Hello again and welcome back to my blog! Today I will be sharing with you 15 amazing things to do in Funchal, Madeira!
Funchal is the capital of Madeira, a Portuguese island located in the Atlantic Ocean. This small but charming city has many things to offer, from historical landmarks Sao Lourenço Palace to thrilling adventures such as the Monte Wicker Basket Sledges (Carreiros do Monte) and of course, delicious cuisine.
If you’re planning a trip to Madeira, no matter the length, make sure to spend at least a day in Funchal. The city’s streets and ambiance will charm you. From the historic Old Town to the more modern Marina, Funchal offers a unique blend of old and new that will not leave you indifferent.
Throughout this blog, I will be sharing with you 15 amazing things to do in Funchal, including must-see landmarks and some particular favorites of mine. From exploring the pretty botanical gardens to tasting Madeiran delicacies, this guide will help you have an unforgettable time in Funchal. Are you ready? Let’s start planning your visit to this city!
funchal, interesting facts
Here are some interesting facts about Funchal.
- Funchal was founded in 1424 by the Portuguese sailor Joao Gonçalves Zarco, who was the first European to discover the island of Madeira. You will find several statues and references to him in the city.
- Did you know that the name “Fuchal” comes from the Portuguese word “funcho”? This word translates into English as fennel. The city was given this name because the area used to be covered with this aromatic plant.
- Another interesting fact about Funchal it’s that is famous for its New Year’s Eve fireworks celebrations that include over 3000 fireworks! They are so big that they have been included in the Guinness World Records! It is one of Funchal’s most important events of the year.
amazing things to do and see in funchal
Before I start with the list of best things to do and see in Funchal, I just want to clarify that these are in no particular order. Make sure to check all of them out and decide which ones interest you more and include them in your itinerary. If you want to do all of the things listed here, you will have to spend more than a day in Funchal.
At the endo of this blog, you will find an interactive map with the locations of all the places that I will talk about to help you better organize your visit.
1. Go for a walk along Funchal's Waterfront
Like almost every coastal city, Funchal has a nice waterfront walk where you can go for a stroll and relax. Along it, you will be able to see the different boats and yachts docked in the Marina. Here you can book as well an activity to go watch whales and dolphins.
It is the perfect place to start or end your visit to Funchal. You can go for a walk with the sea breeze on your face, sit at one of the many cafés and have a drink while you look at the sea, or just take a photo with the Madeira sign that you will find there.
2. Visit Sao Lourenço Palace
Another thing to add to your Funchal itinerary is the Sao Lourenço Palace. This palace was built in the 16th century as a fortress that would protect the city of Funchal from pirate attacks. These days it serves as the residence of the Representative of the Portuguese Republic in Madeira.
Inside the palace, there is a military exhibition that you can visit for free. Opening hours are available at this site.
3. Visit Funchal Cathedral - Sé Catedral de Nossa Senhora do Assunçao
Funchal Cathedral or Sé Catedral de Nossa Senhora do Assunçao in Portuguese is located in the center of Funchal, not far from Sao Lourenço Palace.
The cathedral offers both features of the Manueline and Gothic styles. The façade has a Gothic arch that is made with stones from Cabo Girao.
Practical information: The entrance to the cathedral is free and it is open daily from 7 am to 6:30 pm. During the weekends it is closed between noon and 4 pm.
4. Discover the painted doors of Rua da Santa Maria
Rua da Santa Maria is one of the most colorful streets in Funchal. Located in the old town (Zona Velha in Portuguese), this charming cobbled street leading to the church of Santa Maria Maior, has become in recent years a popular spot for tourists visiting Funchal due to its painted doors.
In 2014, the local council launched a project called the “Art of Open Doors” and invited local artists to work on the street’s door and created an open-air art space. The project was a total success.
If you have some extra time around Funchal, make sure to wander through the street and find you’re favourite door.
5. Taste delicious fruit at the Farmer's Market - Mercado dos Lavradores
Mercado dos Lavradores is mostly a flower and fruit market in the center of Funchal. It is a very popular place in Funchal and a must-do in your itinerary in the city.
As soon as you enter the market you will be greeted by an explosion of colors, smells, and fruits! Here you will be able to taste all the exotic fruits from the island and, if you’re tempted buy some of them. Just be warned that this is a very touristy place and the prices are quite high.
Practical information: The market is open daily except sundays.
6. Learn about Madeira Wine at Blandy's
Madeira is famous for its fortified wine (similar to Porto wine) so another interesting activity that you can do in Funchal is to visit Blandy’s Wine Lodge.
