8 Days in Funchal: A Journey to Paradise

Michelle Bühl

3 Jan 2024

Embark on an unforgettable adventure in Funchal, where breathtaking landscapes and rich history await. Discover hidden gems, explore lush gardens, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of this enchanting city. Get ready for an extraordinary experience that will leave you craving for more!

Trip to Funchal

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Conquer the Heights and Unleash Your Adventurous Spirit

$ 5

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

Free

58 - 70 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 2From Majestic Peaks to Botanical Wonders

$25

$ 5

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

36 - 44 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$25

Day 3Step into the Past and Dive into Natural Wonders

$13

$ 5

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

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

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

Free

9 - 11 min

Directions

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

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

•

Free

Day 4Gardens, Cathedrals, and Breathtaking Views

$38

$ 13

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

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$25

21 - 26 min

Directions

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

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$13

13 - 16 min

Directions

Gothic-style, late-15th-century Catholic church with an ornate interior comprising 3 naves.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

11 - 14 min

Directions

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

1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

Day 5Tee Off in Paradise and Uncover Electric Marvels

$125

$ 5

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$125

15 - 18 min

Directions

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

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

Free

Day 6Palaces, Museums, and the Legacy of a Legend

$55

$ 5

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

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

•

$38

14 - 17 min

Directions

Museum spotlighting the famous footballer Cristiano Ronaldo featuring his career history & trophies.

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$18

Day 7A Journey through History and Captivating Stories

$33

$ 5

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

$13

7 - 9 min

Directions

Unique, modern museum with interactive exhibits of Madeira's history, plus a bistro with a terrace.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$20

Day 8Exploring the Old Town and Relaxing by the Sea

$13

$ 5

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

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

•

Free

8 - 11 min

Directions

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

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

•

$13

9 - 11 min

Directions

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

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

Budget breakdown: $343 In total

Activities & Food:$300

Transport:$43