The capital of Madeira, Funchal is a unique destination on theAtlantic Ocean that will delight all types of travelers. From nature lovers to history buffs to gourmets, this town has a lot to offer! Its rich heritage, verdant landscapes and traditional cuisine make it an ideal place to get away from it all. We were charmed by the legendary hospitality of the locals in this city full of surprises and contrasts.
In this article, discover our list of 14 ideas for what to do in Funchal, illustrated by numerous photos. We’ve added some useful tips and bonus activities!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
1. Stroll through the old town and admire the Portuguese architecture
Why visit?
Strolling through the old town, we discovered some charming squares, such as Praça do Município with its characteristic black and white floor. Old Funchal combines authenticity and heritage. You’ll love getting lost in this maze of narrow cobbled streets, each more charming than the last.
The historic center is marked by Manueline and Baroque influences, testimony to the Portuguese heritage that is omnipresent in the old buildings of Madeira’s capital. We also spotted some splendid decorative azulejos during our visit. These are earthenware tiles adorned with colorful paint used to decorate monuments. Some buildings also offer panoramic views of Funchal Bay and the ocean.
Practical advice
- Allow 1h to 1h30 to visit Funchal’s historic center.
- The old town may be difficult to access for people with reduced mobility. Most of the streets are cobbled, and some are even steep. There are also a few staircases.
- Numerous restaurants, bars and cafés nearby.
- Tempted by a guided walking tour of Old Funchal with a local? – See prices, photos and availability.
2. Take the cable car to the Monte Palace Madeira tropical garden
Why visit?
When visiting Funchal, we highly recommend taking the Monte cable car before exploring the Monte Palace Madeira. As you climb up, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the island’s capital and the ocean. Once you’ve arrived at Monte, take a short walk to the tropical garden, one of Madeira’s most beautiful!
Designed by José Berardo, it features lush vegetation, footpaths, water features, sculptures, museums and a variety of other structures. We loved this unspoilt natural setting, in stark contrast to the city below. In our opinion, this is a truly unmissable experience on a Madeira holiday! If you’d like to learn more about the island’s flora and fauna, book a private guided tour with pick-up from your hotel. – See prices, photos and availability.
Practical advice
- Allow half a day to take the cable car and visit the garden. The climb takes between 15 and 20 minutes.
- Depart from the cable car on Funchal’s waterfront, arrive near the Church of Monte and follow the well-marked path to the garden.
- The tropical garden may be difficult to access for people with reduced mobility. There are some steep slopes, but you can pay for a cart to take you to certain areas.
- Cable car fare: €12.50 one way or €18 round trip (with the option of a traditional toboggan ride back down).
- Cable car opening hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Garden entrance ticket: 15€.
- Garden opening hours: 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (the museum closes earlier).
- If you’re not comfortable taking the cable car, why not opt for a guided tuktuk tour of Monte Palace Madeira and other sites of interest in Funchal? – See prices, photos and availability.
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
3. Dolphin and whale watching off Funchal
Why sail?
To share a special moment with your family, your partner or your friends, opt for a sea outing in search of the island’s dolphins and whales! This unique experience off the coast of Funchal will remain etched in our memories. If your chances of encountering dolphins are higher, Madeira also welcomes many migratory whales every year. No fewer than 28 of the 78 known species are likely to be spotted here! Although the best time to see them is from April to September, they can be seen all year round.. Beyond the rich marine life, we were impressed by the breathtaking views of the ocean and the island’s coastline!
Practical advice
- Departure and return at Funchal harbour.
- Allow around 3 hours for this type of outing.
- Some activities are adapted for people with reduced mobility, so take the time to read the clauses.
- You’re more likely to see dolphins than whales.
- Book your sea excursion to see the island’s dolphins and whales!
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Madeira
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Take a car with a good engine for hilly roads, but not too big for manoeuvring.
- There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.
4. Traditional tobogganing from Monte (Carreiros do Monte)
Why test?
For a unique experience in Madeira, head for Carreiros do Monte! This unique attraction will surprise you, despite its relatively simple concept. You’ll take your place in a wicker sled, pushed and guided by 2 men dressed in traditional costumes, through the steep streets of Monte.
