Funchal, the capital of the island of Madeira, is a beautiful jewel of Portugal. Sprawling on sunny slopes overlooking the Atlantic, with picturesque landscapes, exotic vegetation, and a mild climate, the city attracts holiday-weary tourists from around the world.
The old town is full of historic buildings. The 16th-century Sé Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece, is worth visiting. Nearby is the Mercado dos Lavradores market, where you can buy fresh fruit, vegetables, and flowers, as well as traditional handicrafts.
Funchal is also known for its gardens and parks, such as the Jardim Botânico, with its rich collection of plants from around the world, and the Palheiro Gardens, which delight with the diversity and color of their flora. Monte Palace Tropical Garden is also a must-see. Wineries like Blandy’s Wine Lodge offer visitors a fascinating journey through ancient cellars. Finally, sample the local wine.
Location
Funchal is the largest city in Madeira and its capital. The autonomous region of the Madeira Islands of Portugal in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Madeira Botanical Garden
The Madeira Botanical Garden is situated on terraces overlooking the banks of the João Gomes River in Funchal. The garden displays plant species from Madeira and around the world.
In an elegant white house with green shutters, a small museum is housed. The museum houses botanical, geological, and zoological exhibits housed in antique volcanic wood furniture. The garden is situated on a steep slope, offering magnificent views of the Bay of Funchal.
Monte Palace Tropical Garden
Monte Palace Tropical Garden is a beautiful garden with numerous references to Japanese gardens and its paradisiacal vegetation, making it one of the most recommended places to visit in Madeira.
This 70,000 m² garden is home to an impressive collection of exotic plants from all over the world, as well as a variety of wildlife, a museum, and an impressive collection of works of art.
Teleféricos do Funchal (Funchal Cable Cars)
Enjoy breathtaking views of Funchal from the comfort of the Funchal Cable Car. See the island’s capital from above, just a few meters above the ground.
This is exactly the kind of experience tourists can get by riding the Funchal Cable Car. Marvelous monuments and the ocean seen from above sounds amazing!
CR7 Museum
The CR7 Museum in Funchal is a must-see for any football fan and the world-famous Cristiano Ronaldo. The museum showcases Ronaldo’s incredible career, including trophies, memorabilia, and personal items, including his five Ballon d’Or awards and the Golden Boot.
For Ronaldo fans, it’s the perfect place to learn more about the football star’s journey from a boy in Madeira to a global football star. Adjacent to the museum is the Pestana CR7 Hotel, where fans can immerse themselves even further in Ronaldo’s world.
Funchal Cathedral
The Cathedral of Funchal which has been designated a National Monument since 1910, is the most important religious structure in the Madeira archipelago and the most visited monument in Funchal.
This historic church isn’t just a place of worship; it’s a stunning piece of art and history located right in the heart of island. The blend of Gothic and Manueline architectural styles is evident in the pointed arches, delicate stone carvings, and ornate windows that allow natural light to flood the interior.
Blandy’s Wine Lodge
Blandy’s Wine Museum showcases the production of Madeira wines with displays of old wine barrels, winemaking tools, and letters from famous figures such as Winston Churchill.
The Madeira Wine Company owns some of the most important brands in the wine trade, including Blandy’s Madeira, Cossart Gordon, Miles Madeira, and its still wine brand Atlantis. The company is owned by the Blandy family, a family with over 210 years of experience in fine winemaking.
Zona Velha
The Old Town (Zona Velha) in Funchal, is a picturesque setting of narrow cobblestone streets lined by aged buildings (starting from the 15th century).
As the streets of this area have undergone artistic intervention by both local and foreign artists (the “Open Doors Art” Project), representing one of the guys of the city’s urban art and culture. One can experience the real typical surroundings and local life of the city… taking you back in time.
Pico do Barcelos viewpoint
Pico dos Barcelos is an iconic viewpoint offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Atlantic Ocean. The beautiful, lush nature and vibrant hues of Funchal’s colorful buildings and the sparkling blue sea create a breathtaking backdrop, making it a favorite destination for both tourists and locals.
The viewpoint is open daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical moments, as the sky transforms into a riot of color.
Forte de São Tiago (Fort of Saint James)
Built in the 17th century to protect the city from pirate attacks, Fort São Tiago is classified as a Regional Monument. This historic fortification in the Old Town (Zona Velha) dates from 1614.
Since 1992, the fort has housed the Funchal Museum of Contemporary Art, housing a diverse collection of contemporary art dating from the 1960s to the present day.
Church of Our Lady of the Mountain
The Church of Our Lady of Monte, located in the village of Monte above Funchal, is one of the most important pilgrimage sites on Madeira and a significant example of 18th-century religious architecture.
Every year on August 15th, the church becomes the center of an important religious festival, attracting pilgrims from all over Madeira and beyond to celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Monte, which is celebrated with solemn processions and services. Its elevated position offers magnificent views of Funchal and the Atlantic.
Pico do Arieiro (Arieiro Peak)
Pico do Areeiro, 1,818 meters above sea level (5,965 feet), lies approximately halfway between the island’s northern and southern coasts. Madeira’s third-highest peak, it can be reached by car or on an organized guided tour. A very good, comfortable, paved road leads to the summit.
The beautiful landscape is one of the most popular sunrise spots.
Praia Formosa (Formosa Beach)
Praia Formosa Beach, located about a 10-minute drive from the city center, offers visitors four beaches with a mixture of sand and pebbles: Praia Formosa, Praia dos Namorados, Praia do Areeiro, and Praia Nova.
In summer, this beach attracts beachgoers and beachgoers. The water quality is certified with the Blue Flag, and a team of lifeguards ensures the safety of bathers.
Port of Funchal
Funchal is a port in southern Madeira, often used as a stopover for transatlantic ships en route from Europe to the Caribbean. The cruise port is a real treat for tourists who enjoy exploring charming towns and villages, admiring spectacular landscapes, and visiting gardens with unique flora.
The cruise terminal is at the center of the long breakwater pier. Cruise passengers will find at the cruise terminal or right outside on the long breakwater.
Mercado dos Lavradores
Mercado dos Lavradores – Madeira’s most famous and main market. It’s bustling and colorful, offering a wide variety of exotic fruits, including star fruit, cherimoyas, several varieties of passion fruit, bananas, and pineapples.
The Mercado dos Lavradores in Funchal is best visited on a Friday or Saturday morning. Fruit prices at the permanent stalls at this market can be higher than those from local farmers.
Parque de Santa Catarina (Santa Catarina Park)
Santa Catarina Park is located in Funchal and covers an area of 36,000 m². Its expansive lawn and walking paths are surrounded by tree species from around the world. The park offers magnificent views from the bay to Ponta do Garajau.
The park includes the Santa Catarina Chapel and a lake with an island, which serves as a resting and nesting area for birds. The park also houses a monument to Prince Henry the Navigator and Christopher Columbus.
Casino da Madeira (Madeira Casino)
Casino da Madeira features a distinctive modernist architectural style. It offers a variety of gaming options, including slot machines and table games like roulette, blackjack, and poker. In addition to gaming, the casino houses two restaurants: Restaurante Bahia and Restaurante Rio-providing and The Palm Bar.
