Funchal on Madeira island is blessed with year round sunshine, many historical attractions and some great restaurants. From cool rooftop bars to beautiful botanical gardens and fascinating museums, there’s something for everyone. Here are the best things to do in Funchal, Madeira that you really shouldn’t miss.
Top Things to do in Funchal, Madeira
If you’re looking for a picturesque island getaway packed with adventure and fun activities, Funchal, Madeira is the place to be. With breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and lush mountainous landscapes, it’s no wonder why this beautiful destination has become one of Europe’s favorite holiday spots.
From sailing excursions and toboggan rides to wine tastings and renowned cultural events, there are plenty of unique things to do in Funchal that will leave you feeling satisfied yet still wanting more every time. So come along as we explore all of the great attractions and experiences awaiting visitors on this stunning island!
These Funchal attractions are listed alphabetically, to help you to find the ones best suited to your interests. The city of Funchal is very clean and safe.
It can get busy when the cruise ships are in port but if you head off the main streets then you can easily find uncrowded sights to enjoy.
The capital of Madeira, Funchal has a prime position overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The name Funchal comes from the word for fennel, funcho.
1. Funchal Cable Car
To get your bearings in Funchal, we highly recommend a trip on Funchal Cable car to Monte. The journey time to the top of Monte parish takes from 15-20 minutes and the cable cars seat a maximum of 7 people.
Along the way, there are great views of the sea and red tiled rooftops. You can buy tickets at the information centre on Caminho das Babosas or at Monte station. There’s a free exhibition on lace making that’s also worth a look.
- Opening times: 9.00-17.45, 364 days a year
- Return fares: Adults 16 €, child aged 7-12 years 8 €, child aged 0-6 years free
- Suitable for: all ages
- Restrooms available
- Refreshments: available at the kiosks a few minutes away
2. Funchal Cathedral
Sé Catedral was built in the 15th century and is located in the heart of Funchal Old Town on Rua do Aljube. The cathedral of Funchal has an orrnate ceiling carved from local cedar wood,
- Opening times: 07.30-12.00 and 16.00-19.00. Group visits: Daily from 09.00-11.00 and 16.00-17.30
Mass: 08.00, 08.30, 11.15 and 18.00 on weekdays. Sundays at 08.00, 09.00, 11.00, 17.00 and 18.15
3. Funchal Toboggan Ride
Perhaps the most iconic of all Funchal sights are the Monte toboggans. They have been in operation since the early 19th century and are handmade from wicker and wood.
After taking a seat in the wicker basket next to Nossa Senhora do Monte Church, you’ll be whisked 2 kilometres down the hill by two carreiros. These men are dressed in white and wear straw boater hats, using their rubber soled boots to brake.
The toboggan ride is surprisingly comfortable but it’s definitely exhilarating! The toboggan steerers guide the basket around the winding roads and past traffic intersections with expert skill.
It’s perfectly safe as there are fellow workers giving the all clear at each junction. When you reach the finishing point at Livramento, there’s a cafe and shop. Either take a bus down or a cab but make sure that their meter is switched on.
- Opening times:Monday to Saturday – 9.00-18.00, Sunday – 9.00-13.00 (prior reservation required). Closed on 1 January, 14 and 15 August, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and 25 December.
- Price: 25 € for 1 person, 30 € for 2 people and 45 € for 3 people. Children under 5 years old go free.
- Suitable for all ages, however the ride is quite bumpy.
- Restrooms available.
- Refreshments: at Livramento finishing point.
4. Funchal Marina
Funchal Marina is a perfect place for a stroll. There are several bars and luxurious restaurants along the water’s edge.
Located in the centre of Funchal, the marina opened 20 years ago and has space for 210 yachts, as well as fuel stations, water and electricity supplies and nautical shops. If you’re visiting the island in June, don’t miss the fireworks display here each Saturday night.
Part of the Atlantic Festival, the shows are free to watch and very impressive. A different fireworks team competes each week with the public voting on their favourite.
5. Sao Tiago Fortress
Painted a striking shade of ochre yellow, Sao Tiago Fortress is a cheerful sight. Located in the old town of Funchal, this landmark was built in 1614 to protect Funchal from pirates.
The fortress was used by the military until 1992 when the Regional Government of Madeira The Contemporary Art Museum is housed inside, together with a popular restaurant specializing in Madeiran food, Restaurante Do Forte.
- Opening times: Monday to Friday, 9.00-12.30, 14.00-17.30. Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays
- Restrooms available.
- Refreshments available.
