Best things to do in Funchal, Madeira

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Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers’ Market)

Funchal’s famous Mercado dos Lavradores is one of the city’s most colorful and lively attractions, and a must-see stop for first-time visitors. Opened in 1940, the market is located in Funchal’s Old Town (Zona Velha), just a short walk from the waterfront and many of the city’s historic streets.

The building itself is worth visiting, with traditional Portuguese azulejo tile panels at the entrance depicting regional farming scenes, flowers, and local traditions. Inside, the atmosphere is vibrant and busy, especially in the mornings, with vendors calling out, stalls overflowing with produce, and visitors photographing exotic fruits and fresh flowers.

You’ll find a wide variety of local products, including:

• Exotic Madeira fruits like passion fruit varieties, custard apple, pitanga, and mango

• Fresh vegetables and herbs

• Local flowers, including the famous bird-of-paradise

• Fresh fish, especially black scabbardfish (espada)

• Madeira wine, spices, honey cake, and regional souvenirs

Prices inside the market can be significantly higher than in neighborhood grocery stores or smaller local fruit shops. It’s best to enjoy the market for its atmosphere and colors, then buy fruit elsewhere if you’re shopping on a budget.

A fun surprise many visitors miss is that upstairs on the second floor, there are small bar and café where you can stop for a glass of poncha, Madeira’s traditional sugarcane rum drink mixed with honey and citrus. It’s a great place to take a break and watch the market activity below.

Tip: Visit in the morning for the liveliest experience, and note that the market is closed on Sundays.

Madeira Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico da Madeira)

One of the most beautiful viewpoints in Funchal, the Madeira Botanical Garden combines spectacular panoramic views with impressive plant collections from around the world. Located about 300 meters (1,000 feet) above sea level, the gardens overlook the entire bay of Funchal, making it a perfect place to escape the city and enjoy nature.

Opened in 1960, the garden covers roughly 8 hectares and showcases more than 2,000 plant species, including native Madeira plants as well as species from Africa, South America, Australia, and Asia. The garden is beautifully landscaped, with geometric flower beds, palm avenues, cactus gardens, tropical plants, and areas dedicated to endemic species from Madeira’s unique ecosystems.

As you walk through the gardens, you’ll find:

• Colorful patterned flower displays

• Collections of succulents and cacti

• Tropical and subtropical plants

• Indigenous Madeira plants

• Bird areas and small exhibition spaces

• Several scenic viewpoints over Funchal and the Atlantic Ocean

The views alone are worth the visit, especially on clear days when you can see the entire coastline and cruise ships docked in the harbor below.

How to Get There

There are a few easy ways to reach the Botanical Garden from Funchal:

1. Cable Car (most scenic option)
You can take the Funchal cable car starting from the Teleférico station in Zona Velha (Old Town) near the waterfront. This cable car takes you up to Monte, offering beautiful views during the 15-minute ride.

From Monte, you can then take a second cable car directly down to the Botanical Garden. This shorter ride gives another stunning perspective over the city and gardens.

Approximate prices:

• Funchal → Monte cable car: around €18 one way, €25 round trip

• Monte → Botanical Garden cable car: around €12 one way

Combined tickets are sometimes available, depending on the season.

2. Taxi or Ride-Share
A taxi or Uber/Bolt from central Funchal usually takes about 15 minutes and is convenient if you want to save time.

3. Public Bus
Local buses also run between the city center and the garden, making it a budget-friendly option.

Why Visit

The Botanical Garden is perfect for a relaxed half-day visit. It offers peaceful walking paths, shade, incredible photo opportunities, and some of the best views over Funchal. It’s especially enjoyable if you visit in the morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler and the light over the city is beautiful.

It’s an ideal stop for anyone who enjoys gardens, photography, or simply wants a calm break from sightseeing in the city center.

Monte Toboggan Ride (Carreiros do Monte)

One of Madeira’s most famous and unique traditions, the Monte toboggan ride is both a thrill and a piece of living history. What looks at first like a tourist attraction actually began as a practical form of transportation in the early 19th century, when locals used wicker basket sledges to travel quickly downhill from Monte to Funchal before modern roads existed.

Today, the tradition is kept alive by the Carreiros do Monte, the skilled drivers dressed in traditional white clothing and straw hats who guide and brake the sledges. Being a carreiro is a respected profession passed down through generations, and the drivers are experts at navigating the steep streets safely.

The sledges themselves are made of wicker mounted on wooden runners, and instead of wheels, they glide along the road while the drivers control speed using their boots as brakes and by steering from behind.