Using only their feet to control the craft’s balance, steering and braking, these new-style pilots will take you on an exhilarating and totally atypical descent! This unusual means of locomotion has existed since the 19th century, and is part of the island’s historical heritage.
Practical advice
- The descent takes about 10 minutes.
- Departure point next to Monte Church, arrival point Caminho do Monte nº82/84.
- To get there, take the Monte cable car from downtown Funchal or the bus (lines 20, 21 or 48).
- We do not recommend this activity for people with reduced mobility, as some bends can be steep and there may be bumps on the ground.
- Price: €35 for 2 people.
- Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday.
- Try your hand at traditional tobogganing on a guided tour of Funchal!
OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A Dream trip
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 120 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- + 260 photos to help you choose
5. Discover Rua Santa Maria and the Mercado dos Lavradores (traditional market)
Why visit?
Rua Santa Maria is one of Funchal’s most emblematic long cobblestone streets, which has become a veritable open-air museum of urban art.. Walls, doors and facades have been decorated by local artists in a variety of styles. From street art to trompe-l’œil and azulejos, it’s a colorful artistic journey!
This pedestrian thoroughfare is just a few metres from the Mercado dos Lavradores, literally the Farmers’ Market. We suggest you combine these 2 visits. We loved wandering between the market’s stalls of exotic fruits and colorful flowers. Some of the saleswomen were even dressed in traditional costumes, making the experience all the more authentic. Located in the lower part of the building, we discovered the famous fish and shellfish market. We were struck by the size of some of the tuna!
Practical advice
- Allow 30min to 1h for a tour of the market and Santa Maria Street.
- These 2 venues are located close together in Funchal’s old town.
- A visit to the market in the morning will give you a better chance of seeing the fish and shellfish stalls.
- Part of the market is accessible to people with reduced mobility. However, the floor is tiled, and there are stairs to the upper floors. Santa Maria Street is cobbled and narrow, making wheelchair travel uncomfortable during busy periods.
- Market hours: 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday, 7am to 2pm Saturday.
- Numerous restaurants, bars and cafés nearby.
- Enjoy a guided tour of the local gastronomy market!
6. Water sports: boating, surfing, diving, coasteering
Why test?
If you love water sports, take advantage of your stay in Funchal to explore the island’s coasts! From the capital, you have a wide range of options. From traditional boat trips to more sporting activities, you’ll discover the island’s flora and fauna, as well as breathtaking views.
We recommend 3 activities in particular, as they are very popular with travelers: surfing, diving and coasteering. Also known as seaside canyoning, this outdoor outing combines hiking, climbing, swimming and water jumps along coastal cliffs. For our part, we were lucky enough to observe numerous fish, starfish and aquatic plants in the archipelago’s turquoise waters!
Practical advice
- Allow 3 to 4 hours on average for this type of outing.
- Some of these activities are quite sporty or technical. They also depend on weather conditions, and may be cancelled in the event of large waves.
- For an unforgettable experience, embark on a dolphin and whale watching cruise by boat. – See prices, photos and availability.
- Want to discover the island’s best surf spots? – See prices, photos and availability.
- For keen swimmers, observe Madeira’s marine flora and fauna on a diving experience. – See prices, photos and availability.
- Are you curious by nature? Try coasteering, a new way to explore the coastline – See prices, photos and availability.
7. Visit the emblematic Sé Cathedral
Why visit?
As the main religious building in the Madeira archipelago, the Sé Cathedral is emblematic on several levels: historical, architectural and artistic.. Also known as Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Cathedral, it has been a national monument since 1910. Its traditional two-tone facade, juxtaposing white limestone and brown brick, seduced us with its striking contrast. The building’s architecture harmoniously combines Manueline and Gothic influences. Inside, we were impressed by the richness of the elaborate ceiling, the sumptuous altarpiece and the carved woodwork.
Practical advice
- Allow 10-30 minutes to visit the cathedral.
- It’s right in the heart of the old town.
- The church building is accessible to people with reduced mobility. There’s a passage at the main entrance.
- The Portuguese are very attached to their religion. To avoid disturbing them during Masses, which are frequent, check the times in advance here.
- Opening hours: 7.15 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Monday to Friday, 7.30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays.
