Funchal

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Top attractions in Funchal

7 things to do in Funchal

Historically an important port city in Portugal, Funchal is one of the largest cities in the country. Visitors will delight in the fact that Christopher Columbus himself, was one of the early settlers in Funchal. Take a tip from the explorers of years past, and discover Funchal today!

Cathedral of Funchal

Inside the Gothic cathedral of Funchal you'll find a statue of Pope John Paul II. The cathedral, built in the fifteenth century, is a remarkable piece of Funchal history. Metalwork of Portugal is renowned and the silver processional cross in the cathedral is a premier example.

Pico do Arieiro

For the best views of Funchal take a day trip to Pico do Arieiro. The drive up is tree-lined and picturesque, even on cloudy days. We recommend going early in the day to beat the tourist traffic.

Jardim Botânico

A sampling of local flora and fauna like you won't see anywhere else. Experience the region's cactus, grasses, and flowers at the Jardim Botanico. The perfect post lunch afternoon activity, the garden is great for families and children as well.

Teleférico do Funchal

The botanical garden runs a cable car system, Teleférico do Funchal, that let's you enjoy panoramic views of the vast landscape beneath your toes.

Convento de Santa Clara

The beautiful Convento de Santa Clara is a church full of soothing charm. Visitors are requested to speak quietly as they admire the three chapels: one for the nuns, one for the novices and one for the people.

Old Town

The Old Town of Funchal is a fun neighborhood to hang out in. You'll find nightlife and crowds bustling at night, just along the cable car lines. It is a vibrant quarter that is fun to stroll around no matter the time of day.

Monte Toboggan Run

Don't worry, you won't be on your stomach as you toboggan down to Funchal from Monte; instead you'll find yourself in a wicker chair that glides smoothly. The entire ride is just ten minutes long and you reach speeds up to 48 kilometers/hour!

Planning Your Funchal Visit

How to be safe in Funchal

Funchal is known to be a relatively safe city. However, in some areas near the cable car lines, Old Town, and especially in crowded evening spots it's important to take precautions against pickpockets.

Where to Eat in Funchal?

Don't miss the local fare in Funchal. Sample Portuguese and Madeiran cuisine while you visit Funchal. Top hits include espada com banana, a typical dish served at most restaurants, stars scabbard fish with banana, accessorized often by potatoes and salad. A less adventurous local dish we recommend is bacalhaus com natas, which is cod in cream sauce.

How to Get Around Funchal

You'll be pleased to learn that the city center of Funchal is quite walkable. If you want to venture further, we advise hopping on a local bus. Fares are quite reasonable and a round trip ticket is under five euros.

Good to know

Language
Portuguese
Currency
Euro (€)
Time Zone
UTC (+01:00)
Country Code
+351
Best time to visit
Funchal is a good choice for a vacation any time of the year as it never gets too cool. However, the summer months are the warmest and most humid. March through December is considered to be most pleasant.

Things to Do in Funchal

Top Attractions in Funchal

Cities in Portugal

Other Sightseeing Options in Funchal

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What people are saying about Funchal

Very nice way to visit amd learn about Madeira

Visiting the northern part of the island is like visiting the engine of Madeira. The agricultural terraces, the mountains, the levada and the forest that provide the food and water for Madeirans. We also went to Porto Moniz, it is worth the trip good day or bad day. Our guide made our day pleasant even though when we got to the top of the mountain it was too cloudy to see the view. In Porto Moniz we could not swim the waves were too high; but what a spectacle. The kids (7 and 10) like Porto Moniz and riding in the jeep with the open roof and also the walk along the levada. Thank you to our guide Hugo.

From Funchal: Enchanted Terraces and Porto do Moniz Tour Reviewed by a GetYourGuide customer, 07/03/2019

An excellent, interesting trip. Would definitely recommend.

The places visited were interesting, George's commentary was informative and his driving excellent. A very good day out.

Tour of Eastern Madeira Reviewed by a GetYourGuide customer, 14/02/2019

Very informative and a learnt a lot of history of the Madeira

Highly recommended. The guide was very knowledgeable and made the guided walk very interesting. I was sorry when it finished. There is a possibility to buy a beautiful book with the history of Funchal, a Fado CG and postcards that can be posted to your home country free of charge!

Funchal Essential Tour: History and Culture Reviewed by Maria, 12/02/2019

This trip was amazing. Tour guide was great.

Our guide was amazing. At the end of our tour I discovered my wallet was missing. He did everything to help and took us to police station. After he insisted we join him for lunch. So helpful because in the end we figured it was stolen when we where up on the glass top with large crowds of people. Thanks again for your help.

Madeira: Cliffs and Valleys Open Roof 4x4 Tour from Funchal Reviewed by Nancy, 12/02/2019

I was not expecting much more than a boat trip but...

...instead saw 3 separate pods of fin whales plus a whole load of dolphins. The crew on the boat were great - clearly knew their stuff and were keen to share their knowledge and experience; they seemed genuinely excited when whales were spotted! It was a bit windy when we went out which did result in wet legs as we were sat by the trampoline nets at the front - the odd wave caught us out! It is worth noting that outside seating (with the best view) is deck cushions: if you are considering this trip and have any balance / mobility issues, you have been warned... Plenty of photo opportunities - even if only for a reverse view of the bay and coastline - but don't forget to look at things with your actual eyes (rather than through a camera) and remember that everyone else on the boat is trying to get the 'perfect shot' as well. We did not use the other facilities on the boat (e.g. bar, WC) but they were there for those who wanted / needed them. All in all - a great way to spend 3 hours!

Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching by Luxury Catamaran Reviewed by a GetYourGuide customer, 11/02/2019