The ride begins in Monte, just below the Church of Our Lady of Monte, near the cable car station where most visitors arrive after taking the cable car up from Funchal. After a short queue, you climb into the basket sledge, buckle in, and off you go.

The ride covers about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) downhill and typically lasts around 10 minutes, depending on traffic and conditions. Speeds can reach up to 30 km/h (about 18 mph), which feels much faster when you’re sliding down narrow streets with sharp curves and drivers running behind you.

Along the way, you’ll glide through residential streets, pass gardens and homes, and experience a mix of excitement and laughter as the drivers expertly maneuver the sled down the hill.

The ride ends in the Livramento area, not all the way in central Funchal. From the finish point, you’ll usually find taxis waiting to take visitors back to the city center or down to the waterfront. Many drivers offer fixed prices for the short trip back.

Price and Practical Info

Approximate prices:

• €35 for two people

• €50 for three people

Single riders usually pay the two-person rate or share with others if possible.

Is It Worth It?

The famous basket sledges look terrifying at first — I almost backed out. But when I saw a couple in their 80s laughing their way down, I decided to try.

It turned out to be exciting, a little scary, but completely safe — and easily one of the most memorable and uniquely Madeiran experiences you can have.

Food Scene in Madeira: What to Eat in Funchal

Madeira’s food scene is one of the highlights of visiting the island. Thanks to its volcanic soil and Atlantic location, the cuisine blends fresh seafood, local produce, and comforting traditional dishes, often served in relaxed, family-run restaurants alongside excellent Portuguese wines.

In Funchal, you’ll find everything from casual local eateries to refined dining rooms, and many restaurants focus on simple ingredients cooked extremely well rather than complicated menus.

Traditional Foods to Try in Madeira

Espetada (Beef Skewers)
One of Madeira’s signature dishes, espetada features large chunks of beef grilled on laurel wood skewers, seasoned simply with garlic, salt, and bay leaves. It’s often served hanging from a metal stand at your table with fried cornmeal cubes (milho frito) and salad.

Espada com Banana (Scabbardfish with Banana)
This unusual but delicious dish combines Madeira’s famous black scabbardfish, caught in deep waters around the island, with fried banana. It sounds strange but works surprisingly well.

Lapas (Limpets)
A favorite starter, lapas are grilled shellfish served sizzling in butter, garlic, and lemon. They’re typically eaten with toothpicks and fresh bread to soak up the sauce.

Bolo do Caco
You’ll encounter this everywhere. Bolo do caco is Madeira’s traditional flatbread, cooked on hot stone and usually served warm with garlic butter. It often becomes the base for hearty sandwiches filled with steak, tuna, or pork, making it perfect for a casual meal or late-night snack.

Poncha
Madeira’s iconic drink mixes sugarcane rum, honey, and citrus juice, and each bar has its own version. It’s stronger than it tastes, so pace yourself!

Food Tours for First-Time Visitors

If it’s your first time in Madeira, a food and walking tour is a great introduction to the city and its flavors.

Both GetYourGuide and Viator offer well-reviewed tours in Funchal that combine:

• Walking through Old Town streets

• Local tastings

• Market visits

• Poncha stops

• Traditional snacks and wine tastings

These tours help you discover places you might otherwise miss and give useful tips for the rest of your stay.

Where to Eat in Funchal

Here are some of our favorite restaurants, ranging from higher-end dining to casual local spots — all offering excellent quality.

Higher-End & Special Dinner Spots

• O Regional – Our personal favorite; consistently excellent for traditional Madeira dishes.
• Armazém do Sal – Great for a romantic dinner with creative takes on local ingredients.
• Kampo by Chef Júlio Pereira – Modern Portuguese cuisine and one of the city’s trendier restaurants.

Mid-Range Favorites

• O Velhinho – Cozy and traditional, known for quality espetada and classic dishes.
• O Americano – Fun, relaxed spot with tapas-style options and good variety.
• Taberna Ruel – Popular Old Town choice for grilled meats and seafood.

• Londres Restaurant – Elegant atmosphere with refined Portuguese cuisine.

Casual & Budget-Friendly (But Still Excellent)

• Casa do Bolo do Caco – Perfect stop for warm bolo do caco sandwiches.
• Snack Bar Bela 5 – Casual local favorite with great value meals.
• Restaurante Mozart – Good atmosphere in Old Town with reliable food options.

Final Tip

Some of the best meals in Funchal happen in small, family-run restaurants away from the main tourist streets. If you see a place full of locals, it’s usually a good sign.

And honestly, one of our favorite Madeira routines remains simple: bolo do caco, grilled limpets, and poncha by the sea at sunset.

