{"id":188227,"date":"2026-05-31T01:00:15","date_gmt":"2026-05-30T23:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/?p=188227"},"modified":"2026-06-06T14:39:03","modified_gmt":"2026-06-06T12:39:03","slug":"funchal-madeira-things-to-see","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/funchal-madeira-things-to-see\/","title":{"rendered":"Funchal, Madeira: 15 Best Things to See in the Island&#8217;s Capital"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Picture an island born from a violent volcanic eruption, rising so dramatically from the depths of the Atlantic that many call it the Hawaii of Europe. Even landing here is an experience \u2014 the <strong>airport runway is held above the ocean by 180 massive concrete pillars<\/strong>. The moment you step off the plane, you&#8217;re hit by humid, salty air laced with the scent of flowers. Funchal Madeira is an incredibly intense destination, with the island&#8217;s capital forming a natural amphitheatre that climbs from the deep blue ocean high into lush green hills. It&#8217;s not your typical week-on-the-beach kind of holiday, but if you&#8217;re after an active getaway packed with jaw-dropping views, exotic botany, and outstanding food, you&#8217;ve come to the right place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we&#8217;ll walk you through <strong>15 top things to see and do in Funchal<\/strong>. You&#8217;ll find out which alleyways to explore for street art, how the famous wicker toboggan ride works, and what to watch out for at the island&#8217;s notorious market. We&#8217;ve also included practical tips on the best time to visit and which neighbourhoods make the most strategic base for exploring the entire island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-hero-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Funchal Madeira panoramic view\" class=\"wp-image-181921\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-hero-scaled.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-hero-188x300.jpg 188w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-hero-700x1120.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-hero-768x1229.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-hero-960x1536.jpg 960w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-hero-696x1114.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-hero-1392x2227.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Dietmar Rabich \/ Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/funchal-madeira-things-to-see\/#TLDR\" >TL;DR<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/funchal-madeira-things-to-see\/#When_to_Visit_Funchal_Madeira\" >When to Visit Funchal Madeira<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/funchal-madeira-things-to-see\/#Where_to_Stay_in_Funchal\" >Where to Stay in Funchal<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/funchal-madeira-things-to-see\/#15_Best_Things_to_See_and_Do_in_Funchal_Madeira\" >15 Best Things to See and Do in Funchal Madeira<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/funchal-madeira-things-to-see\/#1_Old_Town_Zona_Velha_and_the_Painted_Doors\" >1. Old Town (Zona Velha) and the Painted Doors<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/funchal-madeira-things-to-see\/#2_Mercado_dos_Lavradores_Market_and_Its_Secrets\" >2. Mercado dos Lavradores Market and Its Secrets<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/funchal-madeira-things-to-see\/#3_Funchal_Madeira_Cable_Car_to_Monte\" >3. Funchal Madeira Cable Car to Monte<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/funchal-madeira-things-to-see\/#4_Monte_Palace_Tropical_Garden\" >4. Monte Palace Tropical Garden<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/funchal-madeira-things-to-see\/#5_The_Thrill_of_the_Wicker_Toboggan_Ride\" >5. The Thrill of the Wicker Toboggan Ride<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/funchal-madeira-things-to-see\/#6_Se_Cathedral_and_the_Historic_Centre\" >6. S\u00e9 Cathedral and the Historic Centre<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/funchal-madeira-things-to-see\/#7_Forte_de_Sao_Tiago_Fortress\" >7. Forte de S\u00e3o Tiago Fortress<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/funchal-madeira-things-to-see\/#8_Madeira_Wine_Tasting\" >8. Madeira Wine Tasting<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/funchal-madeira-things-to-see\/#9_The_Harbour_and_Waterfront_Promenade\" >9. The Harbour and Waterfront Promenade<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/funchal-madeira-things-to-see\/#10_Culinary_Highlights_Bolo_do_Caco_and_Poncha\" >10. Culinary Highlights: Bolo do Caco and Poncha<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/funchal-madeira-things-to-see\/#11_Day_Trip_to_the_Glass_Cliff_at_Cabo_Girao\" >11. Day Trip to the Glass Cliff at Cabo Gir\u00e3o<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/funchal-madeira-things-to-see\/#12_Jardim_Botanico_%E2%80%94_The_Botanical_Garden\" >12. Jardim Bot\u00e2nico \u2014 The Botanical Garden<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/funchal-madeira-things-to-see\/#13_Relaxing_in_Parque_de_Santa_Catarina\" >13. Relaxing in Parque de Santa Catarina<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/funchal-madeira-things-to-see\/#14_CR7_Museum_for_Football_Fans\" >14. CR7 Museum for Football Fans<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/funchal-madeira-things-to-see\/#15_Funchal_as_a_Base_for_Mountain_Adventures\" >15. Funchal as a Base for Mountain Adventures<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/funchal-madeira-things-to-see\/#Where_to_Go_from_Funchal\" >Where to Go from Funchal<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/funchal-madeira-things-to-see\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/funchal-madeira-things-to-see\/#Are_there_sandy_beaches_in_Madeira\" >Are there sandy beaches in Madeira?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/funchal-madeira-things-to-see\/#How_much_does_the_cable_car_and_toboggan_ride_in_Funchal_cost\" >How much does the cable car and toboggan ride in Funchal cost?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/funchal-madeira-things-to-see\/#Is_it_better_to_visit_Madeira_or_the_Azores\" >Is it better to visit Madeira or the Azores?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/funchal-madeira-things-to-see\/#Do_I_need_a_car_in_Madeira\" >Do I need a car in Madeira?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/funchal-madeira-things-to-see\/#Are_the_levadas_dangerous\" >Are the levadas dangerous?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/funchal-madeira-things-to-see\/#How_can_I_tell_what_the_weather_will_be_like\" >How can I tell what the weather will be like?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/funchal-madeira-things-to-see\/#What_is_Bolo_do_caco\" >What is Bolo do caco?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"TLDR\"><\/span>TL;DR<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>  <strong>Don&#8217;t trust global weather apps:<\/strong> Phone apps are useless here \u2014 always check live webcams via NetMadeira instead, because the island has extreme microclimates.<\/li>\n<li>  <strong>Beware of the famous Mercado dos Lavradores:<\/strong> Vendors will offer you sugar-coated exotic fruit samples, then cheerfully charge up to \u20ac30 per kilo.<\/li>\n<li>  <strong>You need a powerful car for the hills:<\/strong> If you&#8217;re hiring a car, pay extra for a stronger engine (ideally 1.2 TSI or above) or an automatic gearbox \u2014 you&#8217;ll be grateful on the steep hairpin bends.