Funchal
Save36 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See 2 ready-made day plans ↓10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Colourful farmers market with fruit, flowers and fish
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Try exotic fruit like monstera
- Fish hall is at the back
📷 Photos
- 2
16th-century cathedral with a carved cedar ceiling
- Tip: Dress code
2 tips
- Look up at the ceiling
- Free to enter outside services
📷 Photos
- 3
Hillside garden with Asian art, lakes and azulejos
- Tip: Allow a few hours
2 tips
- Take the cable car up
- Toboggan ride down is nearby
📷 Photos
- 4
Cable car from the old town up to Monte
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Buy a round trip ticket
- Sit facing the bay
📷 Photos
- 5
Terraced gardens with views over Funchal bay
3 tips
- Combine with Monte Palace
- Visit the cactus garden
- Take a taxi up
📷 Photos
- 6
Glass-floored platform on one of Europe highest sea cliffs
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Not for those afraid of heights
- Combine with a trip west
📷 Photos
- 7
Old town street with painted doors and restaurants
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Come in the evening for dinner
- Look for the painted doors
- Try espetada
📷 Photos
- 8
Yellow 17th-century fort on the waterfront
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Check the small museum inside
- Nice sunset views
- Walk to the old town after
📷 Photos
- 9
Cobbled square with the baroque town hall
3 tips
- Admire the black and white pavement
- Cafes nearby
- Stop on the way to the cathedral
📷 Photos
- 10
High mountain peak with sunrise views above the clouds
3 tips
- Dress warmly
- Go for sunrise
- Check weather conditions
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Funchal tips
Transportation
- Use the city buses: Funchal's yellow city buses climb the steep hills, saving tiring walks to higher neighbourhoods.
- Ride the cable car to Monte: The cable car offers great views, and you can come back down by toboggan ride.
- Rent a car for the island: Madeira's mountain roads are steep and winding, but a car lets you reach remote viewpoints and trails.
Security
- Hike levadas safely: Check trail status and weather, as some paths close after storms; wear proper shoes and carry a torch for tunnels.
- Watch fruit prices: At the Mercado dos Lavradores, some vendors offer samples then charge high prices; ask the price per kilo first.
- Mind the sea: Waves can be strong; swim at designated lidos and beaches with lifeguards.
Saving
- Use public lidos: Ocean swimming pools offer a cheaper way to enjoy the sea than private hotel facilities.
- Drink poncha at local bars: Traditional bars outside the tourist zone serve poncha at local prices.
- Walk the old town: The Zona Velha with painted doors on Rua de Santa Maria is free to explore.
Weather/Clothing
- Expect mild weather year-round: Funchal is mild in all seasons; pack light layers and a sweater.
- Pack warm for the mountains: Peaks like Pico do Arieiro can be cold and windy; bring a warm jacket.
- Bring rain gear: Showers are common, especially in the north and mountains; carry a rain jacket.
Cultural
- Taste Madeiran food: Try espetada, beef skewers, bolo do caco bread and black scabbardfish with banana.
- Sample Madeira wine: Visit a wine lodge to learn about this fortified wine and taste different styles.
- See festivals: The spring Flower Festival and the famous New Year's Eve fireworks draw big crowds.
Local Hacks
- Check webcams before mountain trips: Clouds can cover peaks; check webcams to find clear skies.
- Go early to popular hikes: Trails like Pico do Arieiro get busy; start early for sunrise and fewer crowds.
- Book New Year early: Hotels fill up quickly for the fireworks; reserve months ahead.
1-day itineraries in Funchal
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.
Day 1 of 2
Mercado dos Lavradores and around
🕘 9:30–16:30📍 5 stops
- 1Mercado dos Lavradores
- 2Sugar City Museum
- 3Rua de Santa Maria
- 4Fort of Sao Tiago
- 5Funchal Cable Car
Day 2 of 2
Funchal Cathedral and around
🕘 9:30–16:00📍 4 stops
- 1Funchal Cathedral
- 2Municipal Square
- 3Museum of Sacred Art
- 4Frederico de Freitas Museum