Funchal travel guide: best things to see and do in the capital of Madeira island

Funchal, the capital of the beautiful Portuguese island of Madeira, is an excellent base from which to stay to get to know the island, both for its location and for the range of accommodation, plans and restaurants it offers. Its name comes from funcho (fennel in Portuguese), because the first settlers found large quantities of this plant.

It invites you to stroll through its historic center, between old narrow streets and modern urban art, get lost in a traditional market, visit some of its museums and bookstores, do a Madeira wine tasting , have a panoramic view from the top of a cable car, go down a steep street in a wicker sled and, if it’s hot, cool off in one of the natural pools of the capital. With all these plans to get to know it well you will need at least one day, but if you can do more, all the better.

In this guide we tell you everything you can (and should) do in Funchal, where to stay, what to eat and, of course, the restaurants we liked the most to make your trip as amazing as ours was.

Basic facts for traveling to Funchal

Language: Portuguese

Currency: Euro

Population: 105,782 (in 2021)

When to visit: you can visit all year round, although it is advisable to avoid July and August (high tourist season), and the winter months if you want to enjoy its natural pools. We detail more about when to visit Funchal and Madeira in this section of the guide.

How long to stay: For Funchal you will need a minimum of one day, but to visit Madeira Island we recommend a minimum of 5 days and ideally a week (more if you want to do more routes, relax, visit the neighboring Porto Santo…). More info here

How to get there: there are direct international flights to Madeira from several places in Europe and even from New York (in summer), although for better prices and more options it is ideal to look for flights from Portugal (Lisbon and Porto) which have more international connections. We recommend you to use flight comparators such as Skyscanner and Kiwi and be flexible with dates to get the best possible price. We detail more in this section of the guide.

Where to stay: Ideally stay in the center of Funchal to have more options for restaurants and leisure (if you rent a car, it is important to choose an accommodation with parking). We detail more in the Where to stay in Funchal section of the guide.

What to bring: A good travel insurance (in this link we give you a 5% discount on the one we always hire) and here is the list of what you can’t miss in your backpack for this trip.

Getting around: in the center of Funchal you can move around on foot or by Bolt (taxi app similar to Uber), but to get around the island the best option is to rent a car, you can check and compare companies with availability for your dates in comparators such as DiscoverCars, which is the one we use. More info on how to move around Madeira in this section of the guide.

How much it costs: From 70€/day per person (approx.) depending on the type of accommodation, meals, season… More budget information in this section of the guide.

How to have internet: Madeira belongs to Portugal, so if you have a European operator you can probably use your internet package there at no extra cost (confirm the conditions with your operator). If this is not the case, if your mobile supports eSIM and you don’t want to complicate things we recommend the Holafly eSIM (unlimited data, 5% discount with the code RANDOMTRIP) or the Airalo eSIM (limited data, but cheaper, 15% discount with the code RANDOMTRIP15). You can also buy a local SIM (the three main ones are Meo, Vodafone or Nos). More info here

Time zone: UTC +1. The time in Madeira is the same as in mainland Portugal.

Where Funchal and Madeira are located

Madeira is an archipelago that is part of Portugal and Macaronesia (also comprising the Canary Islands, the Azores and Cape Verde Islands), and includes several islands: the island of Madeira, the island of Porto Santo, the Ilhas Desertas and the Ilhas Selvagens, further south. The archipelago of Madeira is located north of the Canary Islands:

In this other more detailed map you can see the different islands of the Madeira archipelago and their location: Madeira, Porto Santo and Ilhas Desertas (the Ilhas Selvagens are further south):

Funchal is the main city of Madeira Island and capital of the archipelago, it is located in the south of the island, here you can see it located on a map:

When to visit Funchal and Madeira

The best time to visit Funchal and Madeira is Spring (March, April, May and June) and Autumn (September, October, November), since during the winter months (December, January, February) the weather is less likely to be suitable to enjoy its natural pools, and during the summer (July and August) the amount of tourism is too high so it is more difficult to enjoy the plans and everything becomes more expensive.

As in the Canary Islands, due to the mountainous orography of the island and the trade winds coming from the north, in Madeira you can find several microclimates, with the south having a much sunnier and stable climate throughout the year (protected by the mountains) and the north a cooler and wetter climate, especially during the winter. In the central area of the island, in the mountains, it is common to find fog and much more humidity, area where the famous Laurisilva is found.

Here you can see a summary of the weather in Funchal by month.

Table of weather in Funchal, with temperatures and rainy days per month:

Month	Minimum temperature	Maximum temperature	Water temperature (average)	Rainy days
January	13º	17º	19º	4
February	12º	17º	18º	4
March	13º	17º	18º	4
April	13º	18º	18º	2
May	15º	19º	19º	1
June	16º	21º	21º	1
July	18º	23º	22º	0
August	19º	24º	23º	1
September	19º	24º	23º	1
October	17º	22º	23º	4
November	15º	20º	21º	5
December	14º	18º	20º	5
Month	Minimum temperature	Maximum temperature	Water temperature (average)	Rainy days

On the other hand, if you want to coincide your visit with some festivities, these are the most famous ones in Funchal:

• Carnival (February/March): Madeira’s carnival is very famous in Portugal so if you go to the island at this time you can see the parade with floats Cortejo Alegórico and the satirical Cortejo Trapalhão, as well as enjoy several parties in Funchal (which gets more attention) and Santana.
• Flower Festival (May): during the Festa da Flor celebrations in various parts of the island, from Funchal to Seixal, there is a parade with floats full of flowers called Cortejo Alegórico da Flor symbolizing renewal and hope.
• Atlantic Festival (June): all month long there are different cultural activities in various parts of the island (Regional Arts Week, International Fireworks Competition, Multimedia and Circus Shows, Summer Sunsets, the Bread Fair of the Lyons Club of Funchal) but in addition, every Saturday, there are incredible pyromusical shows in the bay of Funchal. Book your boat trip here to enjoy the festival from the bay.
• Madeira Wine Festival (August/September): during the grape harvest, at the end of the summer, both in the streets of Funchal and in the vineyards and wineries of the rural areas, parties are held with, of course, lots of wine.
• Nature Festival (October): October is the month of adventure in Madeira and the island is filled with a calendar of various sporting activities in Funchal.
• New Year’s Eve (December): Although every day of December there is something going on in Funchal, as the capital has events all month long, the most remarkable one is the last night of the year. Madeira’s New Year’s Eve is one of the most famous, or even the most famous, in Portugal for the impressive fireworks show that invades the skies of the island. It can be enjoyed both from Funchal, choosing a privileged place in the bay, and from the sea as there are several cruises to enjoy it.

How to get to Funchal

There are direct international flights to Madeira from several places in Europe and even from New York (in summer), although for better prices and more options it is ideal to look for flights from Portugal (Lisbon and Porto) which have more international connections, from where there are many more flights and frequencies, and low cost companies, combining a few days in any of the Portuguese cities. Ideally, you should be flexible with dates and use price comparators such as Skyscanner and Kiwi.com to get the best prices.

If you are already in the archipelago, from Porto Santo you can get to Madeira island by boat, as we did in Randomtrip, or by plane. The boat (“Lobo Marinho”) is operated by Porto Santo Line. It takes about 2h30 and you can see more information about how it is here. In winter it usually stops for a month for maintenance, and the rest of the year the schedules vary depending on the season, and there may be days of the week without service. Find out more about schedules, prices and availability for your travel dates on the official website of Porto Santo Line.

The flight from Porto Santo takes only 25 minutes, and is operated by the Canary company Binter. We recommend you to be flexible with the dates and use price comparators such as Skyscanner and Kiwi.com.

How many days to stay in Funchal

We recommend a minimum of 1 day to visit Funchal, and a minimum of 5 days to visit Madeira Island, although the ideal for visiting Madeira would be 7 days, some more if you want to do many trails and / or relax on the beaches and pools (or visit the neighboring island of Porto Santo).

Things to see and do in Funchal

Below we detail everything to see and do in Funchal, including a map with all the recommended places.

Map of Funchal

Here are all the places to visit in Funchal that we include in this guide on a Google Maps map that you can take with you on your smartphone.

And here is also a tourist map of Funchal (click on the image to download it in larger size and resolution).

Here are all the things to see and do in Funchal.

Mercado dos Lavradores

The Mercado dos Lavradores is a traditional market inaugurated in 1940 and one of the most emblematic (and most touristic) places in the capital. Here local farmers and artisans who exhibit their products (exotic fruits, vegetables, flowers and even typical spices, at gold prices, of course), some (less and less) residents and many tourists converge. The market building is in art deco style with influences of Portuguese modernism and also houses fishmongers offering fresh fish, such as the famous black swordfish, characteristic of the area.

Rua de Santa Maria

Rua Santa Maria, in the zona velha (old town), is a street you must pass through at least once, and not precisely to eat at one of its terraces of its countless restaurants (most of them quite touristy) but to enjoy the Street Art that floods the street. Thanks to the Arte Portas Abertas project, the street doors were transformed into colorful works of urban art. This project revitalized the historic area, turning the street into an open-air gallery, where local and international artists have painted doors with creative and diverse designs that attract tourists and locals alike.

Forte de São Tiago

The Forte de São Tiago is a historic pastel yellow fortification that sits on the promenade of the old town, offering views of the harbor and coastline. It was built in the 17th century to defend the city from pirate attacks and throughout its history has served as military barracks, prison and even as a shelter for flood victims.

Today, it houses cultural and artistic exhibitions (the former Museum of Contemporary Art was located here before moving to Calheta) and is a popular place for visitors because of its rich history and privileged location by the sea.

Largo do Socorro and Barreirinha Café

Largo do Socorro is a small historic square near the Church of Nossa Senhora do Socorro. It is a picturesque place where you can appreciate the traditional architecture of Funchal, with cobblestone streets and quiet atmosphere, and where you can have a drink at the bar we tell you about below.

Barreirinha Café is one of our favorite places in Funchal to go at sunset and have a drink (for example, a Madeira Tonic made with local wine) overlooking the sea on its terrace. In addition, it usually has a program with concerts and parties. You can take a look at what’s going on when you go to the island in their instagram

Funchal Cathedral (Sé de Funchal)

The Cathedral of Funchal, also known as Sé de Funchal, is one of the most important monuments of Madeira. Built in the early 16th century, this cathedral stands out for its Gothic and Manueline architecture, reflecting the Portuguese influence of the time. It stands out for its island cedar wood ceiling, with gold details, and its intricate Mudejar-style craftsmanship. The interior houses beautiful altars and sacred art that attracts both the faithful and tourists who stroll through the center.

Here starts the famous Arriaga Avenue, where some of the following points are located.

Blandy’s Madeira Winery

Blandy’s Madeira Winery, founded in 1811, is located in the heart of the capital and is one of the oldest and most prestigious wineries on the island. They have been managed by the Blandy family for more than seven generations, producing some of the most recognized Madeira wines in the world. You can visit the cellars, touring their historic facilities, learn about the production process of the famous fortified wine, which includes aging in oak barrels, and do a tasting where you can taste wines of different styles.

The price of the tasting depends on the type of wines you choose to taste (you can do from a tasting of only young wines to a more complex one with all types of wines).

