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10 Days in Funchal: Unveiling Hidden Gems

Lars Christ

3 Jan 2024

0

Embark on a thrilling journey through Funchal's rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Discover fascinating museums, enchanting gardens, and iconic landmarks. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in this vibrant city!

Trip to Funchal

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Thrilling Rides and Breathtaking Views

+

$13

·

$ 5

Associação dos Carreiros do Monte

Site for hill rides in handcrafted wicker sleds pulled by men known as "carreiros."

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

•

$13

27 - 33 min

~

Directions

Pico do Arieiro

A road reaches this 1,818-meter high peak, with a cafe & gift shop, that often looks down on clouds.

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

Day 2A Palace of Wonders and Lush Gardens

+

$38

Monte Palace Madeira

Big, multi-level garden with exotic trees & flowers, ponds, African sculptures & a mineral museum.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$38

Day 3Immerse in History and Natural Beauty

+

$13

House Museum of Frederico de Freitas

The 18th-century house museum of collector Frederico de Freitas is dedicated to the decorative arts.

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$13

2 - 3 min

~

Directions

Museu de Historia Natural do Funchal

Opened in 1929, this natural history museum is housed in the landmark Palace of Saint Peter.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

Day 4Artistic Treasures and Fine Wine Tasting

+

$25

Henrique and Francisco Franco Museum

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$13

6 - 9 min

~

Directions

H. M. Borges madeira winery

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$13

Day 5Memories, Art, and Panoramic Vistas

+

$20

·

$ 5

Universo de Memórias João Carlos Abreu

Collection of decorative arts amassed by a well-traveled individual, displayed in an 1800s house.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$8

1 - 2 min

~

Directions

Museu Quinta das Cruzes

500 years of art, ceramics, jewelry & antiques housed in an 18th-century villa in lush gardens.

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$13

9 - 11 min

~

Directions

Miradouro Pico dos Barcelos

Viewpoint with a cafe & vistas sweeping over Funchal, the sea & rugged inland mountains.

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

•

Free

Day 6A Journey into Sugar and Fortress Exploration

+

$13

Museum of the City of Sugar

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$13

10 - 15 min

~

Directions

Forteresse de Santiago

Enormous, yellow-hued fort built in the 17th century to defend the city from attacks by pirates.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

Day 7Strolling Through Gardens and Sacred Chapels

+

$25

·

$ 5

Palheiro Gardens

Landscaped green space showcasing tropical plants in a hillside venue overlooking the ocean.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$25

13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Capela do Corpo Santo

Small fishermen's chapel built in the 15th century & decorated with ceiling paintings & carvings.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

Day 8Botanical Paradise and Illuminating History

+

$25

·

$ 5

Madeira Botanical Garden

Hillside botanical gardens with a bird park, natural history museum & glass houses, plus sea views.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$25

10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Museu de Electricidade Casa da Luz

Unpretentious museum about the area's history of electricity, with vintage tools in basic exhibits.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

Day 9Modern Art and Majestic Palaces

+

$25

·

$ 5

MAMMA - Museum of Modern Art of Madeira

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$13

8 - 10 min

~

Directions

Palácio de São Lourenço

Built 1529–1540, the city's first fortress includes an exhibit exploring the complex's history.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$13

Day 10Exploring Fortresses and Relaxing by the Sea

+

$0

·

$ 5

Fortaleza de São João Baptista do Pico

Imposing hilltop castle offering panoramic views of the city & sea, plus an adjacent cafe.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Lido bathing complex

Seafront leisure complex with saltwater tidal pools, a kids' pool & sundecks overlooking the sea.

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $221 In total

Activities & Food:$195

Transport:$26