Funchal: what to see and do
Madeira has its capital in Funchal. The city occupies a natural valley with the shape of an amphitheatre. There is also a Funchal in one day page.
The cathedral and things to do in Funchal
The Cathedral of Funchal is located in Sé, one of the city's administrative subdivisions.
There is a guided walking tour in Funchal with a local guide and a tasting. It lasts 2 hours. Included: a guided walk through Funchal, a licensed local guide and a small tasting of a local speciality.
There is also a walking tour of Funchal with an interactive audio guide, which is self guided. It lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes. Included: an audio guide with 25 commentaries on your own device, a walking route of 3.7 km through Funchal, a route map and navigation for each stop.
There is also a private sidecar tour of Funchal's downtown highlights. It lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes. Included: a private sidecar ride through downtown Funchal for one or two people, a professional local guide, commentary on history and culture, a helmet and safety equipment.
Monte and the gardens
Funchal is home to the botanical garden called Monte Palace Tropical Garden.
Another cable car route connects Monte with the Botanical Gardens.
There is a guided tour of Monte and the Botanical Garden in Madeira. It lasts 4 hours. Included: a guided visit to Monte village, a visit to the Church of Our Lady of the Mount, a toboggan ride in wicker basket cars and access to the Natural History Museum.
Whale and dolphin watching tours
Options include a whale and dolphin watching boat tour in Madeira lasting 3 hours. It lasts 3 hours. Included: a guided catamaran trip, an expert crew speaking several languages, wildlife commentary and species information, sailing when the wind allows, and a swimming and snorkelling stop in summer.
There is also a luxury catamaran tour in Madeira with wildlife and a swimming stop. It lasts 3 hours. Included: a guided catamaran trip, watching for dolphins, whales and turtles, a swimming stop at Cabo Girão, indoor and outdoor seating, a professional crew and safety equipment.
Along the coast: Câmara de Lobos and Cabo Girão
In this part of Madeira, Câmara de Lobos was the earliest area where colonists settled.
For coastal sightseeing, there is a Funchal boat tour to Cabo Girão. It lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes. Included: a RIB boat trip along Madeira’s southern coast, a safety briefing, a lifejacket for each passenger, snorkelling equipment on board, guided commentary, coastal views of Cabo Girão and Câmara de Lobos, and a swimming break in the Atlantic Ocean.
Another option is a tour of the Cabo Girão skywalk and Madeira's mountains. Included: a professional local guide, transport in a four wheel drive vehicle throughout and entry to the Cabo Girão skywalk viewpoint.
The peaks and walking tours
With an elevation of 1,818 m, Pico do Areeiro ranks third among Madeira's mountains.
At 1,862 m, Pico Ruivo is the tallest peak in the Madeira archipelago.
Pico do Areeiro is a departure point for hikers walking to Pico Ruivo.
Options include a hike from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo in Madeira, which is self guided. It lasts 8 hours. Included: a coordination briefing before the hike, a digital trail map, a weather forecast update before the hike and guide support throughout the walk.
There is also a guided tour of the Rabaçal 25 Fountains trail in Madeira. It lasts 7 hours. Included: a professional licensed guide, transport to and from the trailhead, a safety briefing and guidance on the trail.
Options include a guided tour of Caldeirão Verde from Queimadas lasting a full day and a 4x4 tour of Pico Areeiro and Santana in Madeira lasting a full day. The Caldeirão Verde guided tour lasts 7 hours. Included: a professionally guided hike, local expert knowledge of the Laurissilva ecosystem and a trail safety briefing. The Pico Areeiro and Santana 4x4 tour lasts 7 hours and 30 minutes. Included: transport in a 4x4 vehicle with an open top, a local guide throughout the day, all viewpoint and village stops, and entry to natural park areas along the route.
When to go
Madeira's climate is generally subtropical and mild, with temperatures ranging from mild to warm throughout the year.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Funchal?
Madeira has its capital in Funchal.
Where is the Cathedral of Funchal?
The Cathedral of Funchal is located in Sé, one of the city's administrative subdivisions.
What is Monte Palace Tropical Garden?
Funchal is home to the botanical garden called Monte Palace Tropical Garden.
How high is Pico do Areeiro?
With an elevation of 1,818 m, Pico do Areeiro ranks third among Madeira's mountains.
What is Madeira's climate like?
Madeira's climate is generally subtropical and mild, with temperatures ranging from mild to warm throughout the year.