São Lourenço Palace

The São Lourenço Palace, built in the 16th century, combines military and residential architecture. Its initial function was to defend the island from corsair attacks but it was later adapted as a residence for the governors of Madeira. Its architecture mixes Gothic, Manueline and Renaissance styles, and today it is the Official Residence of the Representative of the Republic in Madeira. The palace is also open to the public for guided tours, allowing visitors to learn about its history and admire its architectural details.

Santa Catarina Park

The Santa Catarina Park is located very close to the São Lourenço Palace and the Avenida do Mar so it is an ideal place if you need to rest your legs a bit. It has large gardens full of trees, flowers and ponds and offers panoramic views over the harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. Inside is the small Chapel of Santa Catarina, which gives the park its name.

CR7 Museum

The CR7 Museum is a space dedicated to the career and achievements of the famous Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, originally from Madeira. Opened in 2013, the museum displays trophies, medals, jerseys and memorabilia related to his career, including his prestigious Ballon d’Or awards. It is also located next to the Pestana CR7 hotel (free access to the museum for guests) and a statue of Ronaldo, ideal for accommodation if you are a football fan and, more specifically, a fan of one of the most awarded players in the world. Price: 5€/person (free admission for children under 9 years old) Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 10:00h to 17:00h

Lido Promenade

Promenade do Lido: pleasant promenade (here are several 5-star hotels as Lido is the “posh” area of Funchal) that passes through several natural pool complexes and Praia Formosa of which we speak below.

If you want a free dip (in addition to the beach) around here you have Poças do Governador. The path to the pools is a bit steep but worth it. It is important to go at low tide and, if you like, bring snorkeling equipment as there is life around the rocks.

Natural pools of Funchal: Doca do Cavacas, Ponta Gorda, Lido…

The natural pools Doca do Cavacas were our favorite ones in the capital. They require an entrance fee as well as the Complexo Balnear da Ponta Gorda and the Complexo Balnear do Lido.

Entrance fee at each of the spa complexes: 5,70€/person (1,90€/ 6 to 17 years old and free entrance until 6 years old). Extra charge for sun loungers and umbrellas. At Doca das Cavacas, in summer (June to September) there are free sunset parties with music every Wednesday (more info here).

Tunel das Poças do Gomes

The Túnel das Poças do Gomes allows you to cross from the previous natural pools to Praia Formosa, which we will talk about next (the tunnel closes at night).

Praia Formosa

Praia Formosa is the largest (actually a set of 4 beaches) and most popular beach of Funchal, a mixture of black volcanic sand and pebbles. It has security during the summer, parking, bars and restaurants, changing rooms…

Praça do Municipio

Praça do Municipio is one of the most important and beautiful squares in Funchal, surrounded by historic buildings with baroque and neoclassical facades, such as the Town Hall and the Museum of Sacred Art. Its characteristic black and white paving with traditional Madeiran geometric patterns gives it a distinctive touch. This square is also home to the Igreja de São João Evangelista known as the College Church, one of the most impressive churches in the city. Built in the 17th century by the Jesuits, its interior stands out for the impressive gilded altars and detailed tiles that decorate its walls, being a clear reflection of Portuguese baroque art.

Fábrica de Santo Antonio

The Fábrica de Santo Antonio was founded in 1893 under the English influence (due to its presence on the island and the tradition of eating cookies and cakes at tea time), and has been making cookies and typical sweets ever since. Do not leave Funchal without stopping by to appreciate its particular aesthetics and to buy some of the cookies or other products to try or to take as a gift.

Livraria Esperança

Livraria Esperança is one of the oldest and largest bookstores in Portugal. Founded in 1886, it is worth a visit to get lost in the labyrinthine multiple rooms and aisles lined with shelves with more than 20,000 novels. With its 1,200 m2, it is one of the largest bookstores with exposed covers, with thousands of titles ranging from classic literature to modern works.

D’Oliveiras Winery

D’Oliveiras, located on the same street as Livraria Esperança, practically across the street, is one of the historic wineries of Funchal, with more than 160 years of tradition in the production of Madeira wine.

Founded in 1850, these wineries are famous for their aged wines that age in oak barrels.

You can enter and do a free tasting of 3 wines (3 years old medium dry wine, 3 years old medium sweet wine and 5 years old sweet wine) surrounded by centenary barrels and walls full of history.

Museu da Quinta das Cruzes

Museu da Quinta das Cruzes, a museum that presents a tour through the art and history of Madeira, in short, a look at the cultural heritage of the island. It is located in an old mansion that was the residence of João Gonçalves Zarco, the explorer who “discovered” the island. Inside, it houses a valuable collection of furniture, decorative art, ceramics and jewelry from the 15th to 19th centuries. In addition, the museum has extensive gardens and a charming orchid garden.

Price: 3€/person (1,50€ for students and seniors over 65). Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm and from 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm (last entrance at 5:00 pm).

Fortaleza de São João Baptista do Pico

Fortaleza de São João Baptista do Pico, on top of a hill in Funchal, is one of the most emblematic fortifications of the city. Built in the 17th century to, also obviously, protect the island from corsair attacks, its strategic location offers stunning panoramic views of the capital and the Atlantic Ocean. The fortress, with thick stone walls, played a key role in the defense of Madeira for centuries. Today, it is a point of historical and cultural interest that invites visitors to explore its military architecture and enjoy the privileged views.

Miradouro do Pico do Barcelos

Miradouro do Pico do Barcelos, at an altitude of 355 meters, this viewpoint offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views of Funchal and its surroundings. From here you can see all of Funchal from the old town to the harbor and the Atlantic. You will also be able to appreciate the surrounding mountains and the neighborhoods that extend along the slopes of the island. On clear days, it is possible to see as far as Cabo Girão, one of the highest cliffs in Europe!

