2025 Funchal Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

Funchal is located on a small island in Portugal, about a two-hour flight from Porto or Lisbon, but don't let that fool you into thinking there's nothing to do. This is one of the most adventurous islands I've ever visited. Be sure to rent a car so you can fully explore the island. From charming historical sites to breathtaking attractions. Enjoy local cuisine to the fullest, discovering delicious dishes that cater to any palate. Don't miss the opportunity to explore hidden gems scattered throughout the city, offering unique experiences. Visit traditional wineries and taste their exquisite products, experiencing the rich Madeira wine culture. Additional benefit: Compared to normal European prices, our Funchal trip feels very affordable.

#islands I recently spent a week on Madeira Island, and it was pure paradise! 🏝️ Located in the Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of Portugal, Madeira offers a blend of lush landscapes, stunning coastlines, and charming towns. 🌿🌊 I started my journey in Funchal, the island’s capital, where I explored the colorful Mercado dos Lavradores and tasted some local Madeira wine. 🍷 The cable car ride up to Monte offered breathtaking views of the city and ocean below. 🚡 One of the highlights was hiking the levada trails, which take you through lush forests, past waterfalls, and offer incredible views of the mountains. 🌄 Pico do Arieiro, standing at over 1,800 meters, was a must-visit for the sunrise – the clouds beneath your feet make it feel like you’re on top of the world! ☁️ Don't miss a visit to the natural swimming pools in Porto Moniz, where you can take a dip in crystal-clear waters surrounded by volcanic rocks. 🏊♂️ With so much natural beauty and friendly locals, Madeira is the perfect getaway for anyone looking to relax and explore. #trip #MadeiraIsland #NatureLover #HikingParadise #FunchalAdventures #IslandEscape

Embark on a mesmerizing journey to the sub-tropical archipelago of Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal. With two inhabited islands, Madeira and Porto Santo, as well as the unpopulated Desertas and Selvagens Islands, this destination offers a diverse range of landscapes and natural wonders to explore. Known for its mild climate year-round, Madeira has earned global recognition as the "Islands of eternal spring," the "Ilha Jardim" (Garden Island), and the "Pearl of the Atlantic." Indulge in the beauty of these islands, just a short flight away from mainland Portugal and easily accessible from major European countries.

Funchal is the capital of Madeira, Portugal, located off the west coast of North Africa in the eastern North Atlantic. Madeira is a volcanic island with a subtropical climate, beautiful scenery, towering peaks, and a mild climate, making it a popular vacation destination for Europeans. Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese world footballer of the year, also known as "C. Ronaldo," was born in Funchal. The urban architecture of Funchal has distinct Portuguese characteristics, free and passionate, with a strong emphasis on curved shapes in decoration, especially the use of soft lines and decorative themes, which pays great attention to the perfect integration of architectural painting, sculpture and interior environment. Fengsha'er is peaceful, relaxed, and safe. Visitors can listen to the sound of waves and feel the sea breeze on the Binhai Avenue. They can taste the delicious Fengsha'er wine in the unique bars. They can also wander around the yellow-styled Portuguese buildings and enjoy the beautiful time of harmony between humans and nature.

entrance 6€ go there by bus 29 (one way fare 1,95€) nice few over Funchal, garden it self is not really well looked after. also there are no explanation sign. so we were slightly disappointed therefore not an must seen place on Madeira. go rather in to the „real“ nature on the different hiking tours

Portugal highest point visited recently. It was Awsome mind blowing views. if you’re natures lover you would love it. #2023travelwish

#celebratewithtrip The departure station is at Almirante Reis park at the lower end of the old town in Avenida do Mars e das Charming Studios Teleferico, and is around 400 meters 5 minutes walk from Mercado Dos Lavradores. It is open daily from 0900-1745. The destination station is called Monte, situated near Monte Palace Tropical gardens. The inclined course which takes 15 to 25 minutes, is approximately 3200 meters long. Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte is the main church in the parish of Monte. You can walk peoples taking toboggan ride from the top. This is the best way to see Maderia's natural beauty as well as its geography and orography during this cable car trip.

#celebratewithtrip The CR7 museum is dedicated to Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo's trophies. The museum and the hotel share the same building and are located in Avenida Sa Carnerio N°27, 9004-518 Funchal, the birthplace of Ronaldo. It is open from Monday to Friday 1000-1700. The exhibition includes photographs and videos emblematic of the athletic's career and wax works of Ronaldo with pictorial backgrounds with which visitors can take photographs. The museum has all the youth and professional trophies won by Ronaldo at the club, like Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and the Portugal National Team. In front of the museum, there is a bronze statue of Cristiano Ronaldo, made by the Madeiran sculptor. So visitors can take photos anytime of the day.

Madeira great place to visit with nice weather and lots of places to hike around the mountain where you can take some cool photos

If you are into hiking, rain forests and a rich flora and fauna you will love the island of Madeira. The mild clima in winter makes it worth a visit all year round.

