmh!
It takes just 10 minutes to travel 2km downhill!
NOTE: Where the toboggan ride terminates, it is another 20-30 minute walk down a steed gradient to Funchal.
It sounds mad…and it is a bit crazy…especially when cars are driving on the same road! But it is a fun, thrilling, traditional activity that will make your trip to Funchal more memorable.
Don’t want to ride? It is still worth witnessing others flying down the streets and experiencing the buzz created by this tradition.
Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday: 9am – 6pm
Sunday: closed
How to Get There
Departure location: Caminho do Monte nº4 9050-084 Monte Funchal, Madeira.
Accessible by bus, cable car, and taxi.
Use the interactive map below to see the arrival location.
TOP TIP: The departure roads runs alongside the site of Monte Palace Tropical Garden so it is popular activity to pair with your trip to Monte Palace Tropical Gardens.
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased through tour companies online or at the site of departure.
TOP TIP: Booking online guarantees your slot and allows you to skip parts of the queues. The queues were enormous by 4pm so be ready for a long wait, or go early to avoid massive queues if you haven’t already booked.
1 Person – €15 2 People – €30 3 People – €45
NOTE: A maximum of 3 people per sledge. Also, children under 5 ride for free but must be accompanied by an adult.
3. Cable Car
What to Expect
Labeled as the ‘journey between heaven and earth’ is the cable car connecting Funchal and Monte which takes 15-25 minutes each way.
As you incline 3200m you get the best views of the whole city of Funchal and its natural beauty situated in front of the infinite view of the Atlantic Ocean.
The journey from Funchal to Monte goes from the urban coastline to natural valleys home to the award-winning gardens of Monte Palace.
Opening Hours
Open at 9am
Last boarding is at 17:45pm
How to Get There
The base station at Funchal is located along the coastline near the old town (see interactive map below)
Tickets
Can be bought online or at the cable car stations in Funchal or Monte with cash or card payment.
One-way
Adult – €12.50
7-14 years – €6.50
6 and under – free
Return
Adult – €18
7-14 years – €9
6 and under – free
4. Old Town
Bustling cobbled narrow streets…the magical old town atmosphere!
Enjoy the choice of many different cuisines that can be found in the cosy old town streets.
At night, restaurants place tables out into the romantically lit streets making it one of the best places in the city for date night.
5. Rua de Santa Maria
Explore Santa Maria in Funchal old town to discover the project ‘painted doors’ where local artists have transformed doors into unique colourful pieces of street art.
6. Mercado dos Lavradores
Here you will find all of Madeira’s specialities sold in a colourful and bustling open farmer's market.
From a fresh meat and fish market to handcrafted chocolates to beautiful bunches of flowers, and traditional pieces of clothing – go look at what’s for offer!
7. Sao Tiago Fortress
The Sao Tiago Fortress was built early in the 17th century as a defensive belt to protect Funchal with strategic views over the Atlantic Ocean.
Since it has been occupied by several different people from British troops to victims of floods. Now it is a public space as a cultural exhibition.
8. Botanic garden
What to Expect
80,000㎡ of green space is home to over 3000 plant species creating one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Eurpoe.
Some of the plant species found here are classified as endangered in places all over the world. This has led to the area becoming a research and conservation area.
5 acres of the gardens are landscaped. Among the gardens you will find a herb garden, a seed bank, and a ‘parrot park’ home to over 300 bird species.
The seed bank is significant for combating the worldwide biodiversity crisis as seeds of endangered species are preserved in specific humidity and temperature conditions.
Opening Times
Open everyday from 9am – 5:30pm (Closed on 25th of December)
How to Get There
Bus
Bus number 29 and 30 from Rua Artur S. Pinga
Bus number 31 from Avenida do Mar
Cable Car
Get the cable car to Monte, then the gardens are a short walk from the cable car station (read about the cable car in this travel guide no.3).
Taxi
A 3km ride from Funchal centre.
