What To See and Do in Funchal Madeira

Funchal, the capital of the Portuguese island of Madeira, is much bigger than I had expected and is also much rockier. In fact, many of the city’s most popular and worthwhile tourist attractions are perched high above sea level and are best reached by cable car.

However, the city centre itself is relatively flat, with few steep slopes, making it easy to explore by foot – just so long as you don’t fall flat on your bottom on your first day, like I did!

During my trip to Madeira in June, the hotel was located just twenty minutes’ walk from the city centre which gave us plenty of opportunities to see the main attractions, as well as to head slightly off the beaten track. In no particular order, I have compiled a list of what to see and do in Funchal, plus a handful of practical tips should you decide to visit.

What To See and Do in Funchal Madeira

Take A Walk Along The Waterfront

The large promenade adjacent to the palm tree-lined avenue of Avenido do Mar, stretches from the edge of town past the harbour and marina, towards the old town, and provides the perfect place for a stroll along the waterfront. Cruise ships dock here, along with pleasure boats, and the ferry which takes visitors across to the sandy island of Porto Santo. There are also plenty of places to stop and watch the world go by, be that on a bench or from one of the many cafes and bars.

The harbour itself is also still used by local fisherman, evidence of which can be seen by the numerous nets piled up and swarms of excitable seagulls in search of their lunch.

See The Painted Doors of Rua de Santa Maria

In 2010, the local government started the ‘ArT of opEN doors‘ project in one of the old town’s oldest streets, Rua de Santa Maria. Not only has it breathed new life and energy into an area of town which had been somewhat neglected, but it has made the street a popular destination for visitors.

Not only can you admire the two hundred painted doors, each with their own designs, but you can also sit back and relax in one of the bars, cafes or restaurants that are located in the narrow cobbled street and maybe enjoy a traditional ‘poncha’ or two.

Image by Frankie of As The Bird Flies Blog

Read my post for more on the painted doors of Rua de Santa Maria.

Indulge Your Senses At The Mercador Dos Lavradores

Funchal’s Mercador dos Lavradores (Worker’s Market) showcases traditional Madeiran life and provides a feast for your senses! Fruit, vegetables, flowers and souvenirs can all be found in this lovely market, filled with atmosphere and life.

Be sure to head through to the Fish Hall too. It is fascinating to watch the many skilled men at work and well and truly takes you back in time.

Tip: You will find that the stall owners are more than willing to offer you a taste of their products and by all means sample the huge varieties of local fruit. If you do eventually decide to buy something, make sure you haggle with them as you can buy the same fruit in supermarkets across the island at a fraction of the cost!

Ride The Cable Car To Monte

The quaint village of Monte, strictly speaking, does not belong to Funchal and is a village in its own right. Monte, meaning Mount in Portuguese, is way above sea level and although it is possible to get there by bus, most tend to opt for the cable car.

The ride itself takes between ten and fifteen minutes and provides wonderful views of the city, steep gorges and the chance to glimpse into private gardens below as you rise above the city.

Tip: Consider buying a return ticket to save money if you intend to travel by cable car both ways. A single costs €10 or a return is €15 and you will get another reduction if you combine it with a trip to the Monte Tropical Palace & Gardens (see below). Alternatively, travel one way by cable car and the other by local bus (an experience in itself!). A one way bus ticket costs roughly €1,35 and can be purchased either on the bus (for 40 cent extra) or before travel at a GIRO stall in town.

Explore the Monte Tropical Palace & Gardens

No trip to Madeira should be/is complete without a trip around a set of gardens – the island is known as the ‘floating garden’ after all! If you only have time or the enthusiasm for one set, be sure to make it those at Monte Palace.

Open to the public since 1991, the Monte Tropical Palace & Gardens provides visitors with a fantastic green space full of oriental plants, flowers and structures, as well as some resident koi carp, a number of African sculpture, an awe-inspiring mineral collection and one of the most important tile assortments in Portugal.

Tip: The Gardens are open daily from 0930 to 1800. I would recommend putting at least half a day aside to do them justice.

Enjoy the view from Santa Catarina Park

If you are restricted by time and cannot get up to Monte, but still fancy some greenery, the Santa Catarina Park on the edge of the city centre is a peaceful place to escape the hustle and bustle and somewhere to enjoy the soothing ocean vista.

Tip: Many of Funchal’s gardens have an entrance fee and the Santa Catarina park is one of a few which are completely free! If you have time, pop next door to the Quinta Vigia where normally, the friendly guards will allow you to explore the President’s Gardens.

Treat yourself to Afternoon Tea at Reid’s Palace

Not only is Reid’s Palace renowned for its famous guests and luxurious interiors but it also offers up a delightful Afternoon Tea on its monochrome tiled Tea Terrace.

At just €33,50 per person you will be spoiled for choice with over twenty varieties of tea, a mouth-watering selection of sandwiches, traditional English scones and a colourful assortment of petit-fours. If you are feeling especially fancy, add a glass of fizz and enjoy the view in style!

Tiered Cake Stand Afternoon Tea at Reid's Palace

Tip: To avoid disappointment, I would recommend making reservations as Afternoon Tea is very popular with the island’s visitors!

Read more about my Afternoon Tea experience at Reid’s Palace here

Learn about the island’s history at the São Tiago Fort

This bright and cheerful fort at the end of the waterfront promenade dates back hundreds of years. It was initially constructed in 1614, following a disastrous pirate attack where many people were slaughtered, as a way of protecting the city from enemies. In 1767 the building was enlarged to serve as a military base until 1992 when the region’s government decided to transform it for use as a cultural attraction.

Today, the fortress contains a museum, a number of exhibitions and a lovely restaurant with an envious ocean view terrace.

Take a dip in the Lido or walk along the Promenade

Even if you don’t fancy a dip, the Lido, located at the other end of town, in the more touristy quarter, is a great place for a walk.

The relatively new Lido promenade, linking the Lido to the pebbled Praia-Formosa, is lined with majestic palm trees and splendid gardens packed full of exotic plants. The promenade also delivers dramatic views over the sea and towards Cabo Girão.