<\/li>\n<li>  <strong>Take the cable car up and the toboggans down:<\/strong> Head up Monte hill on the modern Funchal cable car and ride back down in the historic wicker toboggans steered by men in white.<\/li>\n<li>  <strong>Madeira has no natural sandy beaches:<\/strong> The coastline is all cliffs and pebbles. For swimming, head to the imported sand beach in Calheta or the stunning natural volcanic pools on the island&#8217;s north coast.<\/li>\n<li>  <strong>Funchal is the perfect base:<\/strong> Thanks to a network of modern tunnels, you can reach almost anywhere on the island from the capital within an hour.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_Visit_Funchal_Madeira\"><\/span>When to Visit Funchal Madeira<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Madeira has rightfully earned the nickname &#8220;island of eternal spring,&#8221; but that doesn&#8217;t mean the weather is predictable. The island has dramatic microclimates, and <strong>Funchal sits in what&#8217;s known as the &#8220;banana line&#8221;<\/strong> \u2014 meaning that at elevations below 200 metres above sea level, it&#8217;s warm and sunny year-round. However, as soon as you start climbing into the mountains behind the city, the temperature drops roughly one degree for every hundred metres of altitude. During the spring months from April to June, the island is gloriously in bloom and temperatures in Funchal hover around a pleasant 22\u00b0C \u2014 absolutely perfect conditions for exploring the city and the mountain levada walks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you visit during the peak summer season from July to September, you can expect temperatures around 26\u00b0C in Funchal and the ocean warms up nicely for swimming. Bear in mind, though, that <strong>the city will be packed with tourists and accommodation prices rise noticeably<\/strong>. On the flip side, winter months offer cheaper flights and a welcome escape from the British cold. Funchal still enjoys a balmy 20\u00b0C, although up in the mountains on Pico Ruivo it can easily snow in January. The golden rule of Madeira weather is simple, no matter when you visit: never rely on standard weather apps. Instead, check the NetMadeira app with live webcams every morning and head wherever the sky is blue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_Stay_in_Funchal\"><\/span>Where to Stay in Funchal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\ud83d\udca1 Tip for accommodation and experiences: We usually search for places to stay on <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Booking.com\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/doporucujeme\/booking-com\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Booking.com<\/a>, which tends to have the best cancellation policies. For tickets, tours, and activities, it&#8217;s worth comparing options on <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"GetYourGuide\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/doporucujeme\/getyourguide\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">GetYourGuide<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Choosing the right area in Funchal can make or break your holiday. The city is built on a seriously steep hillside, and <strong>if you pick accommodation too high up, you&#8217;ll face a gruelling uphill trek every day<\/strong> or constantly fork out for taxis. By far the most popular area for tourists is the S\u00e3o Martinho neighbourhood, specifically the zone known as Lido. Here you&#8217;ll find lovely promenades, modern Funchal Madeira hotels, plenty of excellent caf\u00e9s, and \u2014 most importantly \u2014 great access to the ocean via managed bathing complexes. This part of town is flatter, making evening strolls a real pleasure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another excellent option is staying right in the historic centre near the S\u00e9 district or on the edge of the Funchal Madeira old town, Zona Velha. Here you&#8217;ll have <strong>all the sights, restaurants, and the cable car within walking distance<\/strong>, though you should expect a bit more noise from the busy streets. I always recommend booking well in advance on <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Booking.com\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/doporucujeme\/booking-com\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Booking.com<\/a>, where you can easily filter for hotels with parking. A parking space is a huge advantage in Funchal, as the narrow streets and lack of spots can be a real headache for drivers. The Pestana hotel chain offers particularly comfortable options, along with smaller boutique guesthouses tucked away in historic buildings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"15_Best_Things_to_See_and_Do_in_Funchal_Madeira\"><\/span>15 Best Things to See and Do in Funchal Madeira<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Old_Town_Zona_Velha_and_the_Painted_Doors\"><\/span>1. Old Town (Zona Velha) and the Painted Doors<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The oldest part of Funchal, known as Zona Velha, was a neglected neighbourhood just a few decades ago \u2014 one that tourists tended to avoid. Today, it&#8217;s the <strong>most vibrant and colourful spot on the entire island<\/strong>, buzzing with life from morning until late at night. Narrow cobblestone lanes lined with historic houses create an incredibly romantic backdrop for evening strolls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The main draw is the Arte das Portas Abertas project, through which local artists have <strong>painted dozens of old, peeling doors with stunning murals<\/strong>. Rua de Santa Maria has essentially become an open-air gallery, where every door tells a different story. Just be prepared \u2014 this is also the main strip for restaurant touts trying to lure you in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udca1 Local tip: If you want to eat in peace without being constantly hassled by someone waving a picture menu at you, head two or three streets away from the main Rua de Santa Maria. You&#8217;ll find more authentic \u2014 and often cheaper \u2014 places to eat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Mercado_dos_Lavradores_Market_and_Its_Secrets\"><\/span>2. Mercado dos Lavradores Market and Its Secrets<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-2.jpg\" alt=\"Mercado dos Lavradores market in Funchal\" class=\"wp-image-181925\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-2.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-2-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-2-696x464.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-2-1392x928.