6. Monte Palace Tropical Garden
Madeira is known for its stunning floral displays and we’d highly recommend a visit to Monte Palace Tropical Garden. Located at the top of Funchal Cable car, these beautiful gardens are a lovely excursion from Funchal.
One of the most interesting characteristics of the Monte Palace Tropical Garden is the existence of a large collection of tile panels placed along the walkways and amongst the vegetation. Acquired by José Berardo, under the specialist direction of Manuel Leitão, this collection is considered to be one of the most important in the country after that of the National Tile Museum.
Admire Hispano-Moorish tiles of the 15th and 16th centuries and panels produced in Portugal from the 19th to the 20th centuries.
Inside the garden there are some beautiful plant displays, spread over 70.000 square meters. A collection of over 1,000 African tribal sculptures, African Passion, is also well worth a look. The Mother Nature’s Secrets exhibition displays one of the best private collections of minerals.
Head down the shady pathways, admiring the traditional Hispano-Moorish tiles and you’ll come to Monte Palace. Dating from 1897, it was previously a hotel. There are great views of Funchal from here. The Japanese inspired section of the garden directly below the palace is a pleasure to behold.
- Opening times: 9.30-18.00 for the garden, 10.00-16.30 for the museum, every day except 25 December
- Price: 12.50 € for adults, free for children under 15 if accompanied by adults
- Entrance gates and ticket booths: Caminho das Babosas, 4A (Entrada Junto ao Teleférico), Caminho das Babosas, 4 (Entrada Norte)
Caminho do Monte, 174 (Entrada Este) – closed on weekends - Guided tours to the Museum: no extra charge but must be pre-booked and they are only available to groups
- Restrooms available
- Refreshments: a good coffee shop near entrance inside
- Shop on Caminho das Babosas
7. Madeira Casino
One of the best things to do in Funchal is to visit the casino. Casino da Madeira is a design classic, created by famous architect Oscar Niemeyer in 1970. Its distinctive shape is said to resemble a volcanic cauldron.
Located next to the Pestana Casino Park, it’s a fun place to go at night when the rooftop is lit up. There’s live music at Copacabana nightclub and dinner shows every Thursday at Bahia Restaurant.
- Opening times: Sunday to Thursday – 15.00-3.00, Friday, Saturday and holiday eves’ – 16.00-4.00. Closed – 24-25 December
- Suitable for: people aged over 18 years old. Those under 18 years old are allowed to access the Bahia Restaurant
- Restrooms available.
- Refreshments: Bahia Restaurant, Palm Bar and Rio Restaurant.
8. CR7 Museum
Perhaps the most famous person born in Funchal is Cristiano Ronaldo. He currently lives in Madrid but ut still has close links to the island.
The Museu CR7 opened in 2013 and tells the story of his rise to success. It houses all 126 individual and team trophies won by the football legend.
Next to the Cristiano Ronaldo museum, there’s the 4 star Pestana CR7 Hotel, with a rooftop bar, infinity pool and outdoor hot pool. Hotel guests get free access to the CR7 Museum, and there’s a restaurant open to non residents. A statue of Cristiano Ronaldo, created by Ricardo Velosa in 2014, can be found on the side of the building that faces the marina.
- Museum opening times: 10.00 – 18.00, Mondays to Saturdays. Closed on Sundays and 25 December
- Restrooms available.
- Refreshments available.
9. Funchal Lido
Popular with locals and tourists alike, Funchal Lido has a fantastic location overlooking the Mediterranean sea. The Lido holds the coveted Blue Flag badge symbolizing environmental quality.
There are several salt water outdoor pools, a solarium and plenty of lounging areas next to the rocks. Directly above the lido on Rua do Gorgulho there’s a cafe where you can get light meals and snacks.
- Opening times: daily from 8:30 to 20:00
- Price: Adult: 5.00€; Young: 1.80€; Children (0-10) – free.
- Restrooms available.
- Accessible to those with reduced mobility – wheelchairs available.
10. Design Centre Nini Andrade Silva
Housed inside the imposing Nossa Senhora da Conceicao fortress at the far end of Funchal Marina, the Design Centre Nini Andrade Silva is well worth a visit. The fort was once the home of Portugese explorer Joao Goncalves Zarco, who colonized Madeira in the 15th century.
Many of the attractions in Funchal are quite traditional so the modern designs on display here make an interesting contrast. The museum is the brainchild of Nina Andrade, who is a renowned Portugese designer.
The historic building showcases her work on hotels, universities and private residences as well as her furniture and jewellery pieces. There’s a stylish bar with indoor seating and an outdoor terrace with fantastic sea views, as well as a small shop.
