Things To Do
in Funchal
Funchal is the sun-soaked capital of Madeira, a Portuguese island in the North Atlantic known for dramatic cliffs, lush gardens, and a lively harbor. The city blends historic old town charm, modern promenades and a thriving food scene centered on fresh seafood and local produce. Funchal is a gateway to levada walks, mountain peaks and coastal viewpoints that reward hikers and photographers alike.
Mild year-round weather and friendly locals make it an accessible destination for day trips, active adventures and relaxed island life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Funchal and check into your accommodation, soaking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. After settling in, take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade, admiring the local architecture and the harbor. Enjoy a refreshing pastel de nata at a nearby café to kick off your adventure.
Visit the bustling Mercado dos Lavradores, where you can sample local fruits, vegetables, and traditional Madeiran delicacies. Explore the vibrant stalls filled with fresh fish and flowers, and perhaps pick up some artisanal souvenirs. Don't forget to chat with the friendly vendors to learn more about their products.
Dine at a local restaurant, enjoying traditional Madeiran dishes like espetada (beef skewers) while savoring a glass of the region's famous wine. After dinner, take a stroll through Funchal's charming streets, where you can soak in the atmosphere of the city at night. Consider visiting a local bar for a nightcap and to experience the lively local music scene.
Take a guided walking tour of the old town, learning about Funchal's rich history and culture as you visit key historical landmarks. Stop by the famous painted doors of Rua de Santa Maria, where you can see local artists' work on display. Make sure to take plenty of photos to capture the vibrant spirit of the area.
Head to the CR7 Museum, dedicated to the life and career of soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who hails from Funchal. The museum showcases trophies, memorabilia, and interactive displays that bring his story to life. Afterward, enjoy a light lunch at a nearby terrace café with views of the sea.
As the sun sets, take a funicular ride up to Monte for breathtaking panoramic views over the city. Once at the top, explore the beautiful Jardim Tropical Monte Palace, filled with exotic plants and tranquil paths. To cap off your evening, consider taking a ride down the iconic toboggan, an exhilarating experience unique to Madeira.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $1.50-3 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (0.5L) | $2-3 |
| 🚕Taxi start (standard) | $3-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Mild year-round climate and spectacular natural scenery
- Unique local cuisine and strong cultural identity
- Excellent hiking (levadas) and outdoor activity options
- Safe, walkable historic centre with friendly locals
- Steep, cobbled streets can be challenging for mobility-impaired visitors
- Limited public transport in some rural areas — a car is helpful
- Island prices for some imported goods and peak-season crowds
- Weather can vary quickly in the mountains compared with the coast
- "Olá / Bom dia / Boa tarde" - Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon
- "Obrigado (male) / Obrigada (female)" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "A conta, por favor" - The bill, please
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica ...?" - Where is ...?
- "Desculpe / Com licença" - Excuse me / Sorry
Places to Visit in Funchal
Visit one of these nice places.
Glass-floored viewpoint on one of Europe's highest sea cliffs with sweeping ocean and terrace field views — best at sunrise or late afternoon.
An accessible viewpoint offering panoramic shots over Funchal bay and the city spread below — great for golden-hour photography.
Lush exotic gardens, azulejo tiles and sweeping vistas of the city; also great for macro and botanical photography.
Colorful street art and narrow alleys in the old town perfect for vibrant street photography and portraits.
Rugged eastern peninsula with dramatic coastal cliffs and contrasty seascapes — ideal for wide-angle and landscape shots.
Waterways, tunnels and waterfalls framed by laurel forest produce atmospheric nature and long-exposure waterfall shots.
Boats, reflections and evening lights offer good composition options; visit at sunset for warm tones and activity shots.
Food in Funchal
Funchal Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Marinated beef skewers traditionally cooked over wood chips — widely available at local churrascarias and village restaurants.
Must-Try!
A round flatbread cooked on a basalt stone, often served with garlic butter and ideal as a snack or accompaniment; try it at bakeries and markets.
A Madeiran classic: deep-sea scabbardfish paired with fried banana. Served in many mid-range and upscale seafood restaurants in Funchal.