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Dietmar Rabich \/ Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Funchal&#8217;s farmers&#8217; market is an architectural gem bursting with incredible colours and aromas, operating since 1940. On the ground floor, you&#8217;ll find a noisy fish market where you can watch fishmongers deftly filleting the <strong>fearsome-looking black scabbardfish<\/strong> \u2014 Madeira&#8217;s national fish, with enormous eyes and razor-sharp teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The real visual spectacle, though, happens on the first floor at the exotic fruit stalls. Vendors in traditional costumes will eagerly push samples of every imaginable passion fruit hybrid \u2014 crossed with banana, lemon, and even strawberry. It sounds wonderful and smells even better, but <strong>this is the island&#8217;s most notorious tourist trap<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The fruit they offer as samples is often sprinkled with sugar to make it taste utterly irresistible. Once you pick a few pieces and pop them into a paper bag, they weigh it up and cheerfully ask for something like \u20ac30 per kilo. My advice? Walk through the market, soak up the atmosphere, take your photos \u2014 and then buy your fruit at a regular supermarket for a fraction of the price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Funchal_Madeira_Cable_Car_to_Monte\"><\/span>3. Funchal Madeira Cable Car to Monte<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most iconic attractions in the capital is the modern Telef\u00e9rico do Funchal cable car. The lower station is right on the waterfront near the old town, and <strong>during the fifteen-minute ride, you&#8217;ll ascend an impressive 600 metres in altitude<\/strong>. The journey is remarkably smooth and quiet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From the glass cabin, you&#8217;ll be treated to <strong>breathtaking views over the entire Funchal amphitheatre<\/strong> \u2014 the red rooftops, terraced hillside plots, and the endless blue ocean beyond. A one-way ticket costs around \u20ac13, and it&#8217;s well worth going first thing in the morning to avoid the long queues that form after the big cruise ships dock in the harbour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Up in the Monte neighbourhood, the atmosphere is completely different from down in the city. The air is noticeably cooler and more humid, and everything is enveloped in lush greenery. You&#8217;ll also find the beautiful church of Nossa Senhora do Monte, where the last Austro-Hungarian Emperor, Charles I, is buried.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Monte_Palace_Tropical_Garden\"><\/span>4. Monte Palace Tropical Garden<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you&#8217;ve taken the cable car up, your first stop should be the Monte Palace Tropical Garden. This isn&#8217;t just an ordinary park \u2014 it&#8217;s more of a <strong>fascinating emerald labyrinth filled with exotic plants from around the world<\/strong>. The entire complex sprawls over several hectares, blending wild nature with carefully designed architecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you wander through, you&#8217;ll stumble upon oriental gardens with red Japanese bridges, <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Buddha-Bar Hotel Prague\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/doporucujeme\/buddha-bar-hotel-prague\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Buddha<\/a> statues, ponds full of colourful koi carp, and peacocks strolling freely. The garden boasts an enormous collection of rare cycads \u2014 plants that date back to the age of the dinosaurs. It&#8217;s a place where time seems to slow down and you feel like an explorer in the jungle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The grounds also house <strong>one of the most significant collections of Portuguese azulejo tiles<\/strong> in the country, lining the main walkways and telling the story of Portugal&#8217;s history. Set aside at least two to three hours for your visit, as the grounds are truly vast and full of hidden corners, benches, and viewpoints overlooking the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_The_Thrill_of_the_Wicker_Toboggan_Ride\"><\/span>5. The Thrill of the Wicker Toboggan Ride<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting back down from Monte to Funchal offers an experience that&#8217;s truly unique in the world. Since the 19th century, the so-called Carreiros do Monte have been operating here. It&#8217;s a tradition where <strong>two sturdy men dressed in white with straw hats seat you in a large wicker basket<\/strong> mounted on wooden runners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They then push you down the steep hill over smooth tarmac, steering and braking using only their special boots with thick rubber soles made from old tyres. The ride lasts roughly ten minutes; the basket occasionally reaches surprising speeds, and it&#8217;s pure, old-fashioned adrenaline that&#8217;ll set you back around \u20ac35 for two people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udca1 Local tip: The wicker toboggans don&#8217;t take you all the way to Funchal&#8217;s centre \u2014 the ride ends in the Livramento neighbourhood. From there, you&#8217;ll either need to walk steeply downhill for about thirty minutes or grab a taxi. Local taxi drivers here can be quite pushy, so always agree on a price before you get in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Se_Cathedral_and_the_Historic_Centre\"><\/span>6. S\u00e9 Cathedral and the Historic Centre<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Right in the heart of modern Funchal stands the understated but historically significant S\u00e9 Cathedral. Built at the end of the 15th century, it&#8217;s <strong>one of the few buildings to have survived devastating earthquakes and French pirate attacks<\/strong> completely intact. From the outside, it looks austere, combining dark volcanic stone with white plaster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Step inside, however, and you&#8217;ll be amazed by the stunning ceiling carved from local cedar wood. It&#8217;s adorned with ivory inlays and represented the pinnacle of craftsmanship in its day. Entry to the cathedral is free, and it offers a welcome cool escape from the midday sun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Around the cathedral stretches a network of elegant pedestrian zones paved with traditional black-and-white Portuguese cal\u00e7ada tiles. You&#8217;ll find <strong>renowned caf\u00e9s with outdoor seating<\/strong>, upmarket boutiques, and historic pharmacies with their original wooden fittings. It&#8217;s the perfect spot for an afternoon coffee while watching the world go by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Forte_de_Sao_Tiago_Fortress\"><\/span>7. Forte de S\u00e3o Tiago Fortress<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1091\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-7.jpg\" alt=\"Forte de S\u00e3o Tiago fortress in Funchal\" class=\"wp-image-181929\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-7.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-7-300x170.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-7-700x398.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-7-768x436.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-7-1536x873.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-7-696x395.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-7-1392x791.