Things to do in Funchal: must-see attractions

Visiting Funchal

Often ranked among the prettiest cities in Portugal, the capital of the Madeira archipelago was actually founded only in 1421. Set against the bay and climbing the mountainside, Funchal grew rich on the sugar cane trade, once known as "white gold." Its port drew merchants from all over, particularly Flanders, and traders often exchanged sugar for fine artwork. You can still see those canvases today inside the Cathedral, one of the historic gems that gives this destination its appeal, long praised for its mild climate and relaxed pace.

A Distinct Culture

With a coastline wedged between the sea and the mountains, the waterfront is a major draw and all the city streets slope down toward it. Stop by an outdoor café to try poncha, a traditional cocktail made with cane aguardiente, honey, and lemon, or order grilled fish and espetada, the island's signature skewered beef. Down at the harbor, you will spot a replica of the Santa Maria, Christopher Columbus's famous ship, while sailboats move back and forth in the bay.

Madeira is volcanic in origin, so sand is rare and beaches are mostly pebbled. Several spots await swimmers, starting with Praia Formosa, the largest and liveliest beach, which features plenty of activity and evening nightlife. The Lido bathing complex offers direct access to the sea and saltwater pools, while Praia de Sao Tiago provides a much quieter atmosphere.

Sao Tiago is also the name of the ochre-walled fortress right next to the historic old town known as Zona Velha and its cobblestone alleys. On Santa Maria street, you will notice that every single doorway has been transformed into an art piece, painted in wildly different styles with a striking result. At the end of the street, Mercado dos Lavradores buzzes with constant activity as vendors fill their stalls. Fresh fish, flowers, and exotic fruits crowd the upper levels with color. Try the monstera fruit, known locally as a breadfruit or split-leaf philodendron relative imported from Central America, along with custard apples and purple passionfruit.

Architectural landmarks stand out across the city, notably Sé Cathedral with its 1510 altarpiece and Gothic ceiling vault. The Palace of São Lourenço looks like a military stronghold with Manueline defensive lines and a crenellated keep. The Museum of Sacred Art traces centuries of local history through sculptures, jewelry, and paintings, while a completely different kind of museum honors Cristiano Ronaldo, Madeira's most famous global soccer star.

Extraordinary Gardens

Just like everywhere else on Madeira, plant life in Funchal is lush and extraordinary. Dedicated spaces preserve and celebrate this greenery, and the best way up is to ride the cable car to the Monte district high above the city. The Tropical Garden ranks among the finest in the world. Inside, 10,000 species grow alongside native plants, redwoods, and ancient olive trees. The grounds feature a three-tiered museum, lakes, waterfalls, African art, Portuguese azulejos, and two distinct oriental gardens complete with Japanese pagodas and a zen area. Right nearby, a second cable car connects to the Botanical Garden, home to over 2,000 exotic plants gathered from around the globe. Some are endangered species, making this hillside Eden with its viewpoints and amphitheater a genuine wonder. For the trip back down, hop into the wicker toboggans, a traditional sled steered by drivers called carreiros do Monte who have been running the route for 150 years. It is an experience unique to Funchal.

When to Go

Madeira sits in a subtropical zone, giving Funchal mild weather year-round. Spring and autumn are ideal for skipping the heavy crowds, and winter temperatures rarely drop below 13°.

How to Get There

The city has its own airport, and flights from major European hubs often route through Lisbon. You can also take a 2.5-hour ferry crossing from the neighboring island of Porto Santo.