An Exciting Guide to the Best Things to do in Funchal
There are many exciting things to do in Funchal and many fantastic tourist attractions in Madeira. The capital city on the south coastline of Madeira is beautiful, and you could travel here many times and see something different each time. The city is filled with whitewashed colonial buildings and some dating back to when Madeira was founded in 1510.
Funchal is a city built upon the sea. It’s the capital and most important city of Madeira. Funchal has brought a cosmopolitan character to the island. You can witness its history throughout the city centre, which boasts stunning architecture and plenty of landmarks. It is also a beautiful base to explore the more rugged and natural parts of the island.
There is a relaxing vibe in Funchal, despite many tourists at certain times of the year, with plenty of parks to relax in, lovely places to eat, and helpful people. There is a great buzz around the city and a great authenticity to the place.
How to Get Around Funchal City
You’ll be happy to know that the centre of Funchal is a compact and walkable area. If you’re looking to go further, we suggest getting on local buses. The cost is reasonable, and a round-trip ticket costs less than five euros. The Aerobus is also a cheap way to get to the airport and back.
Best Things to do in Funchal – 23 Funchal Attractions
Feel a Thrill on the Monte Cable Car
One of the best things to do in Funchal is to go up the Teleferico Funchal Cable Car to Monte, 550m above sea level. It is a must-do in the city because you get to experience the beauty of Funchal from a whole new perspective to see the orange roofs, white houses, greenery, and the vast sea. The journey lasts about 15-minutes, and you cover a length of 3200 metres.
Opening times: 9am – 5:45pm Adult Ticket costs €12.50 (single) €18.00 (return).
At the top, you can visit the parish of Our Lady of Mount, which also boasts beautiful views from the top. You can visit the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens and enjoy a drink or food in one of the bars.
Ride the Famous Toboggans
Instead of getting the return journey down the cable car, you can opt to go down in a wicker basket on a Toboggan do Monte (Carros de Cesto), which is powered by two men in straw hats and white clothes. The baskets are placed over wooden skis, and the sledge takes you down into Funchal (but not down to the bottom – so you’ll have to walk or get a taxi).l. Even if you don’t want to ride in one, you can certainly feel the excitement by watching, so make the journey around and see all the fuss.
Costs: €25 (one person) €30 (two people) €45 (three people).
Relax in Monte Palace Tropical Gardens
Whilst you are at the top of Monte. You should visit Monte Palace Tropical Gardens Madeira, which spreads over 70 000 square metres and accommodates an impressive exotic plant collection from worldwide. Moreover, this garden is a true paradise for swans and ducks found on the central lake. Peacocks and chickens also walk freely on the property. There is also a museum and a coffee shop surrounded by trees, and a visit is one of the best things to do in Funchal.
An adult ticket costs £12.50.
Discover Madeira Botanical Gardens
Visit the Botanical Gardens to see the most stunning landscapes in the area with breathtaking views of Funchal’s city. Madeira Botanical Garden is located in one of the more unique city estates of the Bom Sucesso Estate. The estate dates back to 1881, when the Reid family established it to be their private park.
The garden is spread over an area of around 80,000 square metres and houses a fantastic collection of various species of plants (more than 2500).
Enjoy the Madeira Film Experience
This Funchal attraction shows its audience the island’s history in just 30 minutes and is a great way to learn about it. You can access it through various languages and headphones on the go. The superbly-produced and animated film will take viewers through the significant times of the island’s history in a compelling, vivid and educational manner, leaving you wanting to know more. It is no wonder it is one of the most exciting things to do in Funchal.
Wander around Funchal Old Town
Strolling around the Old Town is one of the best things to do in Funchal. The city’s history tells us that this is the place where the first settlement was born. The Zona Vella has charming cobblestone streets that are narrow and narrow as well as the façades of old homes and is thought to be a region of significant historical and architectural significance.
In the middle of the Old Town lies Corpo Santo Chapel, One of the few buildings from the 15th century that is still standing. It is one of the city’s most historic streets. Rua de Santa Maria is also situated in this region. It is home to numerous local businesses, such as the beautiful Fabrica de Chapeus Hat Factory, Which has been operating in the same area for over 60 years and the Vilao The Boot Factory. A stroll along this cobblestone road will lead you to the stunning Socorro Church.
We would recommend staying in the Old Town because you will have close access to everything you could need within walking distance.
Explore the Street Art in Santa Maria
Santa Maria is a charming cobblestone road that runs along a line of houses with painted doors and is now an outdoor gallery. Wandering down the street is easily one of the best things to do in Funchal.
