Planning a 1-day visit to Funchal? Don’t hesitate, it’s a great idea! Like us, you won’t be disappointed by Madeira’s capital. With its picturesque old town, breathtaking scenery overlooking theAtlantic Ocean, and iconic buildings, we were won over by this city. You, too, are sure to fall under the spell of this richly varied destination!
In this article, discover our 4 detailed itinerary options to suit your desires! Discover our practical advice and our many photos to optimize your trip.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Practical tips for visiting Funchal in 1 day
Before discovering our detailed daily itineraries, here are our practical tips for visiting the city at your leisure:
Getting around by foot, public transport and cable car
The old town is very pleasant to visit on foot. As you stroll through its narrow cobbled streets, you’ll be immersed in the daily life of the locals. Look up as you stroll through Old Funchal, and you might discover a cable car in full ascent! This traditional district is home to numerous places of interest, small boutiques, restaurants, bars and cafés. Opt for an educational and entertaining walking tour of the historic center, accompanied by a local guide. – See prices, photos and availability.
To get around outside the city center, there’s a well-developed bus network that crosses Funchal from one end to the other. The city is really spread out and steep. Find out more about the different lines available here.
To explore Madeira’s capital and its points of interest at your own pace, hop on a multi-stop bus! Choose from 30 stops – See prices, photos and availability.
In the historic center, facing the ocean, is the departure point of the Monte cable car. It’s one of Funchal’s signature activities, offering breathtaking views over the city’s rooftops and the Atlantic Ocean. The climb takes between 15 and 20 minutes, and costs €12.50 single or €18 return. Take this opportunity to visit the incredible Monte Palace Madeira, one of Madeira’s most beautiful gardens!
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 having to walk through the narrow, cobbled streets of the historic district. Some are even one-way or completely pedestrianized. 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. Otherwise, free parking is available in some residential streets a little way from the center, but spaces are limited..
Map of the main tourist attractions in Funchal
See our map of the main tourist attractions in Funchal:
Where to sleep in Funchal?
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
Option 1 – Funchal’s must-sees in 1 day
Ready for a 1-day tour of Funchal? Between the charming historic center, the many culinary specialties, and the magnificent views across the city, you’ll love discovering Madeira’s capital on the Atlantic Ocean! In fact, we’ve written a full article on the destination’s must-do activities.
10h-11h30: stroll through the old town to the Igreja de Santa Maria Maior
Combining charm, heritage and authenticity, the old town stretches from the Jardin Municipal de Funchal to the Igreja de Santa Maria Maior. You’ll love getting lost in this maze of narrow cobbled streets, each more picturesque than the last. The historic center is marked by Manueline and Baroque influences, testimony to the Portuguese heritage. The Square Largo do Colégiowith its black-and-white geometric floor, was a particular favourite!
Take the opportunity to cross the famous Rua Santa Maria! Described as a veritable open-air museum, this emblematic Funchal street is decorated by local artists. You’ll see street art, trompe-l’œil and even traditional azulejos. These famous earthenware tiles, adorned with colorful paint, are used to decorate monuments and are very common in Portugal.
Continuing eastwards, reach the seafront and pass between the Monte cable car departure point and the Praia do Almirante Reis. Continue straight on to reach the Fortress of São Tiago. Unfortunately, it’s not always open to the public. But with a bit of luck, you’ll be able to visit it. It offers superb views of the coastline. Continue on past the fortifications to the Igreja de Santa Maria Maior. Take a quick tour of the church, then enjoy the panoramic view from the vantage point opposite.
11:30am-12pm: visit the emblematic Sé Cathedral
As the main religious building in the Madeira archipelago, Sé Cathedral is emblematic on several levels: historical, architectural and artistic.. Also known as Nossa-Senhora-da-Assunção 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.
Visit Sé Cathedral and other Funchal landmarks on a guided tuk tuk tour!
12h-12h30: admire the view from the Collège des Jésuites church
Located on the Praça do Município, the Church of St. John the Evangelist adjoins the Jesuit College. 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, the gilded sculptures, the elaborate altarpieces and the works of Sacred Art that bear witness to the splendor of the period, there’s 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’s orange roofs and the ocean on the horizon.