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: H. Zell \/ Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>At the very end of Zona Velha, you can&#8217;t miss the striking yellow-and-red Forte de S\u00e3o Tiago. Built in the 17th century, this fortress was designed to <strong>protect the harbour from the relentless raids of corsairs and pirates<\/strong> who terrorised the North Atlantic at the time. Its vivid yellow walls create a gorgeous contrast against the deep blue ocean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, you can wander freely through the fortress, explore the old watchtowers, and enjoy sweeping coastal views through the historic cannons. It once housed a contemporary art museum, but even without it, the architecture and views alone make it well worth a brief stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just below the fortress lies the small rocky beach of Praia do Almirante Reis. It&#8217;s not the best spot for a full day of swimming, but locals love coming here for an evening dip \u2014 and it&#8217;s a <strong>brilliant place to watch the sunset<\/strong> with colourful fishing boats bobbing on the waves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"lk-stays-module\">\n<style>\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 RESET PRO GUTENBERG \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-module * { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 WRAPPER \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-module {\n  font-family: 'DM Sans', Georgia, sans-serif;\n  max-width: 100%;\n  margin: 2.5rem auto;\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #fdfaf5 0%, #fcf8f0 100%);\n  border: 1px solid #e8dfd4;\n  border-radius: 16px;\n  overflow: hidden;\n  box-shadow: 0 16px 48px rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.25), 0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 HEADER \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-header {\n  position: relative;\n  padding: 24px 36px 24px;\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #c39f76 0%, #d4b188 60%, #c39f76 100%);\n  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.15);\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  gap: 18px;\n}\n.lk-stays-header::before {\n  content: '';\n  position: absolute;\n  inset: 0;\n  background: url(\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg width='60' height='60' viewBox='0 0 60 60' xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%3E%3Cg fill='none' fill-rule='evenodd'%3E%3Cg fill='%23ffffff' fill-opacity='0.05'%3E%3Cpath d='M36 34v-4h-2v4h-4v2h4v4h2v-4h4v-2h-4zm0-30V0h-2v4h-4v2h4v4h2V6h4V4h-4zM6 34v-4H4v4H0v2h4v4h2v-4h4v-2H6zM6 4V0H4v4H0v2h4v4h2V6h4V4H6z'\/%3E%3C\/g%3E%3C\/g%3E%3C\/svg%3E\") repeat;\n  pointer-events: none;\n}\n.lk-stays-icon {\n  flex-shrink: 0;\n  width: 68px;\n  height: 68px;\n  border-radius: 14px;\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #fff 0%, #f9f6f0 100%);\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  justify-content: center;\n  font-size: 26px;\n  box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.15);\n}\n.lk-stays-eyebrow {\n  font-size: 10px;\n  font-weight: 500;\n  letter-spacing: 2.5px;\n  text-transform: uppercase;\n  color: rgba(255,255,255,.85);\n  margin: 0 0 5px 0;\n}\n.lk-stays-title {\n  font-family: 'Playfair Display', Georgia, serif;\n  font-size: 24px;\n  font-weight: 700;\n  color: #fff;\n  line-height: 1.2;\n  text-shadow: 0 1px 2px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);\n  margin: 0;\n}\n.lk-stays-subtitle {\n  font-size: 13px;\n  color: rgba(255,255,255,.75);\n  margin: 4px 0 0 0;\n  font-weight: 300;\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 CARDS GRID \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-grid {\n  display: grid;\n  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;\n  gap: 1px;\n  background: rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.12);\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 SINGLE CARD \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stay-card {\n  background: #ffffff;\n  padding: 26px;\n  display: flex;\n  flex-direction: column;\n  gap: 11px;\n  transition: all 0.3s ease;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  color: inherit;\n  position: relative;\n}\n.lk-stay-card:hover {\n  background: #fffbf5;\n  transform: translateY(-2px);\n  box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.18);\n  z-index: 1;\n}\n.lk-stay-card.featured {\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #fffdf9 0%, #fff9f0 100%);\n  box-shadow: 0 4px 16px rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.15), inset 0 1px 0 rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.1);\n}\n.lk-stay-card.featured:hover {\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #fffbf5 0%, #fff8ed 100%);\n  box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.25), inset 0 1px 0 rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.15);\n}\n\n.lk-stay-badge {\n  display: inline-flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  gap: 5px;\n  font-size: 10px;\n  font-weight: 500;\n  letter-spacing: 1.5px;\n  text-transform: uppercase;\n  padding: 5px 11px;\n  border-radius: 20px;\n  width: fit-content;\n}\n.badge-top     { background: linear-gradient(135deg, #c39f76 0%, #d4b188 100%); color: #fff; border: 1px solid #c39f76; font-weight: 600; box-shadow: 0 2px 8px rgba(195,159,118,0.3); }\n.badge-luxury  { background: rgba(195,159,118,.12); color: #c39f76; border: 1px solid rgba(195,159,118,.25); }\n.badge-boutique{ background: rgba(54,133,252,.08); color: #3685fc; border: 1px solid rgba(54,133,252,.2); }\n.badge-nature  { background: rgba(130,190,100,.1); color: #6b9c4a; border: 1px solid rgba(130,190,100,.2); }\n.badge-remote  { background: rgba(195,159,118,.12); color: #a67e50; border: 1px solid rgba(195,159,118,.25); }\n\n.lk-stay-name {\n  font-family: 'Playfair Display', Georgia, serif;\n  font-size: 18px;\n  font-weight: 700;\n  color: #111827;\n  line-height: 1.3;\n}\n.lk-stay-desc {\n  font-size: 13.5px;\n  color: #525252;\n  line-height: 1.65;\n  font-weight: 300;\n  flex: 1;\n}\n\n.lk-stay-meta {\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  gap: 12px;\n  flex-wrap: wrap;\n  margin-top: 4px;\n}\n.lk-stay-price {\n  font-size: 13px;\n  color: #6b7280;\n}\n.lk-stay-price strong {\n  color: #c39f76;\n  font-weight: 500;\n}\n.lk-stay-stars {\n  color: #c39f76;\n  font-size: 11px;\n  letter-spacing: 1px;\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 CTA BUTTON \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stay-cta {\n  display: inline-flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  justify-content: center;\n  gap: 7px;\n  margin-top: 8px;\n  padding: 11px 20px;\n  border-radius: 8px;\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #3685fc 0%, #2a6fd9 100%);\n  color: #fff;\n  font-size: 13px;\n  font-weight: 500;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  letter-spacing: .3px;\n  transition: all .2s ease;\n  cursor: pointer;\n  border: none;\n  text-align: center;\n  box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(54, 133, 252, 0.25);\n}\n.lk-stay-cta:hover {\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #2a6fd9 0%, #1e5bc4 100%);\n  transform: translateY(-1px);\n  box-shadow: 0 6px 16px rgba(54, 133, 252, 0.35);\n}\n.lk-stay-cta svg { flex-shrink: 0; }\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 FOOTER \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.lk-stays-footer {\n  padding: 18px 36px;\n  background: linear-gradient(to bottom, #fdfaf5 0%, #f9f4ed 100%);\n  border-top: 1px solid rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.15);\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  justify-content: space-between;\n  flex-wrap: wrap;\n  gap: 12px;\n}\n.lk-stays-footer-note {\n  font-size: 11.5px;\n  color: #6b7280;\n  font-weight: 300;\n  line-height: 1.5;\n}\n.lk-stays-footer-note a {\n  color: #c39f76;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  font-weight: 400;\n}\n.lk-stays-footer-note a:hover {\n  text-decoration: underline;\n}\n.lk-stays-all-btn {\n  display: inline-flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  gap: 6px;\n  font-size: 12.5px;\n  font-weight: 500;\n  color: #c39f76;\n  text-decoration: none;\n  border: 1px solid rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.35);\n  padding: 8px 18px;\n  border-radius: 8px;\n  transition: all .2s ease;\n}\n.lk-stays-all-btn:hover {\n  background: rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.08);\n  border-color: rgba(195, 159, 118, 0.5);\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500\u2500 RESPONSIVE \u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n@media (max-width: 600px) {\n  .lk-stays-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\n  .lk-stays-header { padding: 24px 20px; }\n  .lk-stays-footer { padding: 16px 20px; }\n  .lk-stay-card { padding: 22px; }\n  .lk-stays-title { font-size: 20px; }\n}\n<\/style>\n\n  <!