- Numerous restaurants, bars and cafés nearby.
- Visit Sé Cathedral and other Funchal landmarks on a guided tuk tuk tour!
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers’ beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
8. Taste Madeira’s culinary specialties
Why taste?
As Madeira’s capital, Funchal is the ideal destination for sampling the local cuisine. The town is full of excellent restaurants. See our selection of the best tables here! We were seduced by the Portuguese and Madeiran specialities. Bolo do caco, the famous crusty garlic bread, was an essential starter on our trip. We feasted on the emblematic bacalhau, cod prepared according to traditional recipes. And what about the poncha, a typical island-flavored aperitif to get the meal off to a good start?
Between exotic fruits, fish and shellfish, take advantage of your stay to awaken your taste buds! As well as gastronomy, the island is also renowned for its expertise in the world of wine. If you’re an avid oenophile, we recommend a visit to Blandy’s Wine Lodge, where we learned more about the specifics of the island’s vineyards.
Practical advice
- Allow 1 to 2 hours for a full Portuguese meal in a restaurant. The pace of life on the island is relatively calm, so service can be rather slow.
- Blandy’s Wine Lodge is located in the heart of the old town, right next to Funchal’s Municipal Garden.
- Numerous restaurants, bakeries, bars and cafés in the town center.
- For a convivial, gourmet experience, opt for a guided tour with wine and local produce tasting. – See prices, photos and availability.
9. Explore the Madeira Museum of Photography – Atelier Vincente’s
Why visit?
Whether you’re a lover of fine photography or simply curious, we recommend a visit to the Madeira Museum of Photography. Housed in one of Portugal’s 2 oldest photography studios, we rediscovered the island through the eyes of its artists. Originally owned by Vicente Gomes da Silva in 1865, an engraver who made it his studio, it was transformed into a museum in 1982.
Atelier Vincente’s exhibits photographs that pay tribute to the beauty of Madeira and its people. They also trace the history of photography on the island, as does the rich collection of antique cameras, utensils and accessories. We learned more about period photographic techniques thanks to the reconstructed rooms.
Practical advice
- Allow 30min to 1h to visit the old workshop.
- The museum is located in the heart of the old town.
- The official website states that the museum is accessible to people with reduced mobility. Find out more here.
- Price: €3 full price (cash only).
- Opening hours: 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday, closed Mondays and Sundays.
- Numerous restaurants, bars and cafés nearby.
10. Discover the Museum of Sacred Art and its view of Funchal
Why visit?
In our opinion, the Museum of Sacred Art is definitely worth a visit during your stay in Funchal. We loved the outdoor terrace, decorated with azulejos, which offers a unique view of the city’s rooftops.
Housed in the former episcopal palace on Praça do Município, it boasts a varied collection of works related to religion. Here we saw sacred paintings, sculptures and silverware that bear witness to the archipelago’s religious history. The tour allows you to learn more about the importance of religion in local culture.
Practical advice
- Allow 30min to 1h to visit the museum and contemplate its magnificent view.
- To reach the entrance to the establishment, take Rua do Bispo in the old town.
- The museum is not easily accessible to people with reduced mobility. To reach the upper floors, use the stairs. However, there are access ramps and portable folding chairs.
- Price: €10 full price, free for children under 12.
- Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. Saturdays, closed Sundays.
- Numerous restaurants, bars and cafés nearby.
- Book your museum ticket here!
11. Trace Cristiano Ronaldo’s career at the CR7 Museum
Why visit?
The CR7 Museum traces Cristiano Ronaldo’s extraordinary career. You’ll plunge into the world of this global soccer idol, born on the island of Madeira. You’ll learn all about this phenomenon, from his beginnings to his record-breaking achievements and numerous individual and team trophies.
A multitude of objects such as Golden Boots, Ballons d’Or, shirts, medals and other memorabilia are on display in a collection that is unique in the world. This museum pays tribute to one of the greatest players in history, who has become a sporting icon the world over! A little anecdote for soccer novices like us: CR7 takes Cristiano Ronaldo’s initials and his player number.
Practical advice
- Allow 30min to 1h to visit the museum.
- To reach the hotel, head west along the waterfront from the city center.