12:30-14:00: lunch in the historic center
A good morning’s sightseeing is a must! To whet your appetite, here are 3 of our favorite restaurants in the historic center:
- Restaurant Tipografia: offers a varied menu featuring traditional island dishes, including a revisited version ofespada com banana made with Black Saber fillet and banana.
- Restaurant Peixaria no Mercado: featuring fish and seafood dishes from the Mercado dos Lavradores. As a side dish, we were delighted with the braised cabbage with kimchi olive oil!
- Restaurant Santa Maria: we were attracted to this establishment by its original concept. On the menu, we discovered typical Portuguese dishes, as well as a whole range of sushi dishes.
Discover other excellent culinary addresses in Madeira’s capital!
2pm-3pm: Alternative 1 – exploring Madeira’s Museum of Photography – Vincente’s Workshop
Whether you’re a lover of fine photography or simply curious, we recommend a visit to the Madeira Museum of Photography. Housed in Portugal’s oldest photography studio, 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 photographs pay tribute to the wild beauty of the island and its inhabitants. We have traced the history of photography through a rich collection of antique cameras, utensils and accessories. It is featured in our article on the best museums in Funchal.
3pm-4pm: Alternative 1 – discover the Musée d’Art Sacré’s view of the city
In our opinion, the Museum of Sacred Art is definitely worth a visit during your stay in Funchal. Housed in the former episcopal palace on Praça do Município, it boasts a varied collection of sacred artworks. Here we saw paintings, sculptures and silverware bearing witness to the archipelago’s religious history. The tour allows you to learn more about the importance of religion in local culture. We loved the outdoor terrace, decorated with azulejos, which offers a unique view of the city’s rooftops. Do you prefer the view from the College Church or from the museum? For our part, we prefer the panoramic view from the museum!
16h-17h: Alternative 1 – snack break with local specialities
How about a sweet break between 2 visits? There’s no better way to boost your energy than by sampling local specialities and combining business with pleasure! You’re no stranger to the famous pastel de nata, the little cream tartlet typical of Portugal. Throughout the city, you’ll find a number of excellent shops selling them, including Padaria Pastelaria Mariazinha and Nata 7. If you’re in a more adventurous mood, try bolo de mel, a local cake that resembles gingerbread! We also tried Madeira queijada, a sweet, cheesy cake. Alternatively, restaurants often offer passion fruit puddings for dessert.
17h-17h30: Alternative 1 – Watch the fish stalls at the Mercado dos Lavradores
Rua Santa Maria is just a few meters from the Mercado dos Lavradores, literally the Farmers’ Market. 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!
Enjoy a guided tour of the local gastronomy market!
5:30pm-7pm: Alternative 1 – enjoy a swim in the island’s turquoise waters
What better way to round off your day than with a swim? Although Funchal is not renowned for its long, sandy beaches, the city does boast a number of pleasant swimming areas, including the Praia de São Tiago. Accessible free of charge, this small pebble 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. We loved the friendly atmosphere!
Funchal makes up for its lack of sandy beaches with high-quality beach resorts, notably the Praia da Barreirinha. Fully equipped, it comes with deckchairs and parasols for sunbathing. 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. The view totally won us over!
2pm-7pm: Alternative 2 – take the cable car to the Monte Palace Madeira tropical garden
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 in Monte, take a short walk to the tropical garden, one of the most beautiful in Madeira! Designed by José Berardo, it features lush vegetation, walking trails, water features, sculptures, museums and other structures.
We loved this unspoilt natural setting, in stark contrast to the city below. In our opinion, it’s a truly unmissable experience on a Madeira holiday! If you don’t feel comfortable taking the cable car, opt for a guided tuktuk tour, during which you’ll discover Monte Palace Madeira and other sites of interest in Funchal. – See prices, photos and availability.
You can take the cable car up to the top of the mountain and back down to Carreiros do Monte. 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!
Try your hand at traditional tobogganing on a guided tour of Funchal!
VISIT Funchal
- Best things to do in Funchal
- Best restaurants
- Best museums
- Visit the cathedral
- Excursions from Funchal (coming soon)
Option 2 – 1 day of outdoor activities in Funchal
Are you looking for thrills and adrenaline? How about trying out some outdoor activities during your day in Funchal? From Madeira’s capital, you have a wide range of options. It’s the starting point for many sea and inland excursions. Depending on how much time you have on site, choose from 1 or 2 activities.