Funchal-Monte Cable Car

The Funchal-Monte Cable Car takes you up from the old town of Funchal to Monte (a 20 minute ride approximately). You can go up and back by cable car or go up by cable car and go down in a “Carreiro do Monte” (inside a wicker sled, we explain it a little further down) or even walking.

Operating hours: from 9:00h to 18:00h (last cable car boarding at 17:45h). Price 12,50€/one way and 18€/return adults; 6,50€/one way and 9€/return children from 7 to 14 years old; free entrance for children under 6 years old. Check here for updated prices.

Jardim Botânico Cable Car

From Monte, there is another cable car, the Jardim Botânico cable car that takes you from Monte to the Jardim Botânico in 9 minutes/trip. Price 9,25€/one way and 14€/return adults; 4,50€/one way and 7€/return children from 7 to 14 years old; free entrance for children under 6 years old. Check here for updated prices. Operating hours: from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (last cable car boarding at 5:20 pm). In the Monte area, you can visit several places listed below:

Monte Palace Madeira

Monte Palace Madeira is home to a lush tropical garden with exotic plants from around the world, as well as ponds, waterfalls and sculptures. It also has an outstanding collection of Portuguese and international tiles, and a museum exhibiting African art and minerals from around the world.

Price: 15€/person (free admission for children under 15 years old). Garden Visiting Hours: every day (except 25/12) from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm. Visiting hours to the Museum: every day (except 25/12) from 10:00h to 16:30h.

Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte

Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte, one of the most important sanctuaries of the island is this church located very close to Monte Palace. Built in the 18th century, the church houses the image of Our Lady of the Mount, the patron saint of the island, and is a place of pilgrimage, especially during the festivities in her honor in August. In addition to its religious value, it also has historical relevance since it houses the tomb of Charles I of Austria, the last emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, who lived in exile in Madeira. In addition, from the church you will get stunning views of Funchal.

Carreiros do Monte

Carreiros Do Monte: these “sledges” are one of Madeira’s most traditional and unique attractions, consisting of a thrilling wicker (basket) sled ride down the steep streets from Monte to Funchal. The sleds, driven by two men known as carreiros, are equipped with wooden soles and are manually steered and braked as they glide down the pavement. Although it may seem an extreme experience, it is quite safe, as the carreiros are highly trained (they wear rubber-soled shoes that they use for braking) and the speed is controlled.

Be careful! It cannot be done at any time as the service is usually available from Monday to Saturday, from 9:00h to 18:00h (as it is a very touristy activity, it is best to go early or late in the day).

The price when we went was 30€ for two people in a carreiro, although it may vary. The ride takes about 10 minutes and covers about 2 kilometers, ending in Livramento, from where you can take a taxi/Bolt or walk to the center of Funchal.

Madeira Botanical Garden

Jardim Botânico da Madeira, about 3 km from Funchal, is one of the most beautiful and most visited gardens on the island. Inaugurated in 1960, this garden houses an extensive collection of exotic plants from all over the world, including many species endemic to Madeira.

Price: 11€/person (young people between 15 and 17 years pay 6€, free admission for children under 15 years). Garden Visiting Hours: every day (except 25/12) from 9:00h to 18:00h. Confirm your details here

Jardins do Palheiro

Jardins do Palheiro, also known as Palheiro Gardens, are stunning gardens located on the historic 19th century Palheiro estate (on the outskirts of Funchal). Famous for their botanical variety, these gardens combine lush tropical plants, century-old trees and manicured hedges with colorful seasonal flowers. They are divided into different areas, such as the French garden, the rose garden and a charming camellia forest.

Price: 10€/person (youngsters between 6 and 12 years old pay 3€, free entrance for children under 12 years old). Garden Visiting Hours: daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Confirm details here

Miradouro do Pico Alto

Miradouro do Pico Alto, at about 1,100 meters, is one of the highest viewpoints near Funchal. From here, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Madeira’s south coast, the mountains and the Atlantic.

Miradouro do Terreiro da Luta

Miradouro do Terreiro da Luta, about 900 meters above sea level, is another important viewpoint that offers a breathtaking view over Funchal and the Atlantic Ocean. Near this viewpoint is the Monumento a Nossa Senhora da Paz, a large statue dedicated to the Virgin Mary, built in gratitude for protecting Madeira during World War II.

Whale and dolphin watching (dolphins and whales)

In addition to all of the above, from Funchal you can also do a whale watching tour, with the possibility of seeing dolphins, and with some luck, whales. In our case we did it with Magic Dolphin, and we were able to see two groups of dolphins (spotted and common) and a Bryde’s whale. Book your tour with Magic Dolphin here

What to see near Funchal

You can check out all there is to see and do in the rest of Madeira Island in our complete guide:

Madeira travel guide: best things to see and do in the portuguese island

Here are a couple of places very close to Funchal that are worth visiting, Câmara de Lobos and Cabo Girão:

Câmara de Lobos

Câmara de Lobos is a must-see place. This charming fishing village on the south coast of Madeira is not only very beautiful but also famous for its history, culture and gastronomy, reflecting the heritage of the fishermen and the local culture.

It was one of the first settlements on the island, founded by the explorer who “discovered” Madeira, João Gonçalves Zarco, in the 15th century. Zarco named the place “Câmara de Lobos” due to the large number of sea lions he found in the caves (câmaras) along the coast.

This picturesque village, with its colorful fishing boats, has maintained its essence over time even though it is becoming more and more touristy. It is also famous because it was the favorite place of Winston Churchill, who used to go there to paint; nowadays you can find a statue of him painting.

