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8 Days in Funchal: A Journey of Adventure and Discovery

Zita Váradi

Zita Váradi

17 Jan 2024

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey to Funchal, where ancient marvels and breathtaking landscapes await. Explore historic landmarks, indulge in local delicacies, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of this enchanting city. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!

Trip to Funchal

Day 1Unveiling the Secrets of Funchal: Wine Tasting and Cathedral Exploration
+

$25

Blandy's Wine Lodge (former Adegas de São Francisco)
Samples & guided tours exploring Madeira wine production. barrel making & storage.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
•
$25
4 - 5 min

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Directions

Funchal Cathedral
Gothic-style, late-15th-century Catholic church with an ornate interior comprising 3 naves.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
Day 2Nature's Paradise: Botanical Gardens, Cable Car Ride, and Traditional Carreiros
+

$75

·

$ 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
15 - 18 min

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Directions

Funchal-Monte Cable Car
Modern cable car with vast panoramic views & connecting the lush Botanical Garden to Monte.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
$38
5 - 8 min

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Directions

Associação dos Carreiros do Monte
Site for hill rides in handcrafted wicker sleds pulled by men known as "carreiros."
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
•
$13
Day 3Conquering the Heights: Pico do Arieiro and Miradouro Pico dos Barcelos
+

$0

·

$ 5

Pico do Arieiro
A road reaches this 1,818-meter high peak, with a cafe & gift shop, that often looks down on clouds.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
31 - 38 min

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Directions

Miradouro Pico dos Barcelos
Viewpoint with a cafe & vistas sweeping over Funchal, the sea & rugged inland mountains.
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
Day 4Reaching New Heights: Conquer the Majestic Pico Ruivo
+

$0

Pico Ruivo
Accessible by foot only, Madeira Island's highest mountain offers coastal views, trails & restrooms.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
Day 5A Feast for the Senses: Farmers' Market and Exploring the Charming Zona Velha
+

$0

Farmers' Market
Traditional indoor facility built in 1940 featuring merchants of produce, flowers & seafood.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
1 - 2 min

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Directions

Zona Velha
Historic area with narrow cobbled streets lined with restaurant & bars, plus old merchant houses.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
•
Free
Day 6Sun, Sea, and Serenity: Relax at Lido Bathing Complex and Santa Catarina Park
+

$0

·

$ 5

Lido bathing complex
Seafront leisure complex with saltwater tidal pools, a kids' pool & sundecks overlooking the sea.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
6 - 8 min

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Directions

Santa Catarina Park
Large, garden-like park with diverse trees, flower beds & walkways, plus a lake with ducks & swans.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
•
Free
Day 7Celebrating a Legend: CR7 Cristiano Ronaldo Museum and Madeira Story Centre
+

$38

·

$ 5

CR7 Cristiano Ronaldo Museum
Museum spotlighting the famous footballer Cristiano Ronaldo featuring his career history & trophies.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
$18
5 - 6 min

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Directions

Madeira Story Centre
Unique, modern museum with interactive exhibits of Madeira's history, plus a bistro with a terrace.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$20
Day 8Journey through History: Discovering the Forteresse de Santiago
+

$0

Forteresse de Santiago
Enormous, yellow-hued fort built in the 17th century to defend the city from attacks by pirates.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free

Budget breakdown: $155 In total

Activities & Food:$138
Transport:$18