Dolphin and whale watching in Madeira
Imagine sailing off the coast of Madeira when suddenly a pod of dolphins appears from the waves! How can you not marvel at the beauty of this aquatic ballet and rediscover your inner child? The island is one of Europe’s top destinations for whale watching. Find all our useful photo tips for an experience as memorable as ours in this complete article. We loved the catamaran trip, during which we came across a school of dolphins!
Book your sea excursion to see the island’s dolphins and whales!
Boating activities
If you’re into more sporty or technical activities, take advantage of your stay in Funchal to explore the island’s coastline! 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!
- 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.
An epic canyoning experience in Madeira
With its exceptional natural landscapes and mountain peaks, Madeira is an ideal playground for canyoning and thrill-seekers. Thanks to its rugged terrain, waterfalls and numerous rivers, the island abounds in routes of varying degrees of difficulty. This challenging outdoor activity combines a variety of techniques, including climbing, jumping, abseiling and swimming. Discover our full article with our feedback, and a selection of the best canyoning trips in Madeira. We discovered breathtaking views of the valley and lush vegetation!
OUR GUIDE TO PLANNING A Dream trip
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- + 120 pre-selected locations
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Option 3 – 1 day of culinary and cultural exploration in Funchal
Funchal is a destination that will awaken your senses with its gastronomy and rich cultural heritage. The town boasts excellent restaurants, numerous museums and typical religious buildings. Whether you love art, history or tradition, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for! This route is ideal for epicureans in search of culinary and cultural discoveries. Feel free to visit the places that inspire you most from our selection below, and plan your day accordingly.
Discover the unique flavours of Portugal
We were seduced by the culinary specialties of Portugal and Madeira. 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? We’ve only mentioned a few of these specialties, but there are many others, such asespada com banana, a fish and banana dish.
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. Nestled in the heart of the old town, it hosts guided tours and tastings.
An exceptional gastronomic experience
How about an exceptional gastronomic experience in Funchal? The town is home to some incredible Michelin-starred restaurants with breathtaking ocean views. Here are our 3 favorite addresses:
- Restaurant Desarma (1 star): tucked away on the 11th floor of The Views Baia Hotel, we enjoyed traditional Madeira dishes reinterpreted with originality and finesse by chef Octávio Freitas. From starter to dessert, it was a feast for the eyes and the palate!
- Restaurant Il Gallo d’Oro (2 stars): French chef Benoît Sinthon’s excellent table is located within The Cliff Bay Hotel. This will be an opportunity to experience a timeless moment, with aromatic creations inspired by Iberian cuisine and local products.
- Restaurant William (1 star): the iconic Reid’s Palace Hotel is home to chef José Diogo Costa’s restaurant. It is renowned for its refined cuisine that reinvents local flavors. It’s the perfect place to spend a romantic evening!
Visit the museums that inspire you
Funchal’s museums are full of surprises, from reliving the discovery of the island, to visiting ancient noble residences, to trying out an unusual experience based on optical illusions. Choose the places that most appeal to you from our list, and plan your day’s visits accordingly:
- Frederico de Freitas Museum: tastefully furnished and decorated, this former residence of the Counts of Calçada took us back to another era. Officially a museum since 1988, it exhibits a collection of works of art, decorative objects and azulejos assembled by the collector Frederico de Freitas.
- Quinta das Cruzes Museum: formerly known as the César Gomes Museum, it houses an extensive collection of decorative arts. It is surrounded by a pleasant garden with views over the rooftops of Funchal. The site also features an archaeological zone, a small chapel, a fountain and a panoramic cafeteria.
- 3D Fun Art Museum: a visit for the whole family or just a few friends. With optical illusions, fantastic staging and playful games, you’ll be amazed! We took some funny and wacky shots in very original settings, such as a shark’s mouth. – book your tickets now.
- Madeira Story Center: a fun way to retrace the history of the archipelago, from its volcanic formation to its present-day development.. Although the museum lacks modernity, it gave us an insight into the evolution of the island over the centuries. It features a panoramic restaurant, a boutique and a viewpoint over the city’s rooftops.
