Travel Guide of Funchal in Portugal by Influencers and Travelers

Funchal is the largest city, the municipal seat and the capital of Portugal's Autonomous Region of Madeira, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean.

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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Funchal

TRAVELERS TOP 10 :

1 - Madeira Botanical Garden

Madeira Botanical Garden is a botanical garden in Funchal, Madeira, opened to the public in 1960. The area was previously part of an estate belonging to the family of William Reid, founder of Reid's Hotel.

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2 - Pico do Arieiro

   10 km away

Pico do Arieiro, at 1,818 m high, is Madeira Island's third highest peak. Most days, visitors can stand and look down on the clouds. The air is fresh and clear and the sun is very bright. On a clear day it is possible to see the neighbouring island of Porto Santo, 30 miles to the northeast.

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3 - Trekking | Madeira

   9 km away

Round trip transfers from Funchal to Pico do Arieiro (Areeiro) - Pico Ruivo - Achada do Teixeira self-guided hike, so you don’t have to worry about parking logistics or walking the trail both ways.

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4 - Ribeiro Frio

   7 km away

The village of Ribeiro Frio is situated in the interior of the island of Madeira. It belongs to the parish of São Roque do Faial, the municipality of Santana, and is located around 15 kilometers from Funchal.

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5 - Santana

Santana, short form for Santa Ana is a municipality along the northern coast of the island of Madeira, in Portuguese archipelago of the same name. The population in 2011 was 7,719, in an area of 95.56 square kilometres.

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6 - Surfing in Porto da Cruz, Madeira

Calhau Surf School was created in summer of 2010, making them the first surf school to operate on Madeira Island! Their extensive surfing experience means that they will teach you the best techniques and coach you to become an independent surfer in t...

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7 - Farmers' Market

The Mercado dos Lavradores is a fruit, vegetable, flower and fish market in Funchal, Madeira. The building was designed by Edmundo Tavares and opened on 24 November 1940.

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8 - Cristo Rei

   6 km away

The Christ the King statue also known as the Sacred Heart statue, is an Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ in Garajau, Madeira.

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9 - Scuba Diving in Madeira

   14 km away

Haliotis Madeira proposes a range of courses to help you become a PADI certified scuba diver, enabling you to dive autonomously anywhere in the world. The diving centre will take you to the best diving spots around Madeira Island that can be accessed...

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10 - Porto da Cruz

   6 km away

Porto da Cruz Portuguese pronunciation, is a civil parish in the municipality of Machico in the northeastern corner of Madeira. The population in 2011 was 2,597, in an area of 25.22 km².

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11 - Casas Típicas de Santana

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12 - 4x4 in Funchal

   19 km away

Enjoy the beauty of land and earth in Madeira Island. You will be able to travel on a 4x4 open roof car and enjoy the beauty of the marine life of the Island. The adventure will start in Funchal, from there you will be driven to Pico dos Barcelos. F...

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13 - Pico Ruivo

   12 km away

Pico Ruivo is the highest peak on the Madeira Island. It can be reached only by foot, usually either from Pico do Arieiro after a strenuous hike, or from Achada do Teixeira with a shorter, easier trail.

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14 - Santa Cruz

   14 km away

Santa Cruz is a municipality, a parish and a city in the eastern part of the island of Madeira. It is the second most populous municipality, behind Funchal. The population in 2011 was 43,005, in an area of 81.50 km².

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15 - Wildlife Experiences in Madeira

   17 km away

Join VMT Madeira on one of their awesome catamarans and explore the magnificent south coast of Madeira from Funchal looking for dolphins and whales! VMT Madeira invites you on their comfortable catamarans for a relaxing trip along the South...

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16 - Monte Palace Tropical Garden

   14 km away
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17 - Cabo Girão apžvalgos aikštelė

   20 km away
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18 - Ponta de São Lourenço

   22 km away

Ponta de São Lourenço is the easternmost point of the island of Madeira. It is inside the town of Caniçal and forms a part of the municipality of Machico. Its terrain are made up of rocks and herbaceous vegetation.

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19 - Levada das 25 Fontes

   23 km away

The Levada das 25 Fontes is a levada that is located in Rabaçal, Paul da Serra, Madeira, Portugal. It is one of the most visited levadas on the island. Access is possible via the road ER110 in Paul da Serra.

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20 - 25 Fontes Falls

   23 km away

The 25 Fontes is a group of waterfalls located in Rabaçal, Paul da Serra on Madeira Island. Access is possible via the Levada das 25 Fontes.

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21 - Farol da Ponta de São Lourenço

   23 km away

The Farol da Ponta de São Lourenço is a lighthouse located on the islet of São Lourenço, marking the extreme east of Madeira Island, Portugal. The lighthouse was built in 1870 on top of a small extinct volcano and has a focal point of 103 metres. It is the oldest lighthouse in Madeira.

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22 - Porto Moniz

   29 km away

Porto Moniz is a municipality in the northwest corner of the island of Madeira. It is located west of Santana and Machico, and northwest of Funchal. The population in 2011 was 2,711, in an area of 82.93 km². The municipality features a natural complex of lava pools that are popular with locals and tourists.

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23 - Ponta Do Pargo

   35 km away

The Farol da Ponta do Pargo is an active lighthouse located in Ponta do Pargo, Madeira, Portugal. The lighthouse was built in 1922 on top of Ponta Vigia, a rocky cliff escarpment and has a focal height of 312 metres.