Watch Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro

Watching the sunrise at Pico do Arieiro is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Madeira. Standing at 1,818 meters (5,965 ft) above sea level, it is the island’s third-highest peak and one of the few mountain summits you can reach easily by car.

At that altitude, you often find yourself above the clouds, watching them flow between dramatic mountain ridges while the first sunlight slowly lights up the peaks. The sky shifts from deep blue to soft pink, orange, and gold, creating a truly magical atmosphere. Some mornings, the cloud layer looks like an endless ocean below, making it feel like you’re standing on top of the world.

Pico do Arieiro is also the starting point for the famous hike to Pico Ruivo, Madeira’s highest peak. Even if you don’t plan to hike, simply walking around the viewpoint area offers incredible panoramic scenery.

How to Reach Pico do Arieiro

You can drive there yourself, but remember that you’ll need to leave Funchal very early in the morning, and mountain roads can be foggy and dark before sunrise.

On our last visit, we decided to book a small-group sunrise tour through GetYourGuide, and it was one of the best decisions. The tour was limited to four people, and we were picked up in a comfortable jeep, making the journey easy and relaxed.

Our driver handled the mountain roads while we enjoyed the ride, and we arrived with plenty of time to enjoy the sunrise without rushing. After sunrise, instead of heading straight back, he took us for a nice local breakfast, followed by a short, peaceful walk in a nearby forest park — a perfect way to continue the morning.

It felt like a relaxed local experience rather than a rushed tourist stop.

Important Tip

Even if Funchal feels warm, temperatures at the peak are much colder, and it can be very windy. Bring:

• A warm jacket or windbreaker
• Comfortable shoes
• A hat or scarf on colder days

Trust me — you’ll be glad you packed an extra layer while waiting for the sun to rise.

👉:[Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Transfer / Tour]

Hiking in Madeira: Trails, Difficulty & What to Expect

Madeira is often called one of Europe’s best hiking destinations, and after visiting several times, we completely understand why. The island offers hundreds of kilometers of trails, ranging from easy scenic walks to challenging mountain ridge hikes.

There are over 2,000 km of levadas and walking trails across Madeira, meaning you could visit many times and still not see them all. Some hikes are short and relaxed, while others require full-day commitment and good physical condition.

Are the Trails Well Marked?

Most official PR (Pequena Rota) trails are well marked, with clear signs, maps, and safety instructions at the trailheads. Popular hikes usually have good signage along the route as well.

However, not all trails are equally clear.

When we hiked independently toward Fanal Forest, we underestimated how confusing some intersections could be. At one point, we missed a turn and ended up wandering for about 45 minutes before finding the correct trail again. Fog also rolled in quickly, making orientation harder.

Lesson learned:
• Download offline maps (Maps.me or AllTrails)
• Check trail routes beforehand
• Start early in the day
• Consider transfers or guided hikes for remote trails

Weather changes quickly in Madeira, especially in the mountains, so visibility can drop suddenly.

Difficulty Levels of Madeira Hikes

Madeira offers trails for every level:

Easy hikes
• Flat or gently sloping paths
• Perfect for families or relaxed walkers
• Mostly levada walks

Moderate hikes
• Some elevation gain
• Narrow paths and occasional exposure
• Suitable for active travelers

Challenging hikes
• Mountain ridges, stairs, and steep climbs
• Exposure to cliffs and changing weather
• Require good fitness and preparation

Many levada walks are technically easy but can still be long, so endurance matters.

Popular Hikes in Madeira

Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo

This is Madeira’s most famous and most challenging hike. The trail crosses dramatic ridges, tunnels, and stair climbs between the island’s highest peaks.

• Distance: ~10–12 km depending on route
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Duration: 5–7 hours
• Incredible mountain scenery throughout

Weather conditions should always be checked before attempting it.

👉
[Arieiro to Ruivo Transfer / Guided Hike]

Fanal Forest

Fanal is one of Madeira’s most magical places, known for its ancient laurel trees often wrapped in mist. Trails here are less structured, making navigation tricky when fog appears.

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Best known for atmosphere rather than distance
• Fog creates stunning photos but reduces visibility

This is exactly where we got lost for about 45 minutes after missing a trail connection — so bring navigation support.

👉
[Fanal Forest Tour / Transfer]

Cabo Girão Viewpoint Walks

While not a traditional hike, Cabo Girão offers scenic walking paths near one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs, plus the famous glass skywalk viewpoint.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Great quick stop with incredible ocean views
• Perfect for relaxed travelers

Levada do Caldeirão Verde

One of the island’s most loved levada hikes, this trail leads through tunnels and lush forest to a beautiful waterfall.