-- HEADER -->\n  <div class=\"lk-stays-header\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/lukas-a-lucka.jpg\" alt=\"\" style=\"width: 75px; height: 75px; border-radius: 8px; flex-shrink: 0; object-fit: cover; display: block; margin: 4px 0;\" title=\"\">\n    <div class=\"lk-stays-header-text\">\n      <div class=\"lk-stays-eyebrow\">Luk\u00e1\u0161 and Lucie recommend<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stays-title\">Where to stay in Funchal<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stays-subtitle\">2 accommodations \u2014 hotels and other lodging options<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- CARDS -->\n  <div class=\"lk-stays-grid\">\n\n    <a class=\"lk-stay-card featured\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/searchresults.html?ss=Funchal%20Madeira&#038;aid=2397601\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-top\">\u2b50 TOP CHOICE<\/span>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-nature\">\ud83c\udfe8 Hotel<\/span>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-name\">Booking.com<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-desc\">Platform for searching accommodation in Funchal with the best cancellation conditions. It is recommended to look for accommodation with parking well in advance.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-meta\">\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-price\">Check prices<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-cta\">\n        <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n        Check availability\n      <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n\n    <a class=\"lk-stay-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.stay22.com\/allez\/roam?aid=lukaskonecny&#038;campaign=loudavymkrokemcz&#038;campaign=funchal&#038;address=Funchal%2C+Madeira&#038;hotelname=Hotely+Pestana&#038;search=Hotely+Pestana&#038;category=accommodation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-badge badge-nature\">\ud83c\udfe8 Hotel<\/span>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-name\">Pestana Hotels<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-desc\">Hotel chain offering pleasant amenities in Funchal, suitable for tourists looking for quality accommodation with parking.<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lk-stay-meta\">\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n        <span class=\"lk-stay-price\"><\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <span class=\"lk-stay-cta\">\n        <svg width=\"14\" height=\"14\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\"><path d=\"M18 13v6a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H5a2 2 0 0 1-2-2V8a2 2 0 0 1 2-2h6\"\/><polyline points=\"15 3 21 3 21 9\"\/><line x1=\"10\" y1=\"14\" x2=\"21\" y2=\"3\"\/><\/svg>\n        Check availability\n      <\/span>\n    <\/a>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n  \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Madeira_Wine_Tasting\"><\/span>8. Madeira Wine Tasting<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Visiting Madeira without tasting its famous wine would be a crime. This unique fortified wine has a fascinating history stretching back to the Age of Discovery. To stop the barrels from spoiling on long voyages to India, <strong>sailors added sugarcane spirit to the wine<\/strong>. The wine then heated up and oxidised in the ship&#8217;s hold as it passed through the tropics, developing its unmistakable caramel flavour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Funchal is home to several historic wine lodges where you can go for a tasting. Among the most renowned is Blandy&#8217;s Wine Lodge, right in the city centre. During the tour, you&#8217;ll see dark cellars filled with old oak barrels and learn everything about the ageing process \u2014 a method that&#8217;s truly unique in the world of winemaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The tour culminates in the tasting itself. <strong>Madeira wine comes in four main styles based on sweetness<\/strong> \u2014 from the dry Sercial, through medium-dry Verdelho and medium-sweet Bual, to the very sweet Malmsey. It&#8217;s a rich, concentrated experience best savoured in small glasses alongside a piece of quality cheese.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_The_Harbour_and_Waterfront_Promenade\"><\/span>9. The Harbour and Waterfront Promenade<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Funchal is a city that lives and breathes the ocean, and the harbour is living proof. This is where the sprawling waterfront promenade begins, stretching several kilometres all the way to the Lido area. In the morning, you&#8217;ll see joggers and locals walking their dogs; by afternoon, the promenade fills with tourists and street performers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the harbour itself, enormous cruise ships often dock \u2014 up close, they look like floating tower blocks. But you&#8217;ll also find a <strong>replica of Columbus&#8217;s ship the Santa Maria<\/strong>, which you can board for a trip along the coast and, with a bit of luck, spot dolphins and whales \u2014 the local waters are teeming with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While strolling, don&#8217;t miss the Pontinha pier, which juts far out into the sea and offers the <strong>best view of Funchal&#8217;s amphitheatre from a distance<\/strong>. This is exactly <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"The Spot\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/doporucujeme\/the-spot-2\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">the spot<\/a> where all those iconic postcard photos of Funchal nestled into green mountains are taken from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Culinary_Highlights_Bolo_do_Caco_and_Poncha\"><\/span>10. Culinary Highlights: Bolo do Caco and Poncha<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Madeiran cuisine is wonderfully rustic and distinctive. While Funchal Madeira restaurants tempt you with beef skewers called espetada or the fearsome-looking peixe-espada preto fish, if you&#8217;re after a superb vegetarian treat, <strong>you absolutely must try traditional bolo do caco bread<\/strong>. It&#8217;s a round, slightly sweet bread made from sweet potatoes, baked on a hot stone. It&#8217;s served still warm, sliced in half, and generously slathered with garlic-herb butter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To wash it down, order a poncha. This traditional alcoholic drink will warm you right up after a long day hiking the levadas. It&#8217;s made from local sugarcane rum, honey, and fresh lemon juice, mixed with a special wooden stick called a caralhinho.