Here, you will learn all about the process of creating fortified wine and the different types of grapes used for its production. We did a 45-minute tour and it was a very interesting visit. And the best thing is that it ended with some delicious wine tasting!
This was actually one of my favorite activities we did in Funchal. We liked the wine so much that we even decided to buy a couple of bottles to bring back home for us and our friends.
Practical information: The are different tours you can do of the winery. Check their website to see all the different options, timings, and prices.
7. See Funchal from above from the cable car to Monte
Taking the cable car from Funchal to Monte is another must-do activity that will offer you an aerial view of Funchal. The cable car offers a 15-minute ride that allows you to see the city’s landmarks from above and takes you to an altitude of 580 meters. From the top, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of Funchal and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean.
I recommend you only take a one-way ticket on the cable car. Your return to Funchal will be in another kind of transportation that will be quite fun.
Practical information: Information about timetables and ticket prices is available on the website madeiracablecar.com.
8. Visit Our Lady of Monte Church (Nossa Senhora do Monte)
Our Lady of Monte is a little 18th-century church located just a few steps away from the exit of the cable car. It houses the tomb of Charles I of Austria, the last emperor of the Habsburg dynasty who spent his last days in exile in Madeira until his death in 1922.
9. Explore Monte Palace Tropical Garden
Monte Palace Tropica Garden is the garden of Quinta Monte Palace, a little mansion with a pond and a waterfall, located in the hills above Funchal. It has a unique collection of exotic plants and trees from all over the world. The garden is divided into different sections, each with its own theme and atmosphere, from Japanese-style gardens to tropical rainforests.
While you explore the garden, you’ll discover several hidden gems such as a fascinating collection of African sculptures and a small museum with a collection of minerals and fossils around the world.
If you can only visit one botanical garden during your visit to Funchal, it definitely has to be Monte Palece Tropical Garden. It is one of the most beautiful and relaxing places to visit in Funchal. On top of it, you will be rewarded with stunning views of Funchal.
Practical information: Visit the website Montepalace.com to check opening hours and ticket prices.
10. Visit Madeira Botanical Garden (Jardim Botanico)
Yes, there is a second Botanical Garden to visit in Funchal and it is also located in Monte at Quinta do Bom Sucesso. This garden was established in 1881 by the Reid family but it is now open to the public. The Madeira Botanical Garden is home to more than 2000 exotic plants from all over the world. Some of these species are even endangered species in their places of origin.
Practical information: Opening hours and ticket prices are available on this website.
11. Ride the Wicker Toboggan back to Funchal
Once you are done visiting Monte, it is time to get back to Funchal and you will do so in a very particular way. Let’s ride the Wicker Toboggan of Monte! The toboggans are traditional sleds made of wicker that are pushed and steered down the steep hills of Monte by two carreiros, or drivers.
This is quite a fun activity to do and a must-do on your visit to Funchal. You will glide down through the streets while the drivers steer the sled to turn around the corners.
Practical information: The ride takes approximately 10 minutes and it is a fun and unique experience to do. However, you should know that it does not finish at the center of Funchal but rather halfway between Funchal and Monte. After the ride, you will have to either take a taxi back to Funchal or walk 15 minutes downhill until you reach Funchal. You can find information about prices and opening hours at the website carreirosdomonte.com.
12. Visit the Jesuit College of Funchal
The Jesuits’ College of Funchal is one of the most emblematic buildings in the city. It was founded during the 16th Century and the building now hosts the University of Funchal.
The college interior can be visited and it is also possible to go up to its tower for a small price.
13. Admire the façade of the Funchal City Hall
Right next to the Jesuit College, in the same square, you can find the Funchal City Hall. This building is the perfect example of the 18th Century architecture.
The façade of the City Hall has an impressive doorway carved in grey stone. The arch leads to an interior beautiful courtyard where you can find a marble statue of “Leda and the Swan”.
14. Visit the CR7 Museum
If you like football, why not visit the museum dedicated to Madeira’s most famous football player? The Cristiano Ronaldo, CR7 Museum is mainly about his achievements. Inside you will find trophies, medals, and statues of Madeira’s most famous citizen.
Practical information: The museum is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm. Entrance ticket is 5 euros.
15. Visit the statue of Sissi Empress of Austria
To complete your visit to Funchal, you can visit the statue of Sissi, Empress of Austria. Sissi spent part of her life in Madeira due to health issues.
mAP WITH ALL LOCATIONS FROM THIS BLOG
And that’s it for my blog about 15 amazing things to do in Funchal. Thank you for reading and I hope you liked it and found it useful.
Do you have any questions? Let me know in the comments section below and I will be more than happy to answer it!
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