Are you planning to visit Funchal in 2 days? This is the perfect amount of time to explore the capital of Madeira in all its different facets. With its historic old town, its tropical gardens high above the city, its museums, and its sumptuous cuisine, we were captivated by the richness of this city borderingthe Atlantic Ocean. Two days are enough to take in the highlights at a leisurely pace.
With our itineraries, we’ll guide you through Funchal. Optimize your stay and make up your own mind about this destination with our practical tips and plenty of 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.
Practical Tips for Visiting Funchal in 2 Days
What can you see in Funchal in 2 days? Is it long enough?
Two days in Funchal are enough to see the highlights—the old town, the main monuments, the gardens, and the waterfront—and to soak up the capital’s unique atmosphere. To make sure you don’t miss a thing, check out our selection of Funchal’s must-see attractions.
Map of Tourist Attractions in Funchal
To help you follow along as you read our itinerary below, here is our map of Funchal’s main tourist attractions:
Getting around Funchal
Funchal’s Old Town is easy to explore on foot, but keep in mind that the town is spread out and hilly. The narrow streets in the historic center are cobblestone and sometimes very steep, which can be tiring. For trips outside the city center, a bus network serves the entire city (more info here). We also recommend the hop-on, hop-off bus, which lets you visit the main attractions at your own pace at any of the 30 stops. For trips to Monte, the cable car departing from the waterfront remains the most direct option.
WHERE TO STAY IN Madeira
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
Where to sleep in Funchal?
There are several options available for your stay in Funchal. In the old town, boutique hotels and charming accommodations will put you right in the heart of the action. Along the waterfront, more modern hotels offer views of the Atlantic Ocean. Away from the city center, quiet establishments often offer good value for money. We especially recommend the Castanheiro Boutique Hotel, which is conveniently located in the old town, andThe Views Baia Hotel, which offers a remarkable view of the bay. Check out our complete selection in our guide to hotels in Funchal.
OUR ADVICE 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.
Day 1 – Old Town, Heritage, and Gastronomy
This first day takes you to the heart of historic Funchal. Amid cobblestone streets, religious buildings, a traditional market, and museums, you’ll discover the city at its most authentic. We enjoyed the pace of the tour, which alternated between cultural visits and culinary breaks.
Day 1 – 10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.: Stroll through the old town and Rua Santa Maria
Funchal’s Old Town stretches from the Municipal Garden to the Igreja de Santa Maria Maior, on the waterfront. We enjoyed getting lost in this maze of narrow, cobblestone streets, where Manueline and Baroque influences are evident on the facades of the old buildings. Praça do Município, with its black-and-white geometric paving, is worth a stop. Take a moment to look up at the buildings surrounding it: City Hall and the Museum of Sacred Art form a beautiful architectural ensemble.
As you continue east, you’ll reach Rua Santa Maria, a long pedestrian street that has been transformed into an open-air gallery. Local artists have painted doors and facades with a variety of designs, ranging from trompe-l’œil to reimagined azulejos. You’ll also find plenty of cafés and small shops there. We found this walk particularly pleasant early in the morning, before the tour groups arrived.
Day 1 – 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Visit Sé Cathedral and the Jesuit College Church
The Sé Cathedral, the main religious building in the Madeira archipelago, has been designated a national monument since 1910. Its two-tone facade, which combines white limestone and brown brick, struck us with its contrast. The architecture combines Manueline and Gothic influences. Inside, the ornate ceiling, the altarpiece, and the carved woodwork are the main attractions of the site’s cultural heritage. Allow 15 to 30 minutes for the tour, avoiding times when Mass is being held.
Just a few steps away, on Praça do Município,the Church of St. John the Evangelist—known as the Jesuit College Church—has a wonderful surprise in store. The white and gray façade is simple, but the 17th-century Baroque interior features chapels lavishly decorated with azulejos, gilded sculptures, and ornate altarpieces. We ended the tour on the high-up terrace, which offers an unobstructed view of the rooftops of Funchal and the ocean on the horizon.
Day 1 – 12:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m.: Lunch in the historic district
Funchal’s historic center is home to many restaurants, ranging from the simplest to the most upscale. Here are three places we particularly like in this area:
- Tipografia Restaurant: a varied menu featuring traditional island dishes, including a modern take on “espada com banana“—black scabbardfish served with plantains.
- Peixaria no Mercado Restaurant: dishes featuring fish and seafood sourced directly from the Mercado dos Lavradores. We really enjoyed the braised cabbage served with kimchi-infused olive oil on the side.
- 5 Sentidos Restaurant: Tucked away in an alley in the city center, this restaurant showcases local ingredients in simple, hearty dishes.
Find all our recommendations in our guide to the best restaurants in Funchal.