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udca1 Local tip: Never \u2014 and I mean <strong>never buy pre-mixed poncha in a bottle from the supermarket<\/strong>. The real thing must always be freshly prepared right in front of you. The very best ponchas are made in the small bars of the neighbouring fishing village of C\u00e2mara de Lobos, just a few minutes&#8217; drive from Funchal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_Day_Trip_to_the_Glass_Cliff_at_Cabo_Girao\"><\/span>11. Day Trip to the Glass Cliff at Cabo Gir\u00e3o<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-11.jpg\" alt=\"Cabo Gir\u00e3o glass cliff viewpoint near Funchal\" class=\"wp-image-181937\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-11.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-11-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-11-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-11-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-11-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-11-696x464.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-11-1392x928.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Diego Delso \/ Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Just a short drive west of Funchal lies one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Cabo Gir\u00e3o plunges straight down into the ocean from an incredible height of 580 metres. It&#8217;s a spot that&#8217;s guaranteed to get your heart racing \u2014 especially if you don&#8217;t suffer from vertigo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The main attraction is a <strong>viewing platform with a glass floor<\/strong> that juts out directly over the cliff edge. When you stand on the glass and look down, you&#8217;ll see waves crashing against the shoreline far below and tiny terraced plots called faj\u00e3s \u2014 which local farmers could once only reach by boat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can easily get here by hire car or local bus from central Funchal. There&#8217;s a small entrance fee for the viewpoint, and I&#8217;d recommend <strong>visiting in the later afternoon<\/strong>, when the sun beautifully lights up the coastline and you avoid the biggest crowds that pour in from tour buses during the morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_Jardim_Botanico_%E2%80%94_The_Botanical_Garden\"><\/span>12. Jardim Bot\u00e2nico \u2014 The Botanical Garden<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-12.jpg\" alt=\"Jardim Bot\u00e2nico botanical garden in Funchal Madeira\" class=\"wp-image-181942\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-12.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-12-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-12-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-12-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-12-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-12-696x464.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-12-1392x928.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Dietmar Rabich \/ Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If one garden wasn&#8217;t enough and you&#8217;re a nature lover, Jardim Bot\u00e2nico da Madeira will blow you away. Perched on yet another steep hillside above the city, you can reach it via a second, smaller cable car that connects directly from the Monte area. It&#8217;s a more scientific and systematic garden compared to Monte Palace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Across an area of 80,000 square metres, <strong>more than 2,000 species of exotic plants from every continent<\/strong> thrive here. Thanks to Madeira&#8217;s climate, almost anything can grow on the island \u2014 so desert cacti sit happily alongside rainforest orchids and Himalayan rhododendrons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The most famous section is the celebrated <strong>flower carpet, planted in precise geometric patterns<\/strong>, offering a fantastic view of the city far below. You&#8217;ll also find an exotic bird park and a small natural history museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13_Relaxing_in_Parque_de_Santa_Catarina\"><\/span>13. Relaxing in Parque de Santa Catarina<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you feel like you&#8217;ve had enough of climbing hills, head to Parque de Santa Catarina. This large, beautifully maintained public park sits on a gentle slope right above Funchal&#8217;s harbour. It&#8217;s an absolute oasis of calm in the middle of the bustling city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Locals come here for picnics, families with children spend time by the large pond with swans and ducks, and you can simply <strong>sit on a bench in the shade of enormous trees and just unwind<\/strong>. The park is filled with sculptures, gorgeous flower beds, and even a small chapel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The park&#8217;s greatest asset, though, is its views. From here, you get a <strong>stunning panorama of all of Funchal and the bay<\/strong>. Particularly when tall ships are moored in the harbour, you&#8217;ll feel as though you&#8217;ve been transported back to the Age of Discovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"14_CR7_Museum_for_Football_Fans\"><\/span>14. CR7 Museum for Football Fans<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1366\" height=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-14-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"CR7 Museum in Funchal Madeira\" class=\"wp-image-181947\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-14-scaled.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-14-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-14-700x1050.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-14-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-14-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-14-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-14-696x1044.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-14-1392x2088.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1366px) 100vw, 1366px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Dietmar Rabich \/ Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Funchal is the birthplace of one of the most famous footballers of all time \u2014 Cristiano Ronaldo. His presence is felt everywhere on the island; even the international airport bears his name. For football fans, a visit to the CR7 Museum on the harbour promenade is an absolute must.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The museum houses the <strong>complete collection of his trophies, including the famous Ballon d&#8217;Or and Golden Boot awards<\/strong>, thousands of fan letters, shirts, and interactive exhibits tracing his career from humble beginnings on Madeira to global stardom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Outside the museum stands the <strong>iconic \u2014 and much-debated \u2014 bronze statue of the player himself<\/strong>, which practically every tourist wants a photo with. Even if you&#8217;re not a football fan, it&#8217;s fascinating to see just how much influence one person can have on an entire island&#8217;s identity and pride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"15_Funchal_as_a_Base_for_Mountain_Adventures\"><\/span>15. Funchal as a Base for Mountain Adventures<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-15-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Mountain views from Funchal Madeira\" class=\"wp-image-181953\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-15-scaled.