Funchal, the capital of Madeira, is a city bursting with life, colour and culture. Nestled between sea and mountains, with a year-round subtropical climate, is the perfect combination for nature and wine lovers – Funchal produces world-famous wine. Botanical gardens and parks throughout the city boast mesmerising flowers and plants, an important part of the Madeira archipelago. The Old Town is a delight, from art museums to the Farmer’s Market (Mercado dos Lavradores) – don’t forget to try the traditional garlic bread bolo de caco. Head up to the romantic area of Monte for some top-class views and unique traditions.
Top three things to do in Funchal
1. Zig zag through the Old Town (Zona Velha)
Funchal’s Old Town is a maze of narrow, atmospheric streets filled with historic buildings, museums, traditional restaurants and more. Walk down the main shopping streets, admire the impressive Funchal Cathedral on Rua do Aljube and admire the painted doors on Rua de Santa Maria, a public art project that has turned the street into an open-air gallery.
2. Get up close to nature at Funchal’s Botanical Gardens
The Monte Palace Tropical Garden is an oasis of calm and boasts a vast collection of tropical and subtropical flora. Enjoy oriental gardens and the museum housing African sculptures and minerals. A second cable car will take you further up the hillside to the Botanical Gardens of Madeira. From cacti to orchids, bird-of-paradise flowers to olive trees, it’s a riot of colour and life.
3. Whizz down on a wicker toboggan sledge ride
Get ready to be pushed down the streets of Monte on a toboggan ride – traditionally used by locals to travel down the hillside but now one of the city’s most unique attractions. Guided by two experienced runners dressed in traditional white uniforms and straw hats, you'll glide down the steep streets at exhilarating speeds, enjoying fantastic views along the way.