Rua Santa Maria was one of the first plots developed in Funchal and dated back to the 15th century. A today is a must-visit place for dining and shopping. The street was struck by flooding to aid in redevelopment, and the city launched an Art of Open Doors project, with local artists painting the doors.
See a New Perspective at Pico dos Barcelos
A few minutes east of the city is a high-altitude platform that offers the best perspective of Funchal from above. The elevation is 355 metres, and you can stop for a drink or coffee at the recently renovated observation point. You can walk (granted, it will be a long steep walk uphill), get the bus or drive up here. It is worth it!
Unwind in Santa Catarina Park
Santa Catarina Park is a 36,000 square metre tranquil spot to get away from the hustle and bustle and take in the ocean and coastline views. You can see distant green mountains surrounding the city, beyond the central pond, dotted with fountains and Swans. It is one of the best free things to do in Funchal, as the other gardens cost money and are far away to visit.
It is the most beautiful and biggest park located in the middle of Funchal and easily accessible. Bring a book, something to drink or snack on and enjoy an enjoyable time at the lake. There is also a cafe where – they serve coffees, ice cream and cold beers.
Walk around the Waterfront
Walking through the boulevard and harbour is a fantastic idea because you can see the Cruise ships coming in and out. Take a picture with the Madeira sign or have an ice cream or beer from the little vans. You can also wander down the boulevard “Praca do Povo”, which has benches for the park and lush flowers and plants.
Local fishers also utilise Funchal harbour, as shown by the piles of nets and the squawking of seagulls as a fish is taken off. It is a good idea to stop and watch what they are doing. You probably won’t be the only ones.
Taste Madeira Wine
The Madeira Islands are home to a long winemaking tradition that dates back to the Age of Exploration (approximately from the beginning of the fifteenth century) when Madeira was a regular stop for ships.
The fortified wine was created similarly to port. If you’d like the chance to become an expert, Blandy’s has been making Madeira for over 200 years and has an establishment in Funchal for excursions. If you’re short on time, you can order some in restaurants or buy a bottle at the supermarket. You have to try it – it is one of the best things to do in Funchal.
Marvel at the Church of Our Lady of Monte
In 1470, a church dedicated to Our Lady of the Incarnation was constructed on the top of this mountain 1470 by Adao Goncalves Ferreira, the first man to be born on Madeira Island. It was reconstructed after an earthquake in 1748, and what you will see today was built in 1818.
On the 15th of August, you will see a lively procession and street celebration that is held at the church grounds. Locals cook food and light bonfires for the Assumption of Mary. She is the patron saint of Funchal, and although we didn’t get to experience this, it is one of the most exciting and unique things to do in Funchal.
Discover the Jesuits College of Funchal
When you’re in Funchal, don’t forget to look for this stunning structure! It’s a magnificent building that dates to the late 16th century and is a masterpiece of Renaissance and Baroque architecture.
The Jesuits were repressed in the Portuguese Empire in 1759. It was home to the Jesuits, who constructed the historic site to promote Christian belief and the military that stayed there for more than 100 years and now serves as Madeira University’s main campus.
Feel at Peace at Funchal Cathedral (Se Cathedral)
The cathedral in the city will transport you back to the time of the Portuguese Age of Discovery. The structure was built at the beginning of the 16th century by using pyroclastic with multi-tone rock extracted from the cliffs of Cabo Girao in the southwest.
If you look at the roof of the steeple, you’ll notice that it’s covered with traditional glazed tiles. The Gothic church has been a designated National Monument since 1910. Taking a look inside is one of the best things to do in Funchal. The detail is beautiful.
Enjoy the CR7 Museum and Ronaldo Statue
The most famous footballer of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo, was born and was raised in Funchal. The CR7 Museum functions as an elegant public storage space with a considerable collection of cups, man-of-the-match awards, winners’ medals, fans’ letters, hat-trick balls, golden balls, and shirts that the player has collected during his long and successful career (that is still ongoing).
The replicas are of the sport’s most important trophies. Outside, Ronaldo’s rather unusual-looking bronze statue attracts crowds and is well worth a look. It is one of the best Funchal attractions.
Browse Mercado dos Lavradores
The Farmer’s Market in Funchal city is well worth a visit and is one of the best things to do in Funchal. It is bustling with people and sounds and is a fun experience. Wander the stalls of flowers, plants, and souvenirs, including traditional hats, fruits and vegetables. There is an option to try the strange fruits too, and there are bars if you want a drink. We enjoyed going up to the top floor to look down at the market to see just how cool it was from above. Be sure to check out the vintage weighing scales too.
