Funchal is the capital of Madeira Island. It is a city full of colours and movements with wonderful views.
There is always plenty to see and do here.
Here are some tips about what to do in Funchal during your holidays.
1 – A walk through the Lido Promenade
Located on the west side of Funchal, the Lido promenade is a great leisure area that is very popular with all the locals and visitors.
During this walk you can enjoy wide views and landscaped areas. You will also find access to several beach complexes, such as the Lido Swimming Pools and Ponta Gorda.
It is a very beautiful and peaceful walk, come and visit!
2 – Visit the painted doors of the Old Town
The Old Town was the first area to be inhabited in Madeira, because of that, all the houses are very old and were a little bit worse for wear. To enhance this iconic area, all the doors of all the houses were painted by various artists that make this area into a permanent art gallery.
A walk through this area will leave you dazzled by the magnificent works of art that give life to the entire area.
3 – Go to the Golden Gate Terrace
It is located in the center of Funchal, next to the RITZ, very well known among tourists and residents, has more than a hundred years of tradition, being the best cafe in the city.
In this cafe, you can enjoy a good ambience and good views, as well as its magnificent terrace and interior.
4 – A walk through the Santa Catarina Park
The Santa Catarina Park is located in the center of Funchal, and is one of the best known parks.
This park contains a large lawn surrounded by various species of flowers and trees, a playground, a small viewpoint with a beautiful view over the center of Funchal and a lagoon.
It is a perfect quiet park for a family outing, to relax a bit and take some outstanding photos over the city bay.
5 – Cable Car ride to Monte
This cable car is located in the old town of Funchal, connecting Funchal to Monte in about 15 minutes.
During this trip you will be amazed by the magnificent panoramic views from Funchal to Monte. Upon arriving at Monte you can enjoy and visit the fantastic Monte Palace Tropical Garden.
6 – Take a Toboggan Ride on Traditional Wicker Basket Sledges
The wicker basket cars are in the Monte Parish. From here, you can make a descent in the car from the basket until the Livramento area. It is a 2km course that takes place in 10 minutes, giving users moments of great adrenaline.
These cars are produced artisan with wicker and wood, and are conducted by two runners dresses in white with straw hats.
Want to know the thrill of doing this ride? Book here!
7 – Catamaran trip to see Dolphins
This cetacean watching trip is a memorable event for the whole family. A relaxing trip along the coast of Madeira Island.
This tour lasts about 3 hours, during which you will find dolphins and whales, and even diving is possible.
Come and discover the beauty of the sea of Madeira Island, book here!
8 – Tuk tuk tour through Funchal viewpoints
The tuk tuk is a motorcycle with capacity for 2 people who make several tours through Funchal.
One of the tours is through the viewpoints of Funchal, on this tour you will stop at the viewpoints of Barreirinha, Vila Guida, Pico dos Barcelos and Avista Navios. During this tour, the driver will talk a little about each of the viewpoints to get rid of all doubts.
In fact, it is among the biggest choices of many tourists to get to know our great city of Funchal. Get to know you too, you can book here!
9 – Dive in Doca do Cavacas natural pool
It is located in Funchal, more precisely with access through the Lido Promenade, and it’s a beach complex with a natural volcanic pool with access to the sea.
From here we can see a beautiful view including the highest cape in Europe, Cabo Girão.
10 – Drinking the traditional Poncha
Poncha is a traditional and emblematic drink from Madeira that has gained a great name among travellers from across the globe. The main ingredient in this drink is sugarcane rum. There are already several flavors you can try.
To experience this drink, there is nothing better than to go to the Old Town of Funchal, sit on an esplanade and ask for a very fresh Poncha with some peanuts.
Did you like our suggestions? Try each one of them!