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-15-188x300.jpg 188w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-15-700x1120.jpg 700w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-15-768x1229.jpg 768w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-15-960x1536.jpg 960w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-15-696x1114.jpg 696w, https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-15-1392x2227.jpg 1392w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Dietmar Rabich \/ Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This final tip isn&#8217;t about a specific sight in the city, but about Funchal&#8217;s strategic location. The capital is the <strong>perfect base for exploring the entire island<\/strong>. Madeira is threaded with an incredible network of over 150 tunnels (the so-called Via R\u00e1pida), which have cut cross-island journey times from hours to mere minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From Funchal, you can easily drive to famous levada walks like the dark, jungle-like PR9 Levada do Caldeir\u00e3o Verde, or tackle more demanding high-altitude treks. A classic example is the <strong>drive up to Pico do Arieiro, the third-highest peak, for sunrise<\/strong> \u2014 you can reach it from the city centre on a paved road in about 40 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just remember that once you leave the main motorways for the old rural roads (marked ER), you&#8217;ll face climbs with jaw-dropping gradients and blind corners. <strong>A more powerful car (at least a 1.2 TSI) is essential for mountain trips from Funchal<\/strong> \u2014 otherwise you&#8217;ll be stuck in first gear on the hills, praying you don&#8217;t have to stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_Go_from_Funchal\"><\/span>Where to Go from Funchal<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re keen to explore more of Portugal and wondering what to combine with a Madeira trip, the mainland offers endless possibilities. Flights from Funchal Madeira airport to the mainland are frequent and affordable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>  <strong>Mainland cities:<\/strong> Direct flights connect Madeira to the capital, so be sure to read our comprehensive <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/lisbon-guide\/\">Lisbon guide<\/a>, or head north to discover the enchanting city of <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/porto\/\">Porto<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>  <strong>Romance and waves:<\/strong> Near Lisbon lies the fairy-tale town of <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/sintra-portugal\/\">Sintra<\/a>, packed with palaces, and the coastal resort of <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/cascais-portugal-things-to-do\/\">Cascais<\/a>. If you&#8217;re fascinated by giant waves, don&#8217;t miss <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/nazare-portugal\/\">Nazar\u00e9<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>  <strong>Algarve gems:<\/strong> For sun-seekers and cliff lovers, there&#8217;s Portugal&#8217;s south. Check out our tips for <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/lagos-portugal\/\">Lagos<\/a>, the wild western tip of <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/sagres-portugal\/\">Sagres<\/a>, or the picturesque town of <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/carvoeiro-portugal\/\">Carvoeiro<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>  <strong>More southern treasures:<\/strong> In the Algarve, we also recommend exploring historic <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/silves-portugal\/\">Silves<\/a>, romantic <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/tavira-portugal\/\">Tavira<\/a>, and finding out <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/loule-portugal\/\">what to do in Loul\u00e9<\/a>. Don&#8217;t forget the regional capital <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/faro-portugal\/\">Faro<\/a> and the fishing town of <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/olhao-portugal\/\">Olh\u00e3o<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>  <strong>The Venice of Portugal:<\/strong> On your way north, stop at the canal-laced city of <a href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/aveiro-portugal\/\">Aveiro<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<!-- LKM_GYG_CARD start q=\"funchal\" lang=\"en\" rendered=\"2026-06-02T07:12:44+00:00\" v=\"1\" -->\n<style id=\"lk-gyg-styles\">\n@import url(\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Playfair+Display:wght@700&family=DM+Sans:wght@300;400;500;600&display=swap\");\n\/* === LK GYG karty \u2014 CRO redesign 2026-05 (namespace .lkx-) ===\n   C\u00edl: vy\u0161\u0161\u00ed CTR (hero + v\u00fdrazn\u00fd social proof + ak\u010dn\u00ed CTA, m\u00e9n\u011b \"reklamn\u00ed\").\n   Injektuje se inline do prvn\u00edho markeru postu (refresh_cards.py --inline-css). *\/\n.lkx-module, .lkx-module *{box-sizing:border-box;margin:0;padding:0}\n.lkx-module{\n  font-family:'DM Sans',-apple-system,Segoe UI,Roboto,Georgia,sans-serif;\n  max-width:860px;margin:2.5rem auto;color:#1f2328;\n}\n\n\/* HEADER \u2014 lehk\u00fd editorsk\u00fd, \u017e\u00e1dn\u00fd bannerov\u00fd blok; 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tickets: Funchal<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"lkx-head-meta\">traveler-rated \u00b7 <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"GetYourGuide\" href=\"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/doporucujeme\/getyourguide\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">GetYourGuide<\/a><\/span>\n  <\/div><a class=\"lkx-hero\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/en-us\/madeira-l67\/madeira-responsible-whales-andor-dolphins-watching-tour-t347301\/?partner_id=MKZ64IS&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=funchal-madeira-things-to-see\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener nofollow\">\n    <div class=\"lkx-hero-img\" style=\"background-image:url('https:\/\/cdn.getyourguide.com\/img\/tour\/567bd82d780e9ed21596d70e8f1b6fd7393d1a16f0794a30a818d04bb1875a37.jpg\/132.jpg')\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Madeira: Responsible Whales and\/or Dolphins Watching Tour\">\n      <span class=\"lkx-pick\">\u2605 Our pick<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"lkx-hero-body\">\n      <div class=\"lkx-title\">Madeira: Responsible Whales and\/or Dolphins Watching Tour<\/div>\n      <div class=\"lkx-proof\">\n      <span class=\"lkx-stars\">\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/span>\n      <b>4.9<\/b> \u00b7 1 559 reviews\n    <\/div>\n      <div class=\"lkx-hero-bottom\"><div class=\"lkx-price\">from <b>\u20ac52<\/b><\/div><span class=\"lkx-cta lkx-cta-hero\">I want this experience \u2192<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/a><div class=\"lkx-grid\"><a class=\"lkx-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/en-us\/madeira-l67\/from-funchal-ecological-catamaran-dolphin-whale-watching-t426409\/?partner_id=MKZ64IS&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=funchal-madeira-things-to-see\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener nofollow\">\n      <div class=\"lkx-card-img\" style=\"background-image:url('https:\/\/cdn.getyourguide.com\/img\/tour\/62f8bc5edd4a8.jpeg\/132.jpg')\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"lkx-card-body\">\n        <div class=\"lkx-title lkx-title-sm\">From Funchal: Ecological Catamaran Dolphin Whale Watching<\/div>\n        <div class=\"lkx-proof lkx-proof-sm\">\n      <span class=\"lkx-stars\">\u2605<\/span>\n      <b>4.5<\/b> \u00b7 9 104\n    <\/div>\n        <div class=\"lkx-card-bottom\"><span class=\"lkx-price lkx-price-sm\">from <b>\u20ac35<\/b><\/span><span class=\"lkx-cta lkx-cta-sm\">See dates \u2192<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/a><a class=\"lkx-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/en-us\/madeira-l67\/madeira-25-fountains-waterfall-guided-hike-with-transfer-t1287803\/?partner_id=MKZ64IS&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=funchal-madeira-things-to-see\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener nofollow\">\n      <div class=\"lkx-card-img\" style=\"background-image:url('https:\/\/cdn.getyourguide.com\/img\/tour\/a249506cb258375c1a9c1c5b88a3e51b727719533615f5e69820a384da9a648f.jpg\/132.jpg')\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"25 Fountains Waterfall Guided Hike with Transfer\"><\/div>\n      <div class=\"lkx-card-body\">\n        <div class=\"lkx-title lkx-title-sm\">25 Fountains Waterfall Guided Hike with Transfer<\/div>\n        <div class=\"lkx-proof lkx-proof-sm\">\n      <span class=\"lkx-stars\">\u2605<\/span>\n      <b>5.0<\/b> \u00b7 9\n    <\/div>\n        <div class=\"lkx-card-bottom\"><span class=\"lkx-price lkx-price-sm\">from <b>\u20ac45<\/b><\/span><span class=\"lkx-cta lkx-cta-sm\">See dates \u2192<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/a><\/div><div class=\"lkx-disclosure\">\ud83d\udd17 These are affiliate links \u2014 they don&#39;t change your price and help us create content. \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/en-us\/s\/?q=funchal&amp;partner_id=MKZ64IS&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener nofollow\">All experiences \u2192<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- LKM_GYG_CARD end -->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1780209040000\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_there_sandy_beaches_in_Madeira\"><\/span>Are there sandy beaches in Madeira?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>You won&#8217;t find natural beaches with fine golden sand in Madeira\u2014the coastline is made up of cliffs and pebbles. However, there are two artificial beaches (Calheta and Machico) with sand imported from the Sahara, plus stunning natural lava pools in the north of the island, such as in Porto Moniz or Seixal, where you&#8217;ll also find black volcanic sand.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1780209040001\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_does_the_cable_car_and_toboggan_ride_in_Funchal_cost\"><\/span>How much does the cable car and toboggan ride in Funchal cost?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>A one-way trip on the modern cable car from Funchal up to Monte costs around \u20ac13. If you want to ride back down in the traditional wicker toboggans, expect to pay approximately \u20ac35 for one basket that seats two people.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1780209040002\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_it_better_to_visit_Madeira_or_the_Azores\"><\/span>Is it better to visit Madeira or the Azores?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re looking for dramatic views, guaranteed excellent food, well-developed infrastructure, and more reliable warmth on the south side of the island, choose Madeira. The Azores (such as S\u00e3o Miguel island) are much wilder, greener, less touristy, and offer thermal springs, but the weather there is extremely changeable and it rains frequently.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1780209040003\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_I_need_a_car_in_Madeira\"><\/span>Do I need a car in Madeira?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>To explore the entire island and especially to reach the trailheads for the mountain levadas, a car is pretty much essential. Public transport only works reasonably well along the coast. When renting a car, definitely pay extra for a more powerful engine\u2014the hills here are extremely steep.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1780209040004\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_the_levadas_dangerous\"><\/span>Are the levadas dangerous?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Some sections of the levadas run along narrow ledges above deep ravines with no safety railings. If you suffer from vertigo, carefully choose flatter and safer routes (such as Vereda dos Balc\u00f5es). Always wear sturdy hiking boots, as the paths can be very slippery after rain.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1780209040005\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_can_I_tell_what_the_weather_will_be_like\"><\/span>How can I tell what the weather will be like?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Global weather forecast apps don&#8217;t work well for Madeira due to the dramatic microclimates. Your best bet is to download the NetMadeira app, which has live webcam feeds from all over the island, and head out in the morning to wherever the cameras are showing sunshine.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1780209040006\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Bolo_do_caco\"><\/span>What is Bolo do caco?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Bolo do caco is a delicious traditional Madeiran round bread made from flour and sweet potatoes. It&#8217;s baked on a hot stone and usually served warm, split open and generously slathered with garlic and herb butter. It&#8217;s an excellent vegetarian option.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover 15 best things to see in Funchal, Madeira \u2014 from the famous wicker toboggan ride and the cable car to Monte, to the secrets of the local market and exotic gardens.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":181921,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","rank_math_title":"Funchal Madeira: 15 Best Things to See & Do","rank_math_description":"Discover 15 best things to see in Funchal Madeira \u2014 the cable car, wicker toboggans, gardens, markets & more. Plan your perfect trip with our insider tips!","rank_math_focus_keyword":"funchal madeira","rank_math_seo_score":""},"categories":[326,327,320],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-188227","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-europe","8":"category-portugal","9":"category-travel"},"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/funchal-madeira-hero-scaled.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Lucie Kone\u010dn\u00e1","author_link":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/author\/lucie-konecna\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/188227","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=188227"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/188227\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":221793,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/188227\/revisions\/221793"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/181921"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=188227"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=188227"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudavymkrokem.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=188227"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}