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Things to do in Funchal Madeira
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items Funchal is the capital of Madeira, and there is a lot to do in the city. Over the years, I have created a collection of my favourite places. I hope these tips help you make your own fun Funchal itinerary. Whether you're into adventure, history, or r...
Map
Mercado dos Lavradores (the Farmers’ Market) is one of the most colourful places in Funchal Old Town, and the market is a must-see! You can buy so much exotic fruit here! The market hall is a whopping 9.600 m², and you can purchase fresh papaya, pass...
Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers' Market) - Visit Madeira
You’ll find Sé Catedral do Funchal in the heart of Old Town Funchal. It was built in King Manuel I’s order and showcases the Manueline period in Madeira. Construction started in 1493, and the Catholic Church opened its doors in 1517.
Cathedral of Funchal
To say Funchal and Madeira Island are hilly is an understatement! Thankfully, there are ways to get around more manageably, with the Funchal Cable Car being one of them. Taking the Teleférico do Funchal is a must-do if you’re not afraid of heights. N...
Funchal Cable Car, Madeira
The Funchal toboggan is known as one of the most unique commutes in the world, and sliding down the mountain in Funchal has already happened over 100 years. We had to wait for an hour and a half in line, but we thought it was one of the most fun and ...
Carreiros do Monte - Ride the Toboggan in Funchal
Not far from the endpoint of the toboggan, you’ll find the Jardim Botânico da Madeira, another stunning garden! From the Madeira Botanical Gardens, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view over Funchal, and the park is full of exotic plants and flowers. Ever...
Madeira Botanical Garden
Madeira is located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, and the island is surrounded by sea life! What better way to explore this than by booking a boat tour? Boat tours usually last 2 to 3 hours, and you’ll enjoy beautiful views of the island and Fu...
From Funchal: Madeira Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour
Another bustling place is Rua de Santa Maria. It’s probably the best-known street in Funchal and is famous for its painted doors, which are decorated with street art. But there are also many restaurants.
Rua Santa Maria - O que saber antes de ir (ATUALIZADO 2025)
You can visit the Madeira Story Centre to learn more about Madeira’s history. You’ll discover more about the volcanic origins, the discovery, and hydroplanes. Inside, you can also visit a handicraft store that sells regional souvenirs.
Madeira Story Centre
Palácio de São Lourenço is a striking building on Avenida do Mar. It was built between 1529 and 1540. Inside, you can visit a small exhibition about the site’s history.
Palácio de São Lourenço
Did you know Cristiano Ronaldo is from Funchal? You may have already noticed the airport in Santa Cruz is named after him (Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport), and he also has a museum in Funchal.
CR7 Museu
It’s even more fun to attend a football match in Madeira! The two teams on the island are C.S. Maritimo and Nacional da Madeira (also known as Clube Desportivo Nacional). Both teams play in the Primeira Liga, and teams like Porto, Benfica, and Sporti...
Clube Desportivo Nacional - Madeira
When you’re walking around the harbour, it’s hard to miss a huge plastic fish! It’s the Plastic Mero, created by artist Bordalo II. Artur Bordalo created street art all over the world from plastic waste. If you look closely, you’ll notice all sorts o...
'Plastic Mero' - Atlas Obscura
Do you enjoy a good glass of wine? Then, you should take advantage of a visit to Blandy’s Wine Lodge in the heart of Funchal Old Town. You won’t discover just any wine but the unique and famous Madeira wine!
Blandy's
Located in the heart of Funchal, the Jesuit College and Church is one of Madeira’s most impressive historical sites. This 16th-century masterpiece features stunning baroque architecture, intricate woodwork, and beautifully decorated chapels. A must-v...
Funchal Jesuit College and Church
Boa Vista means a nice view, which is precisely what you’ll find at Quinta da Boa Vista! The historic estate also has a gorgeous orchid garden and one of the city’s last remaining walled stair terrace gardens. If you like botanical gardens filled wit...
Quinta da Boa Vista
History enthusiasts would like to visit Quinta das Cruzes. The gardens are inspired by the Romantic era and are surrounded by large century-old trees. Inside the home, you’ll find antique furniture, a collection of ceramics, drawings and paintings, s...
Museu Quinta das Cruzes
Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro is the largest Quinta in Funchal, located just outside the city. It was built by João Carvalhal Esmeraldo in 1804, and the views from the Quinta are mesmerisingly beautiful. The gardens are 500 meters above sea level! You’...
Palheiro Gardens - Madeira Island
A fabulous place for people-watching is Santa Catarina Park. There are plenty of benches in the shade, and the park is filled with beautiful flowers. Santa Catarina Park has a small lake close to Funchal Harbour. Next to the park, you can also visit ...
Santa Catarina Park - Visit Madeira - Visit Madeira
When the weather is good and the sun is shining, it’s the perfect day for the beach. There are a few Beaches in Funchal, such as Praia Formosa. It’s almost 2 kilometres long with plenty of space for everyone. Like many of the beaches in Madeira, it c...
Praia Formosa Beach Madeira - All You Need to Know ...
For an afternoon of shopping in Funchal, you can visit Forum Madeira, one of the biggest malls in the city. There are over 80 shops and some restaurants. Other malls are La Vie Shopping Center, close to the casino, and Madeira Shopping Centre, the la...
Madeira Forum and other malls
After a 20-minute drive from Funchal, you’ll reach the small town of Câmara de Lobos. You’ll spot colourful boats bobbing in the Baía de Câmara de Lobos harbour and plenty of restaurants along the shores. The fishing town also had a famous resident, ...
Câmara de Lobos from Funchal
Colégio dos Jesuítas do Funchal, or the Jesuits´College of Funchal is of huge historical importance. You can visit Funchal’s Jesuits College on the Town Hall Square in Funchal.
Funchal Jesuit College and Church
Madeira has a kitchen, and to learn more about the traditional dishes, you can join a food and wine tour in Funchal. You will visit local markets, restaurants, and cafes offering several food and wine tastings. It’s the perfect spot to try a bolo do ...
Funchal: Food and Wine Walking Tour - GetYourGuide
If you prefer to visit the theatre, then you’ll enjoy Teatro Municipal Baltazar Dias. The building is stunning and well worth a visit! There are guided tours, which take around 45 minutes. During this walk, you’ll discover the showroom, dressing room...
Teatro Municipal Baltazar Dias