In addition, Câmara de Lobos is the ideal place to delve into one of the best gastronomic traditions of Madeira, poncha and espetada. As for the poncha à pescador, Câmara de Lobos is considered the ideal place to try this traditional Madeira drink. The poncha, originally made with sugarcane brandy, honey and lemon juice, was served to fishermen after a long day’s work. It is a strong and revitalizing drink, and in Câmara de Lobos they serve it in its most authentic form, as the local fishermen did. To try the ponchas, the ideal is to go to Largo do Poço and go to the mythical Filhos d’ Mar (3,50€/poncha), supposedly one of the first to make it, or to our beloved Agrela (3€/poncha), a bar that bears the surname of the endearing owners and stands out for its quality and attention (although we have read that it has recently closed after 40 years :( ); we discovered it in 2018 the first time we visited the island and went back on our last visit, they explained that the fruits used to make the poncha are from the family’s orchard. If you feel like partying, A Vaquinha do Calhau, also recommended, closes at 4am….

Espetada (brochette) en pau de louro (laurel stick or laurel branch) is another typical dish of the area. The beef is skewered on laurel branches, which gives it a special aroma when grilled. This dish is a favorite at Madeira’s popular festivals and is widely enjoyed in the traditional restaurants of Câmara de Lobos, where it is prepared in a rustic and authentic way. Some of the best restaurants to try the famous espetada em pau de louro are O Polar (beware, they do not take reservations, it is first come, first served), As Vides, Santo António and O Viola.

Here is a summary of all the things to see and do in Câmara de Lobos:

• Câmara de Lobos promenade: it runs along the coast of the village, overlooking the fishing port and the Atlantic.

• Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião, the main church of Câmara de Lobos, built in the 15th century and dedicated to Saint Sebastian, patron saint of the parish. Its interior stands out for its simplicity and popular devotion.

• Capela de Nossa Senhora de Conceição, in theory this is the first chapel on the island, built in the 15th century and located in the middle of the harbor. It is an important place of devotion for local fishermen and is dedicated to the Virgin of the Conception.
• Lobo Marinho by Bordalo II: artist Bordalo II’s particular tribute to the animal after which the town is named is a sea wolf made (as all his sculptures) from recycled materials, reflecting the fusion of urban art with ecological awareness.

• Statue of Winston Churchill, a bronze statue that pays homage to the former British Prime Minister, who used to visit Câmara de Lobos and was inspired by its landscapes to paint.

• Museu da Imprensa da Madeira, a museum dedicated to the history of printing and the press in Madeira. It exhibits old printing presses and other historical artifacts related to the media industry. Price: Free admission Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Convento de São Bernardino, a former 15th century Franciscan convent whose building and garden are places of cultural interest in Câmara de Lobos.
• Forno de Cal, an old lime kiln used in the past for the production of lime, a key construction material. It is a testimony to the region’s industrial past.
• Jardim do Ilhéu, a small but charming garden located in the center of town, near the port.
• Praça da autonomia, an amazing place to watch the sunset with the cliffs in the background. You can have a drink at the bar right there, or just enjoy the show for free.

• Praia do Vigário, a pebble beach popular with locals. Since it is very close to the center of Câmara de Lobos, it is a place frequented by bathers and fishermen.

• Complexo Balnear das Salinas is a modern saltwater pool complex, ideal for swimming and relaxing.
• Porto de Câmara de Lobos: the village’s fishing port, full of colorful fishing boats, is the heart of local activity.

• Pico da Torre: an elevated lookout point offering spectacular views of Câmara de Lobos, its harbor and the surrounding landscape.
• Quinta da Serra, a historic farm located in the mountains of Câmara de Lobos where you can stay as it is now a 5-star Bio-Hotel with restaurant, surrounded by lush gardens.

Cabo Girão

Cabo Girão is a 580 meter high cliff, considered the highest promontory in Europe.

One of the main attractions of Cabo Girão is its suspended viewpoint with glass floor (called skywalk) where you can walk on a transparent platform and look directly down, which adds adrenaline to the experience, but not suitable for people with vertigo! From there, on clear days, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Funchal and the Atlantic.

Access costs 3€ per person (increased from 2 to 3€ in January 2025) except for residents and children under 12 years old (inclusive) whose access is free.

In addition to its dizzying views, Cabo Girão is a popular spot for paragliding and hiking in the surrounding area.

Where to stay in Funchal: best areas

Funchal is the main base in which to stay in Madeira, and where a large number of accommodations and restaurants are concentrated. There are several areas where you can choose to stay, the main ones being the historic center, the marina (the area closest to the sea in front of the historic center) and the Lido area (more touristy area where most large hotels are located and with a nice promenade with natural pools). From the first two you can walk to most attractions, and from Lido you will be close to its promenade and natural pools, and you can reach the center walking for about 30-40min or in 5-10 min by taxi/bolt.

Whichever option you choose, the ideal is to stay in Funchal in an accommodation with parking, so you can go to dinner at night without worrying about where to park(parking in Funchal is an odyssey and you don’t want to stress yourself out on vacation).

At Randomtrip we visited Madeira Island twice, the first time we stayed in self-catering accommodation in the historic center and the second time in a sea view room in a hotel in the Lido area.

The first time we stayed at Downtown Apartments (from 100€/night) and we loved the apartment: very central, in the historic center a few steps from the cathedral, with a small terrace, very comfortable and well decorated. Of course, in this case the accommodation did not have parking so we left the rental car every night in a nearby paid parking lot.

The second time we visited the island we stayed at the Hotel Allegro Madeira (from 112€/night).