Day tariff: starting fee of €3.25 then €0.47 per km.
Night tariff: starting fee of €3.90 then €0.56 per km.
Tickets
€6 per person
€3 for 6-12 year olds
children under 6 years old are free
9. Jardim Municipal do Funchal
Located in the city centre is Jardim Municipal do Funchal, a green space covering 8,300㎡.
A water fountain in the middle of a small lake (home to ducks, fish, and swans) is surrounded by many different species of tropical plants. The gardens provides a relaxing place to rest in the shade of the plants on one of the decorative benches.
Within the gardens is an amphitheatre so check out if there is any outdoor concerts when you are in Funchal!
This garden is free to enter.
10. Port
As Madeira is an island, what once was a small fishing village has now been expanded into a large port on the city’s shoreline.
Funchal is a popular cruise destination and also has a cruise departing daily to Porto Santo.
Wandering towards the cruises is a nice walk along the sea front to become mesmerised by the scale of the cruise ships.
Smaller yachts and sailing boats are docked in Funchal Marina. Along the Marina is a wide variety of places to sit and relax such as grassed areas, landscaped concrete seating blocks, and benches with views of the city and Atlantic Ocean.
11. Beach
The city has a couple of rocky beaches where you can sunbathe and go swimming in the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
TOP TIP: From the coastline, turn around and look back at Funchal’s urban sprawl that has risen into the mountains.
12. Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo
For an unforgettable experience, book a return transfer up to Pico do Arieiro for sunrise or sunset.
The scenery is spectacular with sharp mountain ridges and valleys channelling down to the coastline. The mountain paths are well organised with barriers, staircases, and tunnels which makes it a simple hike as you are not worried about going the wrong direction.
WATCH MY EXPERIENCE IN THIS SHORT VIDEO!
NOTE: Sunrise is a popular choice as people hike to Pico Ruivo when the sun has risen so book your transfer in advance.
Transfers can costs as little as €32 for a return and take you right up to the viewpoint from your accommodation in Funchal.
13. Whale and Dolphin Watching
From Funchal Port there are multiple dolphin and whale watching boat tours available to book.
Madeira’s warm waters are home to dolphins and whales making is highly likely for you to have a successful boat trip.
Boat tours vary in price because of the boat options ranging from small sailing boats to a luxurious catamaran.
Boat tours can be booked online or booked on the day.
If you head towards the port there are ticket offices along the front and you can see your boat options if the boats are docked.
14. Shopping District
In the city center you can find shopping malls and streets with some of Europe’s well-known high street brands.
If you fancy treating yourself to something new or want a chilled day strolling around the shops to avoid the Madeira sun, then the shopping district will fulfil these needs.
15. Make Use of Funchal’s Public Transport
As the island’s transport hub, you can get a bus to nearly anywhere on the island from Funchal. It is a great way to explore on a budget if you are wanting to see more of Madeira and don't fancy driving roads like this one pictured below.
I have put together a full breakdown guide on how to explore Madeira without a hire car or you can watch this short video to get some inspiration for places to go from my past trip to Madeira!
16. Day cruise to Porto Santo
The Porto Santo Line from Funchal Port allows you to explore one of Portugal’s 7 wonders.
To explore Porto Santo's golden beaches instead of Madeira's volcanic black beaches you need to get the day cruise which will cost you at least £120 pp depending on which ticket package you decide to buy which you can explore here.
Spend the day strolling the sandy beaches, exploring the peaks, spotting sea life in the turquoise waters, discovering the island’s history, dining well, or playing a round of golf.
The island is a great day out for everybody!
17. Santa Catarina Park
Address: Avenida do do Infante 18, 9000-015 Funchal
Opening times: open everyday 07:00 – 20:00 (23rd September – 21st March) or 07:00 – 22:00 (22nd March – 22nd September)
What to expect?
A large lawn surrounded by multiple species of shrubs, trees, and herbs with a central pond offering a safe place to nest for birds.