Day 1 – 2:00–3:00 p.m.: Explore the Mercado dos Lavradores
The Mercado dos Lavradores, literally the Farmers’ Market, is located just a few meters from Rua Santa Maria. We enjoyed strolling among the stalls of exotic fruits and colorful flowers, with some vendors still wearing the island’s traditional dress. The lower part of the building houses the fish and shellfish market, where large tuna are displayed alongside the day’s local catch. The tour is particularly lively in the morning, but it’s still accessible and less crowded in the afternoon. The market is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Enjoy a guided gastronomic tour including the market.
Day 1 – 3:00–4:30 p.m.: Visit the Museum of Sacred Art or the Museum of Photography
Two museums in the historic district are worth a visit, depending on your interests. The Museum of Sacred Art, housed in the former episcopal palace on Praça do Município, features paintings, sculptures, and sacred metalwork related to the religious history of the archipelago. We especially enjoyed the terrace decorated with azulejos, which offers a view of the city’s rooftops. >> Book your museum ticket now here <<
If you’d prefer a more unusual outing, the Madeira Museum of Photography is housed in one of Portugal’s oldest photography studios, founded in 1865. It features old photographs, vintage cameras, and period accessories that trace the history of photography on the island. We found this place to be more secluded and pleasant to visit in the afternoon. You can also find our complete selection in our article on the best museums in Funchal.
Day 1 – 4:30–6:00 p.m.: Swimming at Praia da Barreirinha or Praia de São Tiago
Funchal doesn’t have long, sandy beaches, but the city has several swimming areas accessible from the historic center by walking east along the waterfront. Praia da Barreirinha is a developed beach resort equipped with lounge chairs, umbrellas, changing rooms, and a snack bar. Access to the water is via concrete platforms along the ocean’s edge. There is an admission fee. We recommend bringing water shoes for areas with pebbles.
Just below the São Tiago Fortress, Praia de São Tiago is a small pebble beach that is free to visit. The atmosphere there is more laid-back and less sophisticated. We saw many locals there at the end of the day, enjoying the water and the adjacent bar. This is a good option if you’re looking for a casual swim.
Day 1 – 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.: Dinner at a fine-dining restaurant
To wrap up this first day, Funchal offers several excellent restaurants where the local cuisine is prepared with care. Here are our three suggestions:
- Desarma Restaurant (1 Michelin star): On the 11th floor ofThe Views Baia Hotel, Chef Octávio Freitas serves dishes that creatively reinterpret the island’s local ingredients. The view of the bay from the room adds to the experience.
- Casal da Penha Restaurant (Bib Gourmand): Set on a high terrace, this restaurant offers authentic and hearty cuisine. We had a wonderful time there, enjoying freshly caught fish and grilled lamb chops.
- 5 Sentidos Restaurant: For those who prefer a more low-key dining experience, this downtown restaurant showcases local ingredients in a warm and welcoming setting.
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITIES IN Madeira
Catamaran tour to see dolphins and Madeira’s giant cliffs. – View the schedule and availability—and make a reservation!
Canyoning among the rocks! – View options and availability
Gastronomic tour to discover local specialties – View options and availability
Day 2 – The Mountain, Nature, and Activities
On this second day, you’ll head to the hills above Funchal and along the waterfront. From the cable car to the tropical garden, from traditional tobogganing to the wine cellars, you’ll discover a city full of contrasts, ranging from its hillside neighborhoods to its bustling waterfront.
Day 2 – 9 a.m.–12 p.m.: Take the cable car and visit Monte Palace Madeira
The starting point of the Monte cable car is located on the waterfront in the historic center. The climb takes between 15 and 20 minutes and offers gradually unfolding views of the rooftops of Funchal and the bay. We recommend that you arrive as soon as it opens at 9 a.m. to avoid the lines that form mid-morning.
Once you arrive in Monte, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the Monte Palace Madeira Tropical Garden, one of the most beautiful gardens on Madeira. Conceived by collector José Berardo, it features dense subtropical vegetation, walking trails, water features, sculptures, and several museum spaces. We enjoyed the tranquility of the site, which stands in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the town center below.
Day 2 – 12:00–12:30 p.m.: Traditional sled ride (Carreiros do Monte)
After visiting the garden, we suggest taking the cable car up and then riding down on a wicker sled with the Carreiros do Monte. You’ll take a seat in a basket guided by two men in traditional costumes, who use only their feet to steer and brake the boat as it winds through the steep alleys of Monte. This mode of transportation has existed since the 19th century and is part of the island’s heritage. The descent takes about 10 minutes. The starting point is next to the Church of Monte, which is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Day 2 – 12:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m.: Lunch and tasting of local specialties
Once you’re back in the city center, take this break to sample Madeira’s culinary specialties. Bolo do caco, a soft sweet potato bread often topped with garlic butter, is a must-try appetizer. Bacalhau, cod prepared according to traditional recipes passed down from Portugal, comes in many different versions depending on the restaurant. As for drinks, poncha—a traditional aperitif made with sugarcane brandy—is definitely worth trying while you’re there. We were also won over bythe espada com banana, a dish made with black scabbardfish and banana—a surprising but delicious combination.