- The CR7 Museum is accessible to people with reduced mobility. There’s an elevator to the showroom.
- Price: €5 full price.
- Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.
- Numerous restaurants, bars and cafés nearby.
- Do you admire Cristiano Ronaldo’s career? Take a guided tour in the footsteps of the famous footballer through the city to the museum. – See prices, photos and availability.
12. Discover the Jesuit College Church and its view
Why visit?
Located on the Praça do Município, the Church of St. John the Evangelist is adjacent to the Jesuit College. We were struck by the striking contrast between the building’s exterior and interior. Although its white and grey facade is relatively uncluttered, this imposing religious building is distinguished by its rich interior ornamentation. Built in the Baroque style in the 17th century, it’s a real jewel in Madeira’s heritage.
As we entered the church, we were struck by the lavishly decorated chapels on either side of the nave. Between the azulejos, gilded sculptures, sculpted altarpieces and works of Sacred Art that bear witness to the splendor of the period, you’ll find no shortage of details to observe. This religious monument offers a remarkable insight into Portuguese Baroque art and the imprint left by the Jesuits on Funchal. We ended our visit with a view of the city and the ocean on the horizon.
Practical advice
- Allow 10-30 minutes to visit the church and contemplate its view over the rooftops of Funchal.
- As you stroll through the old town, you’re bound to come across the Praça do Município, framed by 3 monuments: the Funchal Town Hall, the Museum of Sacred Art, and the College Church.
- The church building is partially accessible to people with reduced mobility. It has a ramped entrance at the back of the church, but you have to climb a series of stairs to reach the viewpoint.
- Price: €1 (cash) for access to the view.
- We haven’t found any confirmed information about opening times.
- Numerous restaurants, bars and cafés nearby.
13. Enjoy a swim at Praia da Barreirinha
Why swim there?
Funchal makes up for its lack of sandy beaches with high-quality beach resorts. Located to the east of the historic center, Praia da Barreirinha offers a pleasant setting for swimming with family, friends or even alone. As well as superb views of the ocean and coastline, you’ll enjoy several direct accesses to the water. The well-equipped beach offers deckchairs and parasols for hire, so you can sunbathe in complete peace of mind. Don’t forget to bring swimming shoes so you can walk on the small pebble zone without hurting yourself!
Although it doesn’t have the charm of a traditional sandy beach, it’s an opportunity to experience something a little different. This man-made space on the water’s edge is a reminder that Madeira is an island surrounded by steep cliffs that make access to the ocean difficult.
Practical advice
- Allow 1 to 2 hours for sunbathing and swimming.
- To reach this seaside resort, head east along the seafront in the old town, past the São Tiago Fortress.
- The beach is accessible to the disabled by elevator.
- Well-equipped with changing rooms, lockers, showers, toilets, umbrellas, deckchairs and a snack bar.
- She’s under surveillance.
- Price: €5.70 full adult price, free for children under 6. Family pack available – more info here.
- Opening hours: 9am to 7pm daily.
14. Frederico de Freitas Museum (former home)
Why visit?
Housed in a magnificent 17th-century property, the museum was originally the residence of the Counts of Calçada. This historic house was bought in the 1940s by Frederico de Freitas, a lawyer and art collector. We’d love to meet this enthusiast and learn the secrets of his fabulous collection!
Today, the Frederico de Freitas Museum exhibits works of art, antique furniture, porcelain, azulejos and decorative objects collected by its former owner. It is divided into 3 exhibition areas: the Casa de Entrada, the Casa de Calçada, and the Casa dos Azulejos. We particularly liked the Casa de Calçada, tastefully furnished and decorated, which lets you project yourself into another era. The Casa dos Azulejos’ glass roof and terrace overlooking Funchal also won us over! This museum offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of the local nobility in the Baroque period.
Practical advice
- Allow 30min to 1h to visit the museum.
- It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the town center, but the path is on a slight incline.
- The museum is partially accessible to people with reduced mobility. It’s divided into several houses, with narrow passageways and very small rooms. Casa dos Azulejos has an elevator, and small portable folding chairs are available.
- Unfortunately, photos are not allowed inside the museum.
- Price: €3 full price (in cash), free for children under 12.