The highlight is the restaurant, DC Atelier, located on the top floor. It specializes in seasonal produce and contemporary Atlantic cooking. The decor would not look out of place in Vogue magazine, with comfy sofas and superb sea views.
- Design Centre opening times: 10.00-23.00
- Restrooms available.
- Refreshments available.
11. Doca do Cavacas
One of the best hidden gems in Madeira, Doca do Cavacas is a natural rock pool where you can sunbathe and swim, with direct sea access. This secret Funchal spot is popular with locals and you can also walk through the tunnel to the nearby rocky Praia Formosa beach. It’s no wonder that Funchal is one of the best beach towns in Portugal.
The natural rock pools are extremely picturesque, though you’ll find them chilly for bathing out of season. There are changing rooms and a shower, as well as a little snack bar.
The pools are supervised by a life guard. Overlooking the pools and part of the same complex is one of the best seafood restaurants in Madeira.
- Opening times: 10.00 – 20.00, Monday to Sunday
- Restrooms available.
- Refreshments available.
12. Igreja do Socorro
If you walk all the way up the steep hill on Rua de Santa Maria, you’ll eventually come to Largo do Socorro and Igreja do Socorro. This attractive clifftop church on Socorro Square was rebuilt in 1750 after the original was destroyed in an earthquake.
Located in Socorro Square, this church is related with a pledge made by the people of Funchal to Saint James because of an outbreak of plague that occurred in the island in 1523.
Inside, there are traditional azulejos tiles, a painted ceiling and a gilded altar.
- Opening times: Monday to Saturday – 09.30-12.00 and 15.00-18.00, Sundays from 09.00-12.00
- Mass: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 18.00, Saturdays at 17.30 and Sundays at 10.00
13. Igreja de São João Evangelista
The Church of St. John the Evangelist is a striking combination of Baroque and Mannerist style, dating from the 1600s. There are several carved, gilded chapels, decorative azulejos tiles, frescoes and ceiling paintings.
Outside the church, you’ll see a black and white mosaic pavement in the shape of waves, that is traditional in Madeira. There’s also an unusual planter in a pair of jeans, highlighting the island’s efforts at ecological conservation.
14. Mercado dos Lavradores
The Farmers’ Market in Funchal is known as Mercado dos Lavradores. Located on Rua Latino Coelho 38, it is popular with locals and tourists alike. Designed by Edmundo Tavares, Funchal market opened in 1940.
As you enter the market there are two beautiful tiled wall murals by João Rodrigues. Inside, the market stalls are spread over 2 floors.
On the top there are herb and spice sellers as well as gifts whilst on the ground floor there are fruit, vegetables, fish and some casual eateries. Quite a few of the stall holders wear the red traditional Madeira cap.
- Opening times: Monday to Thursday – 8.00-19.00, Friday – 7.00-20.00, Saturday – 7.00-14.00, closed on Sundays and public holidays.
- Restrooms available.
- Lift to upper floor.
- Refreshments: several eateries inside and a tapas restaurant directly in front.
15. The Vine Hotel Rooftop Bar
One of the best hotels in Funchal, The Vine has a fantastic rooftop bar. Decorated in a contemporary style with a dipping pool and comfy bean bags, 360⁰Sky & Poolside Bar is a great place to savour a cocktail.
There’s also an al fresco rooftop restaurant which it’s advisable to book. Uva Restaurant & Wine Bar. On the ground floor, you’ll find Terra Lounge Restaurant where you can eat outdoors, surrounded by vines.
16. Rua de Santa Maria
One of the most Instagrammable Funchal attractions is along Rua de Santa Maria. Known as the Painted Doors area, it features many colourful building entrances.
Thanks to the Open Doors Art Project, local artists have transformed Rua de Santa Maria and the surrounding alleys with colorful designs. From Madeiran folk scenes to contemporary murals, there is much to admire. You’ll find many restaurants and gift shops along the street too.
Opening times: all day for the doors. Restaurants and shops from lunchtime to late evening.
17. Madeira Wine Museum
Portugal, in particular the Douro Valley wine region and the island of Madeira are famous for their distinctive fortified wine. Production of wine on Madeira dates back to the 15th century.
Blandy’s Wine Lodge is one of the best known port producers and Blandy’s Wine Lodge on Aveniga Arriaga 28 boasts the oldest wine cellars in Madeira. They date from the 17th and 18th centuries. There’s an interesting collection of vintage wines, machinery and other objects relating to winemaking.