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Pictures and Stories of Funchal from Influencers

8 pictures of Funchal from Martha Dominguez de Gouveia, Colin Watts, Markus Siemens and other travelers

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Why should you visit Funchal ?

Travel to Funchal if you like:

  ⛰️ Hill station     🏘️ Town     🏖️ Ocean     ⛰️ Highland  

How to visit Funchal ?

Why traveling to Funchal?

Funchal, the capital of Portugal's Madeira archipelago, is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Surrounded by lush green mountains and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean, the city offers picturesque scenery, a pleasant subtropical climate, and a vibrant local culture. Funchal's charming cobblestone streets, colorful markets, and impressive botanical gardens make it an ideal destination for both relaxation and adventure.

How to get there?

Funchal is easily accessible by air, with Madeira International Airport (FNC) located just 13 km east of the city. Direct flights are available from many major European cities, including London, Paris, and Lisbon. Upon arrival, visitors can take a taxi, rent a car, or use the airport bus service (Aerobus) to reach the city center. For a more scenic option, consider taking a ferry from the Portuguese mainland to Funchal's harbor.

What to book in advance?

To make the most of your visit to Funchal, it's recommended to book certain experiences in advance. Popular attractions that may require pre-booking include guided tours of the Madeira Botanical Garden, whale watching and dolphin spotting cruises, and Levada walks – the island's famous network of irrigation channels that double as scenic hiking trails. Additionally, consider reserving a table at top-rated local restaurants to secure a spot during peak hours.

What are the costs?

Funchal is a relatively affordable destination compared to other European cities. Accommodation prices range from budget-friendly hostels at around €20 per night to upscale hotels at €150 per night or more. Dining out can be inexpensive, with a meal at a modest restaurant costing around €10-15 per person. Entrance fees for attractions such as the Madeira Botanical Garden and the CR7 Museum (dedicated to footballer Cristiano Ronaldo) are typically around €5-10.

What are the best things to do?

Funchal offers a variety of activities to suit every traveler's taste. Highlights include exploring the vibrant Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers' Market), strolling through the stunning Madeira Botanical Garden, and visiting the historic Sé Cathedral. For more adventurous visitors, consider taking a Levada walk, going on a whale and dolphin watching tour, or trying the thrilling Toboggan ride – a traditional wicker sled ride down the steep streets of Monte.

Where to eat?

Funchal's culinary scene boasts delicious local dishes and fresh seafood. For an authentic Madeiran experience, visit Restaurante Santo António, which offers traditional dishes like espetada (skewered beef) and bolo do caco (Madeiran bread). For seafood lovers, O Barqueiro is a popular choice, serving fresh fish, octopus, and other ocean delights. Alternatively, Armazém do Sal offers a more upscale dining experience inside a former salt warehouse, with a menu featuring contemporary Portuguese and Madeiran cuisine.

Where to stay?

There are a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget in Funchal. For a budget-friendly option, consider staying at Phil's Haven Hostel or Sé Boutique Hotel. Those seeking mid-range accommodations may enjoy the comfort of Hotel Madeira or Hotel Orquídea. For a luxurious stay, consider the upscale Pestana CR7 Funchal, co-owned by Cristiano Ronaldo, or the elegant Belmond Reid's Palace.

Off the beaten path

For an unusual and unforgettable experience, visit the Cabo Girão Skywalk – one of the highest cliff skywalks in Europe. Located just 15 km west of Funchal, the glass-bottomed platform offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Funchal Bay, and the terraced hillsides below. For more adventurous travelers, try exploring the island's lesser-known Levada walks, where you can discover hidden waterfalls, tunnels, and secluded spots away from the usual tourist routes.

Learn More about Funchal

Funchal, capital of the Madeira archipelago

Founded in 1421, Funchal is the largest city in Madeira where 37% of the population lives

It was declared a city in the 16th century and became an important point between the old world and the new.
This relaxed city owes much of its historical importance to Madeira's "white gold": sugar.

Funchal is known for its pleasant climate, wine, and crafts

The workers' market, the Blandy cellars, and the Museum of Sacred Art are among the attractions not to be missed.

Friendly locals, walkable streets, and cheap cabs make it easy to explore this city.

Funchal : The island of Christiano Ronaldo

If you like soccer, the place not to be missed when visiting Funchal is the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum
One of the two best players in the world

Visiting the CR7 museum, you will discover photos from childhood to today of Cristiano Ronaldo
The trophies he has won, medals and balls from some of his matches.

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Funchal

How to get to the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, Funchal?

We recommend you to visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden by car or by taxi


By taking the cable car from the center of Funchal or on a half-day trip.

Why is Funchal city famous?

The city is famous because of its great cultural and historical value,

Funchal is one of the main tourist attractions in Portugal. 

It is a popular destination for New Year's Eve

 it is the first Portuguese port for cruise ships to dock.

   Where to Stay in Funchal

   More Travel spots to explore around Funchal

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Discover more travel spots to explore around Funchal

  🏘️ Town spots     🌊‍ Ocean spots     ⛰️ Highland spots     ⛰️ Hill station spots     🏰 Temple spots     🏖️ Coast spots     🌴 Tropics spots     🏘️ Cottage spots  

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Explore popular touristic places around Funchal

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