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Day 2 – 2:00–3:30 p.m.: Explore Blandy’s Wine Lodge
Tucked away in the heart of the old town, Blandy’s Wine Lodge is Madeira’s wine museum. The island produces a wine that is unique in the world; its production process, which involves controlled heating, gives it exceptional aging potential and complex aromas. We have learned here that certain vintages can be cellared for several decades without losing any of their quality. The guided tour provides insight into the production process and concludes with a tasting of several vintages. We recommend this stop even to those who aren’t familiar with the subject, as it’s explained in such an accessible way. Check the hours and prices directly on site or on their website. Book a guided wine and food tour in Funchal.
Day 2 – 3:30–5:00 p.m.: Visit the CR7 Museum and see his statue on the waterfront
Across from the port of Funchal is the CR7 complex, which includes a museum, a restaurant, and a hotel. The CR7 Museum traces the career of Cristiano Ronaldo, a soccer player born in Madeira, through a collection of trophies, jerseys, gold cleats, Ballon d’Or awards, and personal items. Whether or not you’re a soccer fan, the tour gives you a sense of the role this sport plays in the local identity. Admission is €5; open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In front of the entrance, a statue depicts Ronaldo performing his famous celebratory spin. We saw many visitors lining up to have their picture taken there.
Day 2 – 5:00–6:00 p.m.: Walk along the waterfront
In the late afternoon, Funchal’s waterfront is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll. The promenade runs along the harbor and offers unobstructed views of the bay and the city’s hills. It’s also one of the best times to watch the late-afternoon light on the water. We enjoyed this break between our afternoon sightseeing and dinner, which gave us a chance to unwind and soak up the atmosphere of the place without any particular agenda.
Day 2 – 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.: Dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant
To round off your trip on a high note, Funchal is home to several top-notch fine-dining restaurants. We’d like to recommend two restaurants whose cuisine is renowned on the island:
- Il Gallo d’Oro Restaurant (2 Michelin stars): Located withinThe Cliff Bay Hotel, French chef Benoît Sinthon serves up Iberian-inspired dishes featuring local ingredients. It is one of the finest restaurants in the archipelago.
- Restaurant William (1 Michelin star): Located in the iconic Reid’s Palace Hotel, Chef José Diogo Costa serves refined cuisine that reinterprets local flavors in an elegant setting.
- Find more recommendations in our guide to the best restaurants in Funchal.
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
Option 1: Funchal with the Family
Funchal is a great destination for family trips. The Old Town is easy to explore with children; there are plenty of outdoor activities, and several museums offer a fun, interactive experience. Here is our selection of activities and places suitable for all ages:
- 3D Fun Art Museum: With its optical illusions, whimsical displays, and visual games, this tour is especially well-suited for families. We left with some quirky photos taken against very unique backdrops. Book your tickets here.
- Traditional Carreiros do Monte sledding: the ride down from Monte in a wicker basket is an experience enjoyed by children and adults alike. The unique charm and atmosphere of the steep alleyways make for a memorable experience.
- Dolphin and whale watching: a boat tour departing from the port of Funchal to get up close to these marine mammals in their natural habitat. Book your excursion here.
- Funchal Municipal Garden: This green oasis in the heart of the old town is home to a variety of flowers, towering trees, and ducks on its ponds. A pleasant break between two visits.
- Rua Santa Maria: Children usually enjoy exploring the doors and facades painted by local artists. The course is fun and stress-free.
- Mercado dos Lavradores: The stalls selling exotic fruits and the fish market pique the curiosity of the youngest visitors. The morning tour is livelier.
- Praia da Barreirinha: This fully equipped beach resort is family-friendly, with safe access to the water and on-site amenities.
Option 2: Outdoor Activities and Water Sports in Funchal
Funchal is the starting point for many outdoor activities, both on the ocean and inland. If you’d like to spend part of your stay enjoying sports or water activities, here are our suggestions.
Dolphin and whale watching
Madeira is one of Europe’s top destinations for whale-watching excursions. The deep waters off the coast of Funchal are home to several species of dolphins year-round, as well as migratory whales at certain times of the year. No fewer than 28 of the 78 known species of cetaceans can be spotted in these waters. We were struck by the beauty of the ocean and the island’s coastline as seen from out at sea during our catamaran trip. The tours depart from the port of Funchal and last about 3 hours. Please note that trips may be canceled in the event of heavy swells. You can also find all our tips in our article dedicated to dolphin watching in Madeira.