This 4 star hotel has comfortable rooms, outdoor pool, rooftop where you can have a drink with concerts some nights, free spa and Turkish bath and a delicious breakfast buffet with homemade and typical products (we loved the breakfast, so many options!) so if you are a “hotel breakfast” kind of person and value it, this is a good option.

In addition, although it was not located in the historic center of Funchal (but about 8 minutes by Bolt), the hotel has parking for guests. Unfortunately, however, parking spaces are limited, cannot be reserved and are filled as guests arrive so it is a bit of a lottery, although in our case we eventually managed to park our rental car every night. In case you don’t have a place, at night you can park for free in the street, in the blue zone (until 8:00h in the morning, perfect if you go out early for sightseeing) or look for a paid parking if you don’t want to get up early.

More options to stay in Funchal with parking:

• Cozy House (from 60€/night): small, cozy and comfortable house for two people and with outdoor space.
• Quinta Paços do Lago (from €99/night): studios and suites in a beautiful estate with parking
• Quinta do Bom Sucesso (from €99/night): apartments with parking in a farm with local products welcome and charming owners
• Granny’s House View (from 100€/night): one-bedroom house with stunning view from the terrace, parking and close to the capital city
• Atlântico Azul (from 114€/night): apartments with private parking very close to the capital city
• Dona I Apartments at Botanical Garden (from €114/night): modern apartments near the Botanical Garden
• Hotel Madeira (from 120€/night): a small 3-star hotel, centrally located and with parking.
• Casa da Praça Apartments (from 143€/night): one or two-bedroom apartments with free parking in the center of Funchal
• Ocean Cliff Apartaments (from €144/night): apartments with sea view and parking in Funchal, close to the natural swimming pool Doca das Cavacas
• Seaview Apartment (from 167€/night): 3-bedroom apartment ideal if you are traveling with your family or in a group with free parking on site
• Pestana CR7 Funchal (from 174€/night): an ideal 4-star hotel to stay at if you are a fan of soccer and, more specifically, of Cristiano Ronaldo, a player of Madeira origin and one of the most awarded players in the world. If you stay at the hotel, you should know that guests have free access to the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum. In addition, the hotel has bright rooms, sea views and a view of the capital’s marina, which is only 300 meters away.

• Pestana Vila Lido Madeira Ocean Hotel (from 205€/night):exclusive 5 star hotel in Lido, Funchal

More well-rated accommodations with free parking at this link

The prices mentioned are approximate and vary according to the type of room and the season of each accommodation.

Where to eat in Funchal

Gastronomy is one of the strong points of Madeira, and in Funchal there is no lack of options. Here is our selection of recommended restaurants in Funchal:

• Restaurante Casal da Penha: local food, try the tuna or the sword steak with banana.
• A Bica: local food in front of the market and good prices, also good place to try the sword steak with banana.
• Desarma: if you are looking for something special, you have this haute cuisine restaurant with michelin star and tasting menu.
• Akua: we tried this space dedicated to the sea by Chef Julio Pereira. It has another one with meat dishes (Kampo) and an Izakaya bar (Yuki). Right in the center of Funchal. We tried the cornetto de atum, the cachorro de farinheira de peixe as starters and the tuna with rice with razor clams and fish of the day (snapper) with tomato crumbs and onion foam. We washed it down with a dry white from the island, Ti Maria, a wine (with its corresponding label) homage to the grandmother of chef Julio Pereira. All delicious.

• Design Centre Nini Andrade Silva: design restaurant with tasting menu, we went to the island in the penultimate week of September and it was impossible to book so if you want to go book in advance.
• Casa do Bolo do Caco: despite being already touristy, it maintains the quality and is an excellent place to try a prego em bolo do caco at a good price with a drink.
• Cica: next to the market, ideal to try the sandes de espada or the sandes de carne vinho e alhos.
• Basalto: under the Barreirinha Bar Café. We loved it. Overlooking the sea, incredible service and quality product. We tried the espada em vinha de alhos and the naco de atum.

• Lá ao Fundo: recommended restaurant of contemporary cuisine
• Bar Castrinhos (outskirts of Funchal): besides the famous ponchas (discussed below) the sandes (sandwiches) here are delicious.
• You can not miss the famous ponchas in Funchal, you can do it in any of these (or even make a route through them and try several):
  • Bar Number Two
  • Venda Velha
  • Rei da Poncha
  • Mercearia do Bento (Pharmacia do Bento)
  • Bar Castrinhos (outskirts of Funchal)
  • Taberna do Arieiro (outskirts of Funchal)

Transportation: rent a car in Madeira

To get to know Madeira well, we consider it essential to rent a car in order to enjoy the island to the fullest, make the most of the time and visit all the places recommended in this guide at your own pace.

In Madeira it is advisable to rent a small car (as some secondary roads, especially in the interior of villages, are narrow and it is easier to move with a small car) and if the budget allows it, an automatic one (as there are many hills, and on narrow roads on slopes, you will have to make some maneuvers, much easier with an automatic car; if you have never driven an automatic, do not worry, it is much easier than driving a normal car). On our first visit we rented a normal car and suffered at times, while on the second visit with the automatic one it was much easier.

The prices of the cheapest and most basic car rentals in Madeira cost around 10/20€ per day, although as always, you should not only check the price but also the insurance included and the conditions. We recommend you to use comparators like Discover Cars and if you want to save, hire their extra insurance, which covers the excess even if the company’s insurance does not, for a much cheaper price (the but is that if something happens, you will have to pay initially up to the maximum excess, and then claim it to DiscoverCars insurance). Especially in summer, we recommend to book well in advance.

In our case, we hired with the company AB For Rent, an automatic Opel Corsa, and everything was perfect.