Grilled limpets served with garlic-butter or lemon — a seaside treat commonly found in fish villages like Câmara de Lobos.
A strong traditional drink made from sugarcane aguardente, honey and lemon; go to local bars or small taverns to sample authentic poncha.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Funchal's central market with stalls selling exotic fruits, fresh fish, flowers and local snacks — great for photography and tasting local produce.
Old Town lanes host small bars and food stalls where you can try espetadas, pastelaria items and tapas-style plates late into the evening.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Shake hands for introductions; say 'Olá' or 'Bom dia/Boa tarde' and use 'obrigado' (men) or 'obrigada' (women) frequently.
Dress smart-casual for restaurants; be respectful in religious sites (cover shoulders/knees). Keep noise levels down in residential areas, especially at night.
Meals are social and can be leisurely; waitstaff do not expect immediate turnover. Tipping modestly is customary for good service.
Stick to marked trails on levada walks, don’t litter and respect local flora — Madeira is proud of its UNESCO laurel forest heritage.
Safety
Tipping in Funchal
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; in restaurants round up or leave 5–10% for good service. Small change for cafe service and rounding taxis is common; larger tips reserved for exceptional service or guided tours.
Euro is used. Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and hotels, but smaller vendors and some market stalls may prefer cash. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming gardens and the famous Flower Festival (usually in April/May) — ideal for outdoor activities and photography.
Warm, dry and sunny with temperatures often in the low to mid-20s°C (70s°F); busiest tourist months, great for coastal activities and boat trips.
Still mild with occasional rain; shoulder-season crowds make it pleasant for hiking and exploring with fewer tourists.
Mild winters (rarely freezing) with more rain and stronger winds on exposed coasts; good for whale watching and lower-season rates but pack a waterproof layer.
Funchal at Night
Hiking in Funchal
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
One of Madeira’s most famous levada walks leading to a series of waterfalls and pools in a lush, shaded valley — moderate difficulty with potential for slippery sections.
Coastal ridge hike on the eastern tip with dramatic, arid cliffs and sweeping ocean views — exposed and windy but spectacular for sunrise or sunset.
Challenging high-altitude traverse between Madeira’s two highest peaks with dramatic ridgelines and panoramic vistas; suitable for experienced hikers and variable weather.
A scenic levada through laurel forest leading to a misty waterfall and deep green amphitheater — photogenic and tranquil.
Coastal and cliffside trails offering varied scenery from rugged cliffs to small villages, accessible as half-day hikes from Funchal.
Airports
How to reach Funchal by plane.
Main airport serving Funchal with domestic and international flights; 20–30 minutes by taxi to central Funchal depending on traffic. Transfers available by Aerobus, taxi and car hire.
Small airport on nearby Porto Santo island; accessible via a short flight or frequent ferry from Madeira — popular for visitors combining Porto Santo’s sandy beaches with Madeira’s scenery.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Local Portuguese inhabitants with a distinct Madeiran identity and traditions, often bilingual in mainland Portuguese and local dialectal expressions.
Madeira is a popular retirement destination for Europeans (notably British and German), visible in some residential pockets and services tailored to older residents.
Seasonal international visitors and a growing expat community contribute to a multicultural atmosphere, especially in Funchal’s hospitality and services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The island is passionate about football with local clubs like C.S. Marítimo and C.D. Nacional competing nationally; matches are a major local pastime.
Surf spots on the northern and eastern coasts attract surfers when swells are up; conditions vary, so local surf schools guide beginners.
Given the island’s terrain, trail running and competitive mountain events are popular among locals and visitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Funchal.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but less abundant than seafood choices — many restaurants will adapt dishes, salads and grilled vegetable plates; ask for 'vegetariano'. Markets and bakeries offer good snacks.
Vegan choices are growing in Funchal (salads, vegetable stews, vegan burgers) but may require advance research; larger restaurants and some cafés list vegan options.
Gluten-free requests are usually accommodated in restaurants, but cross-contamination can occur — bring essentials if you have celiac disease and communicate needs in Portuguese where possible.
Seafood is central to the cuisine; always inform staff of shellfish/seafood allergies, and consider choosing meat/vegetable-based dishes or international restaurants.