- Opening hours: 10am to 5:30pm Tuesday to Saturday, closed Mondays and Sundays.
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
Things to do in Funchal: other ideas
Need more inspiration? See our selection of additional activities:
Other museums in Funchal
In Funchal, you can choose from a wide range of cultural venues:
- Quinta das Cruzes Museum: opened to the public in 1953, it houses a collection of decorative arts. We saw Portuguese and English furniture, European and Oriental porcelain and terracotta sculptures. It is surrounded by a garden overlooking Funchal. Find out more here.
- Musée Henrique et Francisco Franco: as its name suggests, this museum houses the works of brothers and artists Henrique and Francisco, both natives of the island. We enjoyed this relatively brief but pleasant visit.
- Madeira Optics Museum: different from the Photography Museum, it features an impressive private collection of over 2,000 antique optical devices dating from the 18th to the 20th century. Unfortunately, it was closed during our trip.
Other religious buildings in Funchal
In addition to the emblematic Sé Cathedral, you can also visit other places of worship:
- Igreja do Carmo: we discovered this little church as we turned down an alleyway in the old town. We liked it for its splendid goldsmith’s work, colorful walls and richly decorated ceiling.
- St. Peter’s Church: inside the building, you’ll see superb earthenware tiles covering the walls and majestic chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.
- Igreja de Santa Maria Maior (Socorro): the island’s oldest parish church, located on the seafront facing the Atlantic Ocean. Its white and grey façade is offset by a magnificent red door.
Other gardens in Funchal
Although the Monte Palace Madeira is the most beautiful garden on the island in our opinion, you’ll find other natural areas in Funchal:
- Parque do Monte: a charming public garden located in the town of Monte, in the hills above Funchal, just below the famous church. We loved wandering around in this wonderful shade of green!
- Funchal Botanical Garden: located in the Bom Successo Estate, it houses an impressive collection of tropical and subtropical plants from all over the world. We particularly liked the colourful flower mosaic!
- Quinta Jardins do Imperador: this wilder natural area is home to an old manor house with a slightly faded façade and a cannon. We loved strolling through this little park with its very special atmosphere!
For more information, see our article on Madeira’s most beautiful gardens!
Other beaches in Funchal
Madeira is not famous for its long sandy beaches, but for its pebble and rocky beaches. Bordered by the ocean, Funchal boasts a number of pleasant bathing areas:
- Praia Formosa: this is the largest beach to the west of Funchal, and overall one of the largest on the island. The cove is covered with large grey pebbles and black sand, making it easy to reach the water. It features in our selection of Madeira’s most beautiful beaches.
- Praia do Almirante Reis: not the prettiest or most pleasant, but the most central and convenient if you’re visiting downtown Funchal.
- Praia de São Tiago: this small concrete beach is hidden below the São Tiago Fortress. Many locals bathed here at the end of the day, while others sipped a drink at the bar next door.
Don’t forget to wear swimming shoes to avoid hurting your feet!
Things to do in Funchal with children
Not sure what to do with your children in Funchal? Don’t worry, here’s our small, made-to-measure selection:
- 3D Fun Art Museum: we highly recommend this visit for families looking for fun and entertainment. We came away with some funny, offbeat photos. Reserve your tickets here!
- Jardin Municipal de Funchal: in this oasis of greenery and tranquillity in the heart of the old town, your children will discover magnificent flowers and imposing trees. This natural area also boasts a number of watering holes where speckled-feathered ducks splash about!
- Street art: head for Rua Santa Maria, where your little ones can try their hand at reproducing the works painted on the buildings in the historic district!
- Marine life: enjoy a magical moment with your family! Book your sea excursion to observe the island’s dolphins and whales!
Things to do in Funchal when it rains
In case of rainy weather, we recommend taking refuge in Funchal’s museums. As you scroll up this article, you’ll discover our favorite museums among our selection of must-do activities in the city. Whether you prefer fun and games or more cultural and historical tours, there’s something for everyone!
You can also visit the Madeira Story Center, a museum retracing Madeira’s history with a terrace overlooking the city’s rooftops. Otherwise, we’ve had positive feedback on the Madeira Film Experience, a film screening on the evolution of the island. Unfortunately, this activity was closed during our trip.