• Distance: ~13 km round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate but mostly flat
• Duration: 4–5 hours
• Bring a headlamp for tunnels

👉
[Caldeirão Verde Transfer / Guided Hike]

Levada Walks Across the Island

Levadas are Madeira’s historic irrigation channels, and walking beside them is one of the island’s most unique experiences.

There are dozens of options, from short easy walks to long full-day routes. Most follow gentle gradients and offer incredible valley, forest, and waterfall views.

Should You Hike Alone or With a Guide?

We do both.

Some hikes we do independently, using transfer services to drop us at trailheads and pick us up later. Other times, especially in remote areas, we join organized tours through GetYourGuide or Viator.

If you don’t want to drive narrow mountain roads or worry about navigation, guided tours are a great option.

Quick Hiking Tips for Madeira

• Weather changes fast — pack layers
• Bring rain jacket and water
• Wear good hiking shoes
• Carry snacks and water
• Download offline maps
• Bring headlamp for tunnels
• Start hikes early

Madeira truly is a paradise for hikers, whether you want a gentle scenic walk or an adventurous mountain trek. Many visitors come for beaches and food but end up falling in love with the island’s trails.

How to Spend Time in Funchal If You’re Not Hiking (or Just Want City Days)

Not everyone comes to Madeira for mountain hikes — and honestly, Funchal itself offers plenty to enjoy at a slower pace. Some days we simply stay in the city, enjoy good food, music, and walk around without any fixed plans. Funchal is perfect for relaxed travel days between island adventures.

Here are some great ways to enjoy the city itself:

Explore Rua de Santa Maria & Zona Velha (Old Town)

Rua de Santa Maria is one of Funchal’s most charming streets and a perfect place to wander slowly. Located in the Old Town, this pedestrian street is known for its painted doors project, where local artists transformed doorways into colorful works of art.

You’ll also find:
• Cozy restaurants and wine bars
• Small art galleries and craft shops
• Outdoor dining terraces
• Live street music in the evenings

It’s lively at night but still relaxed, making it perfect for dinner and evening walks.

Attend a Classical Music Concert at the Presbyterian Church

One of our favorite unexpected experiences in Funchal has been attending a string quartet concert in the Presbyterian Church. These concerts usually feature classical music performed in an intimate and beautiful setting.

The acoustics are wonderful, and the atmosphere feels peaceful and elegant — a perfect cultural evening after a relaxed day in town.

Check local listings while in Funchal, as concerts happen regularly, especially during tourist seasons.

Jazz & Blues Evenings at MAMMA Museum

If you prefer a more modern, casual vibe, the MAMMA Museum often hosts jazz and blues performances. The combination of art, music, and wine creates a relaxed cultural experience.

It’s a great place to:
• Enjoy live music
• Discover local artists
• Sip wine or cocktails
• Spend an easygoing evening indoors

Experience Traditional Fado Music

While Fado is most associated with mainland Portugal, some restaurants and venues in Funchal also host Fado nights, offering an emotional and authentic Portuguese music experience.

Enjoying Fado with a glass of wine and local food is a wonderful way to connect with Portuguese culture.

Taste Madeira Wine

A visit to Madeira wouldn’t be complete without tasting the island’s famous wine. Funchal has several wine lodges and tasting rooms where you can learn about the wine’s history and try different styles, from dry to sweet.

Popular places include:
• Blandy’s Wine Lodge
• D’Oliveiras Madeira Wine

Tastings are relaxed and educational, and many cellars are located right in the city center, making them easy to visit between sightseeing stops.

Simply Enjoy the Waterfront

Sometimes the best plan is no plan at all. Walking along Funchal Marina and the waterfront promenade, stopping for coffee, watching cruise ships arrive, or enjoying sunset views is one of the simplest pleasures in the city.

Add a poncha stop along the way, and you have the perfect relaxed Madeira day.

Why Funchal Keeps Calling Us Back

Funchal offers something rare — adventure, nature, great food, and relaxation all in one place. Whether you’re hiking above the clouds, exploring scenic coastal villages, enjoying fresh seafood, or sipping poncha by the harbor at sunset, Madeira has a way of pulling you back again and again.

And even if you base yourself in Funchal, there is always more to discover. With extra time, you can easily take day trips around the island, visiting places like the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, the dramatic natural pools of Porto Moniz, or even spending a day or two on nearby Porto Santo Island, famous for its long sandy beach.

Every visit gives us a new reason to fall in love with Madeira all over again.

And for us, coming back to Funchal always feels like coming home.