- Henrique and Francisco Franco MuseumThe Henrique and Francisco Franco Museum, inaugurated in 1987, exhibits the works of brothers and artists Henrique and Francisco Franco. Pioneers of Portuguese modernism, they are both natives of the island. We immersed ourselves in their creative universe, and became aware of their major contribution to twentieth-century art in Portugal.
For more information, see our article on the best museums in Funchal.
See typical churches
As well as the emblematic Sé Cathedral and the inescapable College Church, you can visit other places of contemplation, such as the Igreja do Carmo. We discovered this little church as we turned down an alley in the old town. We liked it for its splendid goldsmith’s work, colorful walls and richly decorated ceiling.
Saint Peter’s Church, whose bell tower can be seen from the garden of the Frederico de Freitas Museum, is also worth a brief detour. Inside the building, you’ll see superb earthenware tiles covering the walls and majestic chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. While strolling through the old town, take a look at the Corpo Santo chapel. It’s in a lively, friendly neighborhood surrounded by restaurants. These are ideas for stops to be made between 2 museum visits to alternate settings and pleasures!
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs.
Option 4 – 1 day in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo through Funchal
Are you a Cristiano Ronaldo fan or a soccer fan? Trace the life of the famous footballer through the city during your day in Funchal! Originally from Madeira, it’s a real local pride and joy (as you can see from our photo below). Opposite the port, a large industrial-style complex, emblazoned with the CR7 logo, is very popular with tourists. It includes a museum, restaurant and hotel.
Visit the CR7 Museum
The CR7 Museum traces Cristiano Ronaldo’s extraordinary career through a rich collection of trophies and medals. The visit immersed us in the story of the island’s child prodigy turned soccer legend. You’ll discover the story of this phenomenon, from its beginnings to its record-breaking achievements. For more information, read our full article here! Restaurant CR7 Corner adjoins the museum. It offers quick and simple dishes: pizzas, bowls, toasts, and burgers among others.
Tracing the footballer’s life through Funchal
Discover Cristiano Ronaldo’s incredible journey, from his childhood in Madeira to his status as a world soccer legend, on an exciting guided tour of Funchal. Explore the iconic places that shaped his career, from his first club to the neighborhoods where he grew up. In the CR7 Museum, admire his impressive collection of over 100 trophies, including his Ballon d’Or and Golden Boots. – See prices, photos and availability.
Observe the statues of the cult player
In front of the CR7 Museum stands a statue of the legendary footballer. It overlooks the Port of Funchal. During our visit, many fans lined up to pose with him. Located opposite the entrance to the building, it depicts Ronaldo performing his famous pirouette, a gesture that has become his trademark when celebrating goals. It is often accompanied by the cry “SIU! Find out more here.
Madeira International Airport, renamed in honor of Cristinao Ronaldo in 2017, is home to a bust of the soccer legend. For the record, the first statue made headlines at the time, as it was particularly unflattering. It was discreetly replaced in 2018. For more information, click here.
Stay at Hotel CR7 (4 stars)
If you have the opportunity, extend your experience around the famous footballer by staying at the Hotel Pestana CR7! It is featured in our article on the best seaside establishments in Madeira. As Cristiano Ronaldo fans will have gathered, this is a collaboration between the Pestana hotel chain and the famous footballer. If you stay here, you’ll enjoy free admission to the museum, which is part of the same complex. You’ll also enjoy the rooftop swimming pool overlooking the harbour, the sauna and the open-air Jacuzzi. – See prices, photos and availability.
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Other ideas for activities in Funchal
Need more inspiration for your stay in Funchal? See our list of complementary ideas below:
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.
Don’t forget to wear swimming shoes to avoid hurting your feet!
Frequently asked questions
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!
- Marine life: enjoy a magical moment with your family! Book your sea excursion to observe the island’s dolphins and whales!
What about the weather in Funchal?
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.
Things to do in Funchal when it rains
In case of rainy weather, we recommend taking refuge in Funchal’s museums. Whether you prefer fun and games or more cultural and historical tours, there’s something for everyone! 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 recharge your batteries. 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.
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
