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10 Days in Funchal: A Journey of Discovery

Animedix

3 Jan 2024

0

Embark on a thrilling adventure through the vibrant city of Funchal, where history, nature, and culture collide. From enchanting museums to breathtaking viewpoints, this itinerary will take you on an unforgettable exploration of this Portuguese gem.

Trip to Funchal

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Viator

Day 1Unveiling Funchal's Hidden Treasures

+

$40

Museu de Historia Natural do Funchal

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

2 - 3 min

~

Directions

House Museum of Frederico de Freitas

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

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$25

3 - 4 min

~

Directions

Universo de Memórias João Carlos Abreu

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

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

$15

Day 2Conquering the Peaks of Funchal

+

$0

·

$ 9

Pico Ruivo

Accessible by foot only, Madeira Island's highest mountain offers coastal views, trails & restrooms.

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

64 - 77 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.

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Day 3Immerse in Art and Wine

+

$100

Henrique and Francisco Franco Museum

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$25

6 - 9 min

~

Directions

H. M. Borges madeira winery

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$25

6 - 9 min

~

Directions

Blandy's Wine Lodge (former Adegas de São Francisco)

Samples & guided tours exploring Madeira wine production. barrel making & storage.

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

•

$50

Day 4Botanical Wonders and Golfing Delights

+

$300

·

$ 9

Madeira Botanical Garden

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$50

11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Palheiro Golf

Scenic golf resort offering an 18-hole course with mountain & ocean views, plus a luxe hotel & spa.

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

•

$250

Day 5Unraveling Funchal's Rich History

+

$65

·

$ 9

Museu de Electricidade Casa da Luz

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

Free

3 - 4 min

~

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

•

$40

5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Forteresse de Santiago

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

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

19 - 28 min

~

Directions

Quinta da Boa Vista

Year-round gardens showcasing a wide variety of orchids & other exotic plants & flowers.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

17 - 21 min

~

Directions

Associação dos Carreiros do Monte

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

2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

•

$25

Day 6Aerial Rides and Local Delights

+

$75

·

$ 9

Funchal-Monte Cable Car

Modern cable car with vast panoramic views & connecting the lush Botanical Garden to Monte.

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

•

$75

13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Farmers' Market

Traditional indoor facility built in 1940 featuring merchants of produce, flowers & seafood.

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Capela do Corpo Santo

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

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

Day 7Gardens, Art, and Historic Charm

+

$50

·

$ 9

Palheiro Gardens

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$50

13 - 16 min

~

Directions

The Art of Open Doors

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

4 - 5 min

~

Directions

Zona Velha

Historic area with narrow cobbled streets lined with restaurant & bars, plus old merchant houses.

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Day 8Majestic Palaces and Lush Gardens

+

$75

·

$ 9

Monte Palace Madeira

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$75

13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Jardim Municipal do Funchal

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

Day 9Museums, Parks, and Beach Bliss

+

$25

·

$ 9

Museu Quinta das Cruzes

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$25

10 - 15 min

~

Directions

Santa Catarina Park

Large, garden-like park with diverse trees, flower beds & walkways, plus a lake with ducks & swans.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

7 - 9 min

~

Directions

Lido bathing complex

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

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

Day 10Exploring Fortresses and Coastal Beauty

+

$25

·

$ 26

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

8 - 10 min

~

Directions

MAMMA - Museum of Modern Art of Madeira

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$25

7 - 9 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

9 - 11 min

~

Directions

Praia Formosa

Bustling ocean getaway providing sand & pebble shores, restaurants & nearby shops & nightclubs.

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $841 In total

Activities & Food:$755

Transport:$86