Despite not being a location that is well known for its history, the city of Funchal still has areas of interest with an historic feels. Exploring the eastern part of the city you can find plenty of that from its narrow streets and alleyways that make up the old town district to fortresses and churches, this part of the island may leave you surprised. Not to forget as with most of the island, the view is spectacular! #celebrateit #madeira #history

📍 Itinerary Overview 🚩 Sightseeing Route 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 🚇 Transportation 📷 Photo Spots 🍜 Local Cuisine 🏠 Accommodation 💡 Tips

On a sunny afternoon there’s very few better things to do than to sit and relax by the ocean with a drink in hand. Along many of the piers alongside Funchal’s harbour you have plenty of options to do so all whilst feeling like you are on the ocean and taking in the stunning views that this small city has to offer. The added bonus is that unlike many tourist hotspots the prices here are very reasonable #celebrateit #ocean #madeira

There are few cities anyway in Europe that pack as much parkland and green space into a small area than Funchal in Madeira. Around every corner in this compact city you’ll find a patch of grassland, beautiful sun tropical trees and possibly even a water feature. One of the best examples of this is the city’s municipal gardens which are conveniently located between the harbour and towns main shopping district. #celebrateit #gardens #madeira

Madeira’s Monte palace tropical gardens has been rightly voted as one of the most beautiful botanic gardens in the world and from the moment you step off the cable car and enter these gardens you will realise why. You could truly spend hours wandering around these incredible gardens as you discover a whole world of plants, flowers and trees all complimented by perfectly placed water features. Flora isn’t the only thing to see here the gardens also include an art gallery and museum and of course the flamingos. #celebrateit #gardens #madeira

Many areas across Europe that were built during the 1970s tourism boom, lost quite a lot of their original charm due to sudden influx of high rise buildings. The same can’t be said of Funchal on the island of Madeira, despite the usual hotel chains being found along the Main Street the area feels like it’s still part of its natural surroundings with views across to the cliffs on one side and the green mountains on the other #celebrateit #madeira

One of the common problems with cruise terminals is how far they often are from the city centre, that however isn’t the case with Funchal in Maderia. The modern facility allows passengers to disembark the boat and within a few minutes walk you can be in the heart of all the city’s attractions such as the Cristiano Ronaldo museum, the stunning church and it’s beautiful old town. #celebrateit #madeira #cruiseship

Madeira is full of fantastic spots to gain a perfect view of the ocean and its dramatic coastlines. To gain one of these panoramic views you don’t have to travel too far outside of its capital city. Heading east from the old town of Funchal will leave you with a short uphill walk up to one of the most spectacular viewing platforms to be found anywhere in Europe. There’s also a cafe and bar here for some refreshments to replenish you after your walk. #celebrateit

The island of Madeira and its capital Funchal despite having a stunning coastline aren’t well know for their beaches. However a few hundred meters from the city centre you can find yourself on the edge of the Atlantic where you can either take time to relax in the sunshine, hearing the crashing of waves or take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean which stays relatively warm all year round #celebrateit #beach #madeira #ocean

To the west of Madeira’s capital there has been rapid development since the tourist boom and the area is full of chain hotels. However take a trip to its east side and it’s a completely different stories. The old town still retains much of the charm that first brought visitors to the island with restaurants serving up local cuisine, historic buildings and fantastic views to be found along its cobble stoned streets. #celebrateit #oldtown #madeira

Standing just west of the capital, Funchal stands the coal pier a historical site from when coal powered ships would refuel to continue their journey’s across the Atlantic Ocean. The area has been recently transformed and stands not only a place for local fishers to gain their catch or for runner to pass by on their route but as a cultural centre complete with year round events. #celebrateit #madeira #ocean

Madeira’s most famous son is of course the footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and for that reason he is well celebrated across the island, none more so than the CR7 museum and hotel complex. Here you can see many moments from the icons career from one of his 5 balon d’or trophies in addition to learning the story of how he built his world famous careers starting on this tiny island. #celebrateit #CR7 #madeira #football

At the centre of the stunning Monte palace tropical gardens lies the palace itself. Converted into an estate by Englishman, Charles Murray during the 18th century the village was a way for wealthy inhabitants to escape the islands heat during the summer months and provides a stunning view across the whole southern coastline as well as the central mountains to the north. #celebrateit #palace #madeira

The oriental gardens at Madeira’s Monte palace tropical garden have to be amongst the most beautiful in the world. This tranquil escape feels relaxed and quite even on the busiest of days as you traverse down the walkways listening to the sounds of trickling water and birdsong. With waterfalls, exotic plants, statues and stepping stones and something hidden around every corner this truly is a place that you can spend hours exploring. #celebrateit #gardens #madeira

The aren’t many better ways to view the Madeira’s capital city than taking the cable car up to Monte, 500m above Funchal. During your journey you will receive unparalleled 360 degree views across the city and to the shinning Atlantic Ocean below. Once you reach the top you will be greeted by the beautiful palace tropical gardens and then have the choice of returning via cable car or taking the islands famous toboggan ride. #celebrateit #cablecar #madeira

Funchal’s old town located around Santa Maria street features a unique form of art that adorns the doors of its shops, restaurants and apartments. Along the street over 200 doors have been handed over to local artist who were given the mission to do something that invites people inside. What they created is a wonderful street full of colourful art, which travellers must visit when in the city #celebrateit #artstreet #madeira

Funchal may be a small city but there’s plenty to see and do in its compact centre. Some of the highlights here include taking a stroll along its promenade as the Atlantic waves crash in, witnessing the yachts in the harbour, exploring the enticing marketplace with all the sights, sounds and smells you would come to expect or walking along its beautiful streets to find a fine selection of shops, restaurants and museums. Funchal is well worth a visit #celebrateit #Citybreak #madeira

At the heart of Madeira’s capital city of Funchal just above its port you will find the small but diverse Santa Catarina park. The park is full of some the islands most beautiful flora, includes an ornate lake with fountains and a big meadows area to relax on those warm subtropical days. Best of all though is the view you get here, especially from its cafe where the whole city comes into view as well as the Atlantic oceans and the dramatic cliffs that makes this island famous. #celebrateit #madeira #views #park