Whether you’re a lover of nature, history, gastronomy or simply looking for a change of scenery, you’re sure to make some great discoveries in Madeira’s capital! Funchal is a unique destination, enriched by the friendliness of its people. We fell under the spell of this sprawling city full of surprises!
Discover the 10 reasons why we recommend visiting Funchal, along with our practical tips and photos!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Is Funchal worth a visit?
Totally! We fell in love with this big city, with its breathtaking views over the Atlantic Ocean. As soon as we arrived, we were impressed by the size and layout of Funchal.
With its picturesque alleyways and traditional buildings, it’s a destination with lots of character!
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
Reason 1: for its charming old town
Strolling through the old town, we discovered some charming squares, such as the Praça do Município with its black and white floor. The cobbled streets are packed with traditional boutiques, bars and restaurants. We let ourselves be guided to the Fortress of São Tiago, where we climbed up to contemplate the breathtaking view over the waterfront. Along the way, we spotted colorful paintings highlighting the walls of Old Funchal. It was a very pleasant walk, which we repeated several times, to explore each of the narrow passages of the historic district!
Discover Funchal’s old town on a fascinating guided tour!
Reason 2: for its magnificent perched gardens
Madeira is world-renowned for its natural beauty, but also for its man-made gardens. There are several in Funchal, the most impressive of which are located high up in the town. If you had to visit just one, we highly recommend the Monte Palace Madeira designed by José Berardo. It’s featured in our article on the island’s most beautiful gardens! Lush vegetation surrounds walking paths that lead to water features, sculptures, museums and various structures. We loved this unique site, which stands in stark contrast to the city below.
Take a tuk-tuk to discover Monte Palace Madeira and other Funchal sights!
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.
Reason 3: for its cable car to Monte
You can’t get to Madeira without taking a cable car. These are truly local institutions! We prefer those in the countryside, but the Monte cable car is really the most convenient. It’s an easy way to visit Monte, a tourist area high above Funchal. Once in the district, take time to stroll through the small municipal garden surrounding the Church of Our Lady of Monte and its impressive staircase. Emperor Charles I of Austria is buried here.
Take the cable car from Funchal and visit Monte with a local guide!
Reason 4: to watch dolphins and whales
Tempted by a magical sea outing? Dolphin and whale watching in Madeira is a must-do excursion for families and friends! You’re more likely to come across dolphins, but many whales migrate to the island every year. According to research, 28 of the 78 known species can be observed here. Although most of them are visible between April and September, it’s possible to see them all year round. Beyond the marine life, we enjoyed panoramic views of the coastline and the Atlantic Ocean.
Book your sea excursion to see the island’s dolphins and whales!
OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A Dream trip
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Reason 5: for its colorful traditional market
Strolling through the old town, we discovered the Mercado dos Lavradores, Funchal’s covered market. Designed by Edmundo Tavares, it was inaugurated in the 1940s. We recommend a morning visit to discover the impressive fish stalls. We were struck by the size of some of the tuna! Inside the building, we witnessed an explosion of colors and smells. Our senses were alert. You’ll find fresh produce such as tropical fruits, vegetables, local specialties and flowers. For your information, the market has a reputation for overcharging tourists for fruit.
Enjoy a guided tour of the local gastronomy and market!
Reason 6: for its emblematic Sé Cathedral
In our opinion, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption is one of Funchal’s must-see attractions. It has been listed as a national monument since 1910. As the main religious building in the Madeira archipelago, this site is emblematic from a historical, architectural and artistic point of view. We liked the striking contrast between the white limestone and the brown bricks of the façade. The cathedral’s architecture is a blend of Manueline and Gothic styles. Inside, we were impressed by the ceiling, altarpiece and woodwork.
Discover Sé Cathedral and other Funchal sights on a guided tuk-tuk tour!
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Reason 7: for its varied museums
Are you more interested in fun and playful tours, or more cultural and historical ones? In Funchal, you can choose between classic and less conventional museums. We really liked the Madeira Museum of Photography – Atelier Vincente, which is as interesting on the outside as it is on the inside. We also had a great time at the Musée de l’Illusion et des Arts 3D, which we highly recommend you visit with your family. We came away with some funny, offbeat photos. – See prices, photos and availability.
The CR7 Museum, dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo, is a must for all soccer fans. Take a guided tour in the footsteps of the famous footballer through the city to the museum. – See prices, photos and availability.
Reason 8: for its excellent food and wine scene
For us, culinary exploration is part of the journey. Take advantage of your stay in Funchal to awaken your taste buds! Discover the local gastronomy in this city of excellent restaurants. We were won over by Portuguese specialties: from the inevitable garlic bread, bolo do caco, the emblematic cod, bacalhau, the traditional aperitif, poncha, and many more! You’ll discover tasty, generous seafood cuisine. Tempted by a gourmet guided tour of the city? – See prices, photos and availability.
Are you passionate about oenology? Madeira wines are among Portugal’s most popular, thanks to their unique flavor. In Funchal’s old town, we visited Blandy’s Wine Lodge, the Wine Museum, where we learned more about the specificities of the island’s vineyards. We suggest you opt for a guided tour, accompanied by a local, combining information sharing with food and wine tasting. – See prices, photos and availability.
Reason 9: for the traditional toboggan run(Carreiros do Monte)
Looking for a unique experience? Funchal’s sledges are one of Madeira’s most unique tourist attractions. The concept is simple but original: seated in a wicker sled, you are pushed by 2 men in traditional costume through the steep streets of Monte. Called Carreiros, they use their feet to balance, steer and brake the sled. It’s an exhilarating and totally atypical adventure!
Take a guided tour of Funchal and try your hand at traditional tobogganing!
Reason 10: for its unusual beaches
Madeira is not renowned for its long sandy beaches. However, the island also boasts pebble and rocky beaches. Bordered by the ocean, Funchal boasts a number of pleasant bathing areas, the most central of which is the Praia do Almirante Reis. For our part, we really enjoyed the little beach hidden beneath the São Tiago Fortress. We discovered it by chance in a cobbled alleyway. Many locals bathed here at the end of the day, while others sipped a drink at the bar next door. Just remember to wear swimming shoes to avoid hurting your feet!
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
Some disadvantages of a trip to Funchal
The city’s gradient
Funchal is very large and, above all, very hilly, which can make getting around on foot very tiring. That’s why there’s a cable car linking the historic center to the heights of the city. We recommend taking public transport, or renting a car, to get around more easily outside the old town and seafront.
The weather
During your trip, Funchal’s unpredictable weather can be an inconvenience. Even in the dry season, sudden showers can disrupt your plans for outdoor visits. High humidity can make the heat more intense and uncomfortable, especially if you’re not used to a tropical climate. These weather variations can also affect the visibility of certain activities such as whale and dolphin watching, or panoramic views from cable cars.
Tourists and traffic
Madeira is a popular tourist destination all year round, especially during the summer months. We advise you to avoid July and August, which are the busiest months. As Funchal is the island’s capital, it can quickly become overcrowded. Car traffic in the city center can become complex at the beginning and end of the day. There are regular traffic jams at these times as locals leave and return from work. Some streets are very narrow or one-way.
The beaches
Unlike other seaside destinations, Funchal is not known for its sandy beaches. In the capital, they are often rocky, which is not suitable for all types of travelers. Swimming and sunbathing conditions are therefore less suitable and comfortable. You need swimming shoes to get into the water without hurting your feet.
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
