If you have been to Madeira, odds are you’ve been to Funchal. This city is nestled right between the mountains of the island and the beaches that span along the Atlantic Ocean, and has a vibrant atmosphere to match. You’ll find colourful, rustic streets and quaint, old palaces, alongside breathtaking views. If you want to spend one day exploring Funchal, then this blog post is for you. I hope that you enjoy it and that it helps you get the most out of your trip here.
One Day in Funchal, Madeira | Your Quick Guide
Early Morning – The Old Town
Start your day by diving into the vibrant heart of Funchal which is best seen around the Old Town. There is seriously no better place to experience the culture of Madeira here and I absolutely love coming here in the morning buzz when people start moving about. What is one of my favourite things about this part of the city? The calçada portuguesa paving of course! From the moment you step into the Old Town, you’ll feel the lively atmosphere radiate into you. To begin with, grab something to eat, which incidentally is another excuse to explore the city’s culture. Every day, except Sunday, the Farmer’s Market (Mercado dos Lavradores) runs here, which is ideal for picking up a quick breakfast or morning snack.
From here, I would then start seeing some of the local sites. One place that I always recommend is the Painted Doors of Rua de Santa Maria, which is effectively an open-air gallery with unique stories painted onto local doors. It was a rich history and is well worth seeing. Nearby are other interesting historical sites. You have the Madeira Story Centre along with the Sé Cathedral, the latter of which is one of the last remaining colonial structures. Lastly, walk to the other side of the Old Town and see the yellow Forte de São Tiago right by the beach.
Late Morning and Lunch – The Marina
Near the Forte de São Tiago is the Funchal Marina. It is about a half-hour walk away or a 15 minute bus ride. The Marina is an excellent place to walk about and explore or you might choose to stay a little longer by the Fort and sunbathe. When you get to the Marina, you’ll see that it is also home to some of the best places to eat whilst you are spending a day in Funchal. One of my favourite places is The Beerhouse, a microbrewery right on the sea. However, there is plenty of choice between the Fort and the Marina and you’ll find it difficult to pick!
Top Tip: For inspiration, check out my blog post on what to eat in Madeira.
Early Afternoon – Relax in the Park
After you have had your lunch, I would head over to the Santa Catarina Park. It is right next to the Marina and you can’t miss it. The park consists of beautifully landscaped gardens and flower beds, including a gorgeous lake. If you want to relax after lunch and avoid the midday sun in the shade, you really can’t find a better location. The views of the harbour are fantastic.
Alternative Option: If you didn’t have lunch, why not consider Afternoon Tea at Reid’s Palace? It is a really amazing experience and definitely not one to miss.
Late Afternoon – Monte
For the next bit, I’d recommend heading up at about 14:30 in the afternoon. Your first stop is the Funchal Cable Car, which costs €20 for a roundtrip adult ticket. This will take up to Monte and you’ll be rewarded with easily the best views of the city and coastline.
Your first stop should be the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens which costs €15 for adults and is open daily from 09:30 in the morning to 18:00 in the afternoon. These are home to some exotic species from across the world and are set against a jaw-dropping backdrop. If you also want to soak up the culture, check out the Monte Palace Madeira Museum, which is open from 10:00 in the morning to 16:30 in the afternoon. You could also explore the picturesque Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte.
The next bit is a bit peculiar. To get back down, you can choose to either take the traditional toboggan ride. This is definitely not for the faint of heart and the ride costs €27.50 for adults. However, it has to be one of the most unique things to do in Madeira. The last ride from Monte takes place at 17:45 in the afternoon.
Final Thoughts | One Day in Funchal, Madeira
At the end of your day, you can choose to either go back to your hotel or enjoy dinner back in the Old Town. This post is meant as a quick guide, but for more information check out my post on What to do in Funchal. I hope that you found this post helpful and please let me know if you have any questions. I always love hearing from you.