You can find more information about renting a car in Funchal/Madeira in our specific guide:

Car Rental in Funchal, Madeira: how to drive around Madeira with a rented car

If you have considered moving by public transport, the 3 bus companies that connect some of the points of the island have quite limited connections and frequencies: you can see the lines and schedules here.

If, on the other hand, you have considered renting a motorcycle instead of a car for this trip, remember that the island of Madeira is large so long distances on a motorcycle can be uncomfortable and, more importantly, the unstable and changeable weather in the different areas of the island will mean that you can have all four seasons in the same day… on the motorcycle.

If you do not drive (or if you do not want to do so on your trip to Madeira), in addition to public transport you have the option of taking tours, although it is usually more expensive and much more limited, in addition to the fact that when traveling in large groups you could be contributing to further saturate the already very saturated natural areas of Madeira. Here are some tours designed for those who visit the island without a car:

• Complete tour of Madeira in 2 days: from Funchal, they take you one day to the East and the other to the West of Madeira.
• Madeira West Tour in 1 day
• Madeira East Tour in 1 day
• North Madeira Tour in 1 day
• Pico do Areeiro Sunrise Tour

Where to park in Funchal

Since Funchal is the most common base for exploring Madeira, you should know that parking in Funchal can be mission impossible, especially in high season. Free parking is practically impossible (most of it is blue zone), so if your accommodation does not have parking you will have to try your luck finding a place on the street or in the paid parking lots, which can get very crowded (be careful, some have limited opening hours and close at night).

Our recommendation is that when choosing accommodation, look directly for accommodation with guaranteed parking, so you can forget about this problem and focus on enjoying and exploring the island. The alternative is not to stay in Funchal, as in other areas there are fewer problems, but in some areas it is also difficult, so be well informed before booking.

Note, in almost all the island on Saturdays from 14h, Sundays and holidays you don’t pay parking on the island so you can park in the blue zone in the street for free. But not in all the zones (for example in Calheta you pay every day). The best thing to do is to look at the sign of the zone where you park to certify yourself.

Here are some of the paid parking lots in the center of Funchal, with their opening hours and prices (be careful, these may change in the future without prior notice, check them in person at each parking lot), we also include them in our map:

• Parking Almirante Reis: paid parking (1,80€/hour, maximum 15€ per day). During the week it is open from 06:00h to 02:00h, and from Friday to Sunday it is open 24h.
• Parking Espaço Insular: paid parking (1,35€/hour, maximum 5€ per day). Closed on Sundays, and the rest of the days it is open from 07:30h to 21:00h.
• Parking São Tiago: paid parking (1,20€/hour, maximum 10€ per day). From Sunday to Thursday from 07:00h to 23:00h, Fridays and Saturdays from 07:00 to 03:00h.
• Parking Praça CR7: paid parking (1,80€/hour, we don’t know the daily maximum). From Sunday to Thursday open from 07:00h to 01:00h, Fridays and Saturdays open 24h.
• Parking Santa Luzia: paid parking (1€/hour, maximum 4€ per day). Open 24h
• Parking 5 Outubro: paid parking (€1.10/hour, maximum €4.50/day). Closed on Sundays and holidays, open Monday to Friday from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, and on Saturdays from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm.

How to get from the airport to the center of Funchal (and the other way around)

If you do not rent a car, or if for some reason you need to travel between the airport and Funchal (or vice versa), we explain how to get there from Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC), which is located about 18 km from Funchal:

• Book a transfer: you can book in advance a transfer with a private vehicle that will be waiting for you at your arrival (or your return to the airport), the price per vehicle is from 36€ (up to 3 persons) or 40€ up to 7 persons.
• Cab: you will find cabs at the exit of the airport, and the fare between the airport and the center of Funchal is usually between 25 and 35€ (with taximeter)
• Aerobus: the Aerobus is a shuttle service between the airport and various points of Funchal that operates 24h (less frequencies at night). It is the cheapest option, and the price is 6,40€ per person. You can see more information about the route, schedules and price here

How to have internet in Funchal and Madeira

Madeira belongs to Portugal, so if you have a European operator you can probably use your internet package there too at no additional cost (confirm the conditions with your operator).

Otherwise, if your phone supports eSIM and you don’t want to complicate things, we recommend the Holafly eSIM (unlimited data, 5% discount with the code RANDOMTRIP) or the Airalo eSIM (limited data, but cheaper, 15% discount with the code RANDOMTRIP15).

The other option, cheaper but more cumbersome because you will have to spend time going physically to buy it, is to buy a local SIM (the 3 main operators are Meo, Vodafone or Nos).

How much does it cost to travel to Funchal, Madeira?

As always, giving a generic budget is very difficult as it depends greatly on your style of travel. What we can do is to give you an orientation of the prices in Madeira and you can calculate your budget with them:

• Flights: You can find flights for 50€ (round trip from Lisbon) to Madeira but it depends on how far in advance you book and your dates (in summer it is more difficult to find cheap prices). We recommend you to buy prices in flight comparators such as Skyscanner and Kiwi.
• Car rental: from 10€-20€ per day for the cheapest car (depending on the company, the season and the number of days). We recommend comparing prices at Discover Cars
• Accommodation: from 50€/night for a room with private bathroom or apartment with kitchen, centrally located.
• Restaurant meals: between 10 and 40€ per person per restaurant lunch/dinner

In total, as a guideline, a one-week trip to Madeira with a rented car can cost between 70€ and 90€ per person (with the cheapest options of car, accommodation and restaurants and without tours/entrance fees).

