Things to do in Funchal: must-see attractions

Visiting Funchal

Often ranked among the most beautiful cities in Portugal, the capital of the Madeira archipelago was only founded in 1421. Facing the bay and climbing up the mountainside, Funchal grew rich on the back of the white gold trade. Its port drew sugar cane merchants, particularly from Flanders, who frequently traded their cargo for fine art. You can still admire these paintings today in the Cathedral, one of the small gems that define the charm of this destination, which is highly regarded for its mild climate and slow pace of life.

A culture with character

With a coastline wedged between the sea and the mountains, the waterfront is a major draw, and the entire city layout pivots toward the ocean. Take your time to stroll or grab a seat on a terrace to try Poncha, a local passion fruit cocktail, or dig into some grilled fish or espeta, the traditional beef skewer. Down at the port, you will find a replica of the Santa Maria, Christopher Columbus's famous ship, and the constant coming and going of sailboats is always a sight to see.

Madeira is volcanic in origin, so don't expect white sand beaches here, as rocky shorelines are the norm. You have several options for swimming. The largest and trendiest is Praia Formosa, where the atmosphere is lively with activities and occasional nightlife. The Lido seaside complex offers direct ocean access and saltwater pools, while you will find a more tranquil vibe at Praia de Sao Tiago.

Sao Tiago is also the name of a fortress with distinctive ocher walls. It sits right next to the old town, the unmissable Zona Velha and its cobblestone streets. In the Santa Maria neighborhood, you will be surprised to see the doors transformed into art: each one is painted in a different artistic style with impressive results. At the end of this street, the Mercado dos Lavradores draws a constant crowd, and it is here that the stalls are at their most bountiful. Fresh fish, flowers, and exotic fruits fill the levels with color. Try the monstera deliciosa fruit, the famous ceriman that only grows here, as well as cherimoya or purple passion fruit.

The architectural sites are striking, most notably the Sé Cathedral and its 1510 altarpiece topped with a Gothic vault. The Palais de São Lourenço looks like a fortress with its military and Manueline lines, easily recognized by its crenelated keep. The Sacred Art Museum traces centuries of history through sculptures, jewelry, and paintings. For something completely different, do not miss the museum dedicated to Cristiano Ronaldo, the most famous Madeiran soccer player in the world.

Extraordinary gardens

As is the case everywhere on Madeira, the vegetation in Funchal is incredible. Fabulous sites preserve this natural heritage, and to reach them, you must take the cable car, as the Monte neighborhood is perched high above the city. The Jardim Tropical is certainly one of the most beautiful in the world. Here, 10,000 species, including many endemic plants, await you. Between the sequoias and thousand-year-old olive trees, you will find a three-story museum, a lake, waterfalls, African art, azulejos, and two oriental gardens with Japanese pagodas and a Zen area. It is a rare walk where nature has truly taken center stage. A second cable car takes you to the Botanical Garden, where more than 2,000 exotic plants from around the world flourish. Some are endangered, and this Eden with its viewpoints and amphitheater is a wonder. To get back down, you have to ride in the wicker sleds, a type of toboggan steered by carreiros do Monte for the last 150 years. You will only see this in Funchal.

When to go

Madeira sits in a subtropical zone, so Funchal enjoys a mild climate year-round. Fall and spring are perhaps the ideal seasons to avoid the crowds, and winter temperatures rarely dip below 55°F (13°C).

How to get there

The city has its own airport with frequent connections via Lisbon. From Porto Santo, you can also take the ferry, which takes 2 hours and 30 minutes.