If the rain is persistent, it’s also an opportunity to take your time in the restaurant and sample the local cuisine. Some hotels offer top-of-the-range services. In particular, we recommend you try out the Castanheiro Boutique-Hotel spa area. – See prices, photos and availability.
Excursions around Funchal
Funchal is the starting point for many magical excursions! Here are our 3 favorites:
- Hiking from Pico Arieiro to Pico Ruivo: the most beautiful in Madeira, we were blown away by the beauty of the island! The difficulty is moderate to difficult, so you need to be in good physical condition. – See prices, photos and availability.
- Jeep tour along the south coast: head for the Cabo Girão Skywalk, the volcanic pools of Porto Moniz, the Fanal forest, the black sand beach of Seixal, and other must-see places on the island. – See prices, photos and availability.
- The best of Eastern Madeira on an organized tour: between the exceptional panorama from Pico do Arieiro, the charm of the houses in Santana and the view from Ponta de São Lourenço, you’ll enjoy a unique and memorable experience. – See prices, photos and availability.
Useful tips for visiting Funchal
Where is Funchal?
Funchal is the capital of Madeira, a Portuguese island off the coast of Morocco.
- Funchal is located in the southwest of the island.
- Between Câmara de Lobos and Caniço.
- On the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.
Our map of the city’s top tourist attractions will help you find your way around:
How do I get to Funchal?
From continental Europe or other destinations, the quickest and most convenient way to reach Funchal is by air. Madeira International Airport is about 25km east of the city. – see available flights.
You can then take a cab, public transport or rent a car to get there. The local bus network serves many of the capital’s hotels directly from the airport. Find out more here.
If you’re coming from Porto Santo, another island in the Madeira archipelago, you’ll need to take the ferry. The journey takes an average of 2h30 – see available options.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Madeira
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Take a car with a good engine for hilly roads, but not too big for manoeuvring.
- There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.
Parking in Funchal
Overall, parking in Funchal remains fairly affordable, with both paid and free options. We particularly recommend the Praça CR7 parking lot, which is open all day except Sundays. Located to the west of the city center below the CR7 Museum, you’ll avoid the narrow, cobbled streets of the historic district. Some are even one-way. You’ll also avoid potential traffic jams at the start and end of the day. There is a charge, but the rates are reasonable for its location.
Alternatively, free parking is available in some residential streets a little way from the center, but spaces are limited.
Getting around Funchal
The easiest way to get around Funchal is by car. The town is very spread out and steep.
However, if you wish to take public transport, we advise you to opt for the multi-stop bus. Explore the city and its sights at your own pace. Choose from 30 stops – See prices, photos and availability.
Where to eat in Funchal
Throughout the city, you’ll find many excellent places to eat. Here’s our small selection for you:
- Restaurant Desarma (1 star): nestled on the 11th floor of The Views Baia Hotel, we enjoyed an exceptional gastronomic menu that revisits traditional Madeira dishes with originality and finesse!
- Restaurant Casal da Penha (bib): sitting on the perched terrace, we feasted on freshly caught fish, lightly grilled lamb chops and crisp vegetables. Authentic, generous cuisine!
- Restaurant 5 Sentidos: tucked away in the corner of a secluded downtown alleyway, this restaurant features local produce. We savored every bite, and spent a delicious moment between 2 visits.
For more inspiration, check out our full article on the best restaurants in Funchal!
Visiting Funchal in winter
Planning a stay in Funchal during the winter season? The island enjoys a mild climate all year round. Winters are pleasant, with temperatures around 19°C. Between the old town, the gardens, the museums and the city’s excellent addresses, you’ll enjoy a pleasant and relaxing stay. Tourist attractions remain open. Although Madeira is a very windy island, the sun often shines!
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Madeira
Best of
Things to do in Madeira
Most beautiful viewpoints
Madeira’s most beautiful beaches
Most beautiful gardens
Natural pools
Most beautiful hikes
Most beautiful roads
Secret places
Practical advice
Getting around Madeira
Rent a car in Madeira
Driving in Madeira
Itineraries: 3 days – 4 days – 5 days – 6 days – 7 days – 10 days