Surfing, scuba diving, coasteering, and canyoning
From Funchal, there are several outdoor sports activities to enjoy. Surfing is available at spots accessible from the capital, with schools offering lessons for all skill levels. Scuba diving allows you to explore Madeira’s seabed, which is particularly rich in marine life in the Garajau Nature Reserve, 15 minutes from Funchal. We were lucky enough to see colorful fish, starfish, and aquatic plants in the waters of the archipelago.
Coasteering, sometimes called coastal canyoning, combines hiking, climbing, swimming, and jumping into the water along coastal cliffs. See coasteering activities here. It’s a unique way to explore the island’s volcanic coastline. Canyoning inland, on the other hand, offers abseiling descents along waterfalls and passages through gorges carved into basalt. Madeira offers the ideal natural conditions for these activities, with its rugged terrain and numerous waterways. Book your tour here.
Option 3: Day Trips from Funchal
Funchal is an ideal base from which to explore Madeira. In less than an hour’s drive, you can explore a wide variety of landscapes: volcanic ridges, fishing villages, laurel forests, rugged coastlines, terraced vineyards, and spectacular hiking trails. Check out all our detailed recommendations in our article on the best day trips from Funchal. Here is our selection of day trips from the capital:
- Levada das 25 Fontes Hike (Rabaçal): This trail follows an irrigation canal carved into the rock in the 16th century to a pool fed by 25 natural springs, located in the laurel forest designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Accessible to a wide audience thanks to its gentle slope. Book your guided hike.
- Pico do Arieiro–Pico Ruivo Hike: The hike between Pico do Arieiro (1,818 m) and Pico Ruivo (1,862 m), Madeira’s highest peak, is one of the island’s most iconic hikes. The trail winds through steep ridges that overlook a sea of clouds on clear days. It takes a full day. Book your guided hike.
- Câmara de Lobos and Cabo Girão: Câmara de Lobos is a fishing village 15 minutes from Funchal, known for its colorful boats and narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses. Winston Churchill painted there during a visit in 1950. Just 10 minutes west, Cabo Girão offers a breathtaking view from its glass-bottomed platform perched 589 meters above the sea. Book your tour here.
- Porto Moniz Natural Pools: Located at the northwestern tip of the island, these pools carved into volcanic rock along the Atlantic coast offer a unique swimming experience. The northern coastal road leading there is one of the most spectacular on the island. Book your guided tour.
- Explore the eastern part of the island: Machico, the first town founded by Portuguese settlers in the 15th century, features a beach made of imported sand and a compact historic center. Santana is known for its traditional A-frame houses with thatched roofs. Porto da Cruz is home to a rum distillery that has been in operation since 1927. Book your guided tour of the eastern part of the island.
What You Need to Know for Your Weekend in Funchal
The Weather in Funchal
Funchal enjoys a mild subtropical climate year-round, making it a great destination no matter the season. In the summer, daytime temperatures range from 25°C to 28°C, with little rainfall. In winter, temperatures stay around 18°C to 20°C, making for some of the mildest winters in Europe. However, we recommend bringing a lightweight raincoat no matter the season: rain showers can occur without warning, especially at higher elevations. It’s also often windy on the island, which can make some days feel cooler than they seem. The weather can vary significantly between the downtown area, which is exposed to the sun, and the higher elevations of Monte, which are often cloudy.
The Crowds in Funchal
Funchal welcomes visitors year-round, with the highest number of visitors between June and September, as well as during the holiday season, when the city is renowned for its holiday lights. During peak season, we recommend that you book your accommodations and fine-dining reservations in advance, as the most popular establishments fill up quickly. Monte Palace Madeira and the Mercado dos Lavradores are also busiest between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.: setting out early in the morning allows you to enjoy them under better conditions. Outside of peak season, the city remains accessible and pleasant, with accommodation rates that are often more affordable.
Adapt your itinerary when it rains
On rainy days in Funchal, museums are the most obvious alternatives. The Museum of Sacred Art, the Madeira Museum of Photography, the Frederico de Freitas Museum, and the CR7 Museum offer tours of varying quality and duration, depending on your preferences. The 3D Fun Art Museum is especially great for families. If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, the Madeira Film Experience offers a film screening about the island’s history, although the venue was closed during our visit. Check out all our ideas in our article on the best museums in Funchal. On cool or rainy days, it’s also a great opportunity to take your time at a restaurant or enjoy the spa facilities at certain hotels!
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
