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.
The Madeira Botanical 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.
Câmara de Lobos.
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.
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.
Funchal is located on the southern coast of Madeira, a Portuguese autonomous region situated approximately 950 kilometers southwest of Lisbon and 520 kilometers west of Morocco. The city serves as the primary gateway to the island, with its natural harbor making it a major destination for cruise ships and ferries. Its elevation above sea level ranges from sea level to surrounding hills reaching several hundred meters, creating the characteristic amphitheater-like topography that defines the city's landscape and contributes to its unique microclimate.
Madeira | Portugal | Atlantic Islands | Portuguese Tourism | Subtropical Destination | Cruise Port | Island Capital