Admire the Plants at Palheiro Gardens
About 500m high in the hills to the east of Funchal, the Palheiro Gardens are a well-loved subtropical garden that offers a stunning mixture of formal and wild areas, with hundreds of unique and well-known plants. It is known to be one of Funchal’s best attractions. After a long stroll, you can go to the tearoom to replenish your energy. Take bus 36A or 37. Else you will have to walk a long way.
Go on a Boat Trip
Madeira’s position in the Atlantic Ocean makes it a perfect spot for a boat trip. You can go whale and dolphin watching to observe these magnificent and stunning animals in their native environment, which is always an unforgettable experience and among the most enjoyable things to experience in Funchal.
You can also go on the Santa Maria, a replica of the 15th-century ship belonging to Christoper Columbus. It is a popular 3-hour trip!
The best thing to do if you want to go on a boat trip is to walk down to the marina and shop around for what suits you and your budget. It is one of the best things to do in Funchal.
Drink Poncha like a local
The drink you should drink at Madeira is Poncha, an alcoholic traditional drink made from Aguardente de Cana(sugar sugarcane), aguardiente de Cana (cane rum), and sugar lemon juice.
Another poncha you can choose is Poncha regional, which is made using sugarcane honey, rum, and orange juice. This drink is a little weaker, but Poncha is powerful. There are so many types that you can have, including passion fruit, black, strawberry – the list goes on.
We tried many different ones and places. The most popular place was Rei da Poncha in the Old Town, and for a good reason. The name translates to King of Poncha, so you cannot go wrong. Also, the atmosphere was great here, and we were always jealous of others when we couldn’t find a table because it was always busy. The best part is that they give you free snacks here.
Things to do near Funchal
Just outside the city, you will be able to find some great things to do near Funchal. Some are accessible by public transport too. There’s no denying that you’ll enjoy your time. We have put together a small list of a range of things you can get up to and places to go if you want to escape the city.
Câmara de Lobos
This fishing town is the most convenient place to travel out of Funchal via bus. It’s only about 20 mins away and was one of the first settlements during the 15th century.
Camara de Lobos boasts colourful fishing boats bobbing in the water and has a harbour where you can walk around and enjoy a drink. Winston Churchill allegedly did some paintings here, and there’s also an old church where people would go to pray for fishers to return safely. It’s also packed with cafes and bars for tourists, and this is where Poncha was invented, so it would be rude not to try one.
Cristo Rei
This statue, located in Cristo Rei located in Garajau located, just a 15-minute drive from Funchal, is just a tiny replica of what you can visit in Rio de Janeiro. However, the view is spectacular and provides panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Desertas Islands, Garajau, Funchal bay, Canico de Baixo and Funchal city.
Valley of the Nuns – Curral das Freiras
Curral das Freiras (‘Nuns Valley) is a small village nestled between nearly perpendicular mountain ranges in the middle of this island. In 1566, the nuns of the Santa Clara convent fled from pirates who were attacking Funchal and sought refuge in Funchal 1566 and carried the treasure of the convent.
The local chestnuts are delicious and are often used in cooking. We had Chestnut soup, and it was delicious. There is an annual Chestnut Festival, an enormous event with lots of music, food, and dancing. You can reach here by bus 81 from Funchal or a 30-minute drive. The roads are steep and winding, though. We hope you don’t suffer from travel sickness.
Levada dos 25 Fontes walk
It would be best if you went on a Levada walk when you’re in Funchal. It is said that the Levada das 25 Fontes walk and the Risco Waterfall are among the most well-known Levada trails on Madeira island. The hike is also referred to as the PR6 Fontes hike and can be translated to mean 25 fountains. The hike is located in Rabacal, the nature reserve full of stunning natural, lush greenery. The trail begins on the road and is well-marked because of its fame which means you won’t have to worry about losing your way!
Please read our complete guide to the Levada dos 25 Fontes walk with parking details and the best tips for walking to walking directions and ways to make the most of your day trip from Funchal. It will take around an hour to drive here from the city. There are no public transport options, so you will have to drive or go on a tour.
So there you have it, a complete guide for things to do in Funchal. Funchal has enough to keep you busy for days, meaning that you are bound to have a blast here. Just go with an open mind, and you will feel pleasantly surprised by what this capital city offers.
Photo Credits: averagelives.com