The park also features the Chapel of Santa Catarina, a kids playground, and statues in memory of Prince Henry the Navigator and Christopher Columbus.
Santa Catarina Park is a good place to get a panoramic view of Funchal city over Funchal's port from the park.
18. Madeira Wine Tasting
Local guides offer an array of wine tasting tours in Funchal.
Tours will include a short walking tour to visit where the wine is produced, made, stored, and purchased.
Alternatively, you can incorporate wine tasting into a day trip with a which will take a longer guided tour out to more rural vineyards outside of Funchal.
19. Local Food Tasting
Interesting Madeiran foods/drinks you should try
Poncha - The traditional drink of Madeira made with rum, honey, and fresh lemon juice
Espetada Madeirense - chunks of beef placed on a skewer and grilled on a BBQ
Filete de Espada - fish prepared with passion fruit and banana sauce
Prego no Bolo do Caco - a traditional steak sandwich
Picadinho - traditionally served to share on a big platter of garlic and pepper beef
Cozido Madeirense - cooked on a fire is this stew of sausage, port, sweet potatoes, and chunky veg
Sopa de Trigo - wheat soup
Bolo do Caco - round and flat wheat bread
Carne Vinha D'Alhos - pork, white wine, vinegar, garlic, bay leaf, salt and pepper are mixed together and left for minimum 2 days where it is then fried
20. CR7 Museum
Address: Av. Sá Carneiro, Praça do Mar Nº27, 9004-518 Funchal
Openning times: Monday to Friday 10:00-17:00. Saturday, Sunday and Public holidays - closed
One of the top things to do if you are a football fan, and the perfect place if you are a Cristiano Ronaldo fan is the CR7 museum. It holds and impressive collection of Christian Ronaldo's items and trophies taking you on a journey through his successful career.
Ronaldo himself chose Funchal to host his museum due to the city being his place of birth where it all began.
It is located next to the CR7 hotel (pictured below)
21. Funchal Cathedral
One of the most symbolic constructions on Madeira island from the Manueline period is Funchal's Cathedral that was ordered to be built by King Manuel I to replace the parish which was too small for the growing numbers of attendance. Its gothic interior is one of the most impressive architectural design work you will see on Madeira island.
22. Cape Girão Skywalk
Address: Eintritt 2 Euro, Miradouro do Cabo Girão, Câmara de Lobos, Portugal
Opening times: everyday 9am-8pm
How do I get there? bus 7 from Funchal ran by Roedoeste
This cliff edge is the second highest cliff edge in the world and is actually geographically officially in Africa making it a point of interest.
An impressive skywalk has been built at the highest point as a tourist attraction allowing you to stand on glass and seeing the drop of 580m down to sea level beneath your feet.
23. Natural History Museum
Address: Rua da Mouraria, n.º 31, 9004-546 Funchal
Openning times: October to March: 9am-17:30pm. April to September: 9am-7:30pm. Closed: 25th December
The museum is home to over 200,000 specie studies!
A small museum that first opened in 1933 and now holds a large significance for the Madeira archipelago as a place to learn and reflect on the regions history.
Museums containing preserved species and studies for those species are becoming incredibly important when looking at climate change and how our ecosystems have changed so we are able to see what adaptations certain species have undertook with the changing conditions to their natural habitat.
24. Town hall
Address: Praça do Município, 9004-512 Funchal
What once was a historic palace is now the city hall. If you want to go inside, there are tours every Wednesday for the public
25. Reid's Palace
Reid's Palace is a world famous hotel for its high standards of luxury.
If you have the extra room in your budget then why not treat yourself to a luxurious spa treatment or a meal in one of the 5* restaurants.
This hotel has a lot to offer and maybe too much for you to stay the night so why not go for an experience instead!
Wheather you are deciding to visit Funchal or planning your itinerary in more detail, I hope you love this city as much as I did!
Thank you for reading, keep Creating Resfeber!
Why not check out my other travel guides and blog on Madeira?
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