- Opening times: Monday – Friday: 10am – 6.30pm ; Saturday: 10am – 1pm, closed on Sunday and public holidays.
- Price: Free.
- Restrooms available.
18. Madeira Botanical Gardens
Not to be confused with Monte Palace Tropical Gardens, Madeira Botanical Gardens are located on the Bom Sucesso Estate. This estate formerly belonged to William Reid, the founder of Reid’s Palace.
Spread over 80,000 m², these beautiful botanical gardens have panoramic views of Funchal and the coast. There’s an interesting Museum of Natural History as well as a huge collection of plants.
You can reach Madeira Botanical Garden by taking the cable car from Campo de Almirante Reis station to Monte, then the Botanical Garden Cable Car from Monte to Quinta do Bom Sucesso station.
- Opening times: 09.00-18.00 (last admission at 17.30).
- Closed on 25 December.
- Restrooms available.
19. Day Trip from Funchal
It’s easy to reach the rest of Madeira from Funchal, thanks to the modern roads and relatively compact nature of the island. Here are 3 of the best day trips from Funchal:
- Full day Madeira wine tasting tour – incuding lunch, hotel pick up and drop off and wineries tour.
- Private half day garden tour – see the Botanical Garden and Monte Palace Garden in a private vehicle with an expert guide.
- Private sidecar tour of Funchal – explore Funchal Old Town, the Garajau Marine Nature Reserve and the Christ the King statue on a fun tour by sidecar.
- Cabo Girao – glass viewing platform.
- Dolphin and whale watching.
- Levada walks.
- Porto Moniz – lava pools.
- Santana – traditional Madeiran houses.
- Valley of the Nuns.
20. Funchal Restaurants
There are some fantastic restaurants in Funchal. Here are a few that we have personally tried and would recommend:
- Amazem do Sal – one of the best restaurants in Funchal, located in a former salt cellar.
- Beef and Wines – try the unlimited picanha beef, sliced at your table.
- DC Atelier – modern Atlantic cooking in a historic fortress.
- Jaquet – great seafood in a hole in the wall restaurant on Rua de Santa Maria.
- O Calhau – Mediterranean dishes and a pleasant outdoor terrace in Funchal Old Town.
- Restaurante Dos Combatentes – traditional Madeiran cooking.
- Restaurante Riso, Risottoria Del Mundo – risotto with a fantastic view of the Atlantic.
21. Santa Catarina Park
For some of the best views over Funchal harbour and the CR7 Museum, head to Santa Catarina Park. It’s quite a small garden so not worth making a detour for, but a nice cut through if you’re walking from Funchal town center back to the Casino Park hotel.
There’s a small cafe, toilets and a bronze statue of Christopher Columbus. The famous navigator passed through Madeira on three separate occasions during his expeditions to the Americas.
How to Get to Funchal
Funchal Airport, officially named Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport (FNC) is located just 22 kilometres from Funchal centre. The journey time takes around 25 minutes by rental car or taxi.
Where to Stay in Funchal
There are some great places to stay in Funchal, from classic hotels to contemporary design properties. Here are four of our favorite Funchal hotels:
- Hotel Alto Lido is a stylish hotel near the lido area. It’s just been renovated and has a chic reception and bar area.The imitation log furniture in the bar is very lifelike! There’s also a lovely pool with a large terrace and day beds for serious sunbathing. Staff are extremely friendly and helpful.
- Belmond Reid’s Palace is renowned for its sea views and afternoon tea. Winston Churchill wrote his memoirs here.
- The Pestana Casino Park has the famous Madeira Casino within its grounds.
- The Vine Hotel is conveniently located in Funchal city centre and has a stylish rooftop bar.
There are many more fun things to do in Madeira so try to make time to explore the rest of the island.
Practical Information for Visiting Funchal
- Currency in Funchal – Euro
- Electricity – Voltage is 220V. It’s advisable to bring an adaptor
- Health – no vaccines are required
- Weather in Funchal – temperatures range from around 73°F (23°C) in August to 61°F (16°C) in January
- Language in Funchal – Portugese. English is widely spoken
- Tipping – a service charge isn’t normally added, although it’s usual to tip 10%
Final Thoughts on Funchal Attractions
Funchal is a city with a rich history and culture, as well as plenty of activities to keep visitors of all ages entertained. From exploring the Old Town to tasting the local wines, there is something for everyone in Funchal.
We hope you enjoyed reading about all the fun things to do in this beautiful city and encourage you to check out our other travel articles.
Read all our Portugal travel articles here.
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