Useful Apps for traveling to Funchal and Madeira

We recommend some applications that will be useful for your trip to Madeira:

• Net Madeira: to check Madeira’s webcams in real time go to this site
• Windy (Android / iOS / Web): essential app for our trips. It allows you to see forecasts of rain, clouds, wind, etc. to help you plan your days based on the weather (as there are places that lose a lot depending on the weather). Obviously the forecasts are not 100% reliable. It has the option to show the available webcams, or you can also see Madeira webcams here.
• Google Maps (Android / iOS): is the one we use to save / classify all the places we want to go / have gone and as GPS in rental cars. You can see other people’s opinions of the places, photos, restaurant menus, telephone numbers to contact them, etc. You can also take our map of Madeira and Porto Santo with all the places we recommend.
• Maps.me (Android / iOS): application similar to Google Maps but that works online (although Google Maps can also work online) and that in many cases has information that Google Maps does not have, especially trails. Useful whenever you are going to do a trail, to orient yourself.
• Bolt: to order taxi/VTC

Tips for traveling to Funchal as a responsible tourist

• In the dolphin and whale watching activity, respect the behavior indicated by the tour operator and be suspicious if it does not involve measures such as: prohibition of swimming with dolphins; reduced and constant speed of the boat and minimum distance of 50 meters from the animal; avoid the presence of several boats within a radius of 150 meters around the group of cetaceans and do not stay more than 10 minutes with the same animal.
• Do not be an accomplice to animal abuse: do not encourage any attraction where animals are in captivity and/or used for human entertainment. Do not attempt to touch or feed wildlife.
• Respect other people: don’t play your music loud (wear headphones), pick up your garbage (and pick up the garbage you find); don’t throw cigarette butts, etc. Leave the place better than you found it.
• Be responsible when visiting a place: a large influx of people to a certain site can have a negative impact so respect the rules, do not climb the tree/monument you are visiting, do not paint on its walls, avoid touching and, out of respect for the rest of the people visiting the place, do not make noise or “monopolize” the place with your photos.
• Respect the existing rules on the hiking trails: pay the fee if you are going to do a route that is subject to the fee, respect the designated trails without leaving the marked route, do not damage the local flora and do not litter.
• If you visit the island in high season (July and August) try to go to less known levadas or to the most known ones but early in the morning, starting the levada at dawn or later, after lunch. Unfortunately in some of the most visited trails, for example, Caldeirão Verde, the overcrowding has caused you to find garbage, human excrement, etc. on the trail.
• Please think carefully about the pros and cons before hiring a jeep tour to see the island (or a part of the island). At several points on the island we saw how the tours hinder local life. There were some in particular (orange jeeps of a company with a green name) that have a monopoly on polluting (you really do not want to go behind one on a climb as we did) and monopolizing parking lots with limited spaces (such as in the natural pools of Seixal where there are about 10 places and they occupied them all). Be a responsible tourist and avoid tours that saturate and monopolize the places.
• If you rent a car, respect the speed limits on highways. If you want to park your car, do it in the designated areas.
• Respect the signs and local rules at all times. We saw several tourists breaking them. For example, in Cascata dos Anjos, driving on a road clearly marked as exclusive for residents.
• In some natural pools and beaches bathing can be dangerous, and they are marked as such. Do not force.
• Always travel with travel insurance: medical expenses, theft or problems with your plane on a trip can cost you a lot of money, so the ideal thing is to take out travel insurance. At Randomtrip we always use IATI and we recommend it. If you purchase your insurance through this link you have a 5% discount.

Checklist: what to pack in your backpack/suitcase for Funchal and Madeira

Here is a list of must-haves you can’t forget to take with you on your trip to the island:

• A  reusable water bottle like one of these to carry water with you all the time and void single-use plastic.
• Water Shoes like these ones, ideal for not hurting your feet when entering the water or not touching the ground. Keep in mind that in the Madeira (with a few exceptions) you will not find sandy beaches but natural volcanic rock pools or pebble beaches mostly so you will want to carry your water shoes at all times.
• Hiking shoes because the best way to get to know Madeira is by hiking the trails. At Randomtrip we use these Columbia ones.
• Snorkel kit (mask and tube) like this one, a must to take on this trip to contemplate the seabed.
• Water proof dry bag like this one, very useful for keeping your camera equipment, cell phone and wallet safe from getting wet on any boat trip (or even if the tide comes in on the beach).
• Fast drying towel like this one which doesn’t take a lot of space in your luggage
• A hat or a cap (like this one) and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun
• Windbreaker waterproof jacket: like this one, to protect yourself from the sudden different weathers in Madeira
• A good camera to register your adventures. At Randomtrip we carry a Sony ZV-E10 and a Gopro Hero12 Black (for underwater pictures)
• A Power bank: taking so many pictures will drain your batteries, so it’s always a good idea to carry a good powerbank. At Randomtrip we travel with these 2 (Anker 20000 mAh and  Anker 10000 mAh), which allow us to charge both our phones and our cameras.
• Sun screen: always look for a Coral Friendly Sunscreen, i.e. one that protects your skin without harming marine ecosystems by avoiding ingredients such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are harmful to corals. Nor that it has been tested on animals.
• Mosquito repellent: like this one, it should have at least 15% deet
• First aid kit: In our first-aid kit there is always a medicine against seasickness (such as biodramine for seasickness on boats), antibiotics, anti-diarrhea medication (and a probiotic to recover more quickly), antihistamines, painkillers and antipyretics and, of course, travel insurance. If you hire your travel insurance with IATI using this link you will get a 5% discount

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All set to explore the capital of Madeira? Boa Viagem, Randomtripper!

Disclaimer: Visit Madeira helped us explore Madeira Island and Porto Santo but all opinions and information expressed in this post are our own.