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10 Days in Funchal: Unveiling the Hidden Gems of Madeira

Finn Vortmeyer

Finn Vortmeyer

3 Jan 2024

Embark on a thrilling 10-day adventure in Funchal, Madeira, and discover the enchanting wonders this island paradise has to offer. From historic museums to breathtaking gardens, cable car rides to panoramic viewpoints, and wine tastings to coastal explorations, this itinerary is designed to immerse you in the vibrant culture and natural beauty of Funchal.

Trip to Funchal

Day 1Unveiling the Secrets of Funchal's History
+

$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

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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 2Soaring Heights and Traditional Delights
+

$88

Funchal-Monte Cable Car
Modern cable car with vast panoramic views & connecting the lush Botanical Garden to Monte.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
$38
1 - 2 min

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Directions

Monte Palace Madeira
Big, multi-level garden with exotic trees & flowers, ponds, African sculptures & a mineral museum.
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
$38
4 - 6 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."
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
•
$13
Day 3Gardens of Paradise and Quinta Charms
+

$25

·

$ 5

Palheiro Gardens
Landscaped green space showcasing tropical plants in a hillside venue overlooking the ocean.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
$25
10 - 12 min

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Directions

Quinta da Boa Vista
Year-round gardens showcasing a wide variety of orchids & other exotic plants & flowers.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
Free
Day 4Botanical Wonders and Coastal Fortresses
+

$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

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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
3 - 4 min

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Directions

Forteresse de Santiago
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 5Tee Off and Toast to Madeira's Finest
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$138

·

$ 5

Palheiro Golf
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

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Directions

H. M. Borges madeira winery
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
$13
Day 6Conquer the Summit and Delight in Gardens
+

$0

·

$ 5

Pico Ruivo
Accessible by foot only, Madeira Island's highest mountain offers coastal views, trails & restrooms.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
57 - 69 min

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Directions

Jardim de Santa Luzia
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
Day 7Peaks and Museums: A Day of Exploration
+

$13

·

$ 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
37 - 45 min

~

Directions

Museu Quinta das Cruzes
500 years of art, ceramics, jewelry & antiques housed in an 18th-century villa in lush gardens.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
•
$13
Day 8Art, Memories, and Wine Tasting
+

$45

·

$ 5

MAMMA - Museum of Modern Art of Madeira
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
•
$13
4 - 5 min

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Directions

Universo de Memórias João Carlos Abreu
Collection of decorative arts amassed by a well-traveled individual, displayed in an 1800s house.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$8
4 - 6 min

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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
•
$25
Day 9Museums, Gardens, and Breathtaking Views
+

$13

·

$ 5

Henrique and Francisco Franco Museum
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
•
$13
10 - 15 min

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Directions

Jardim Municipal do Funchal
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
•
Free
9 - 11 min

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Directions

Miradouro Pico dos Barcelos
Viewpoint with a cafe & vistas sweeping over Funchal, the sea & rugged inland mountains.
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
Day 10Uncover History and Relax by the Sea
+

$0

·

$ 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
8 - 10 min

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Directions

Fortaleza de São João Baptista do Pico
Imposing hilltop castle offering panoramic views of the city & sea, plus an adjacent cafe.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
•
Free
10 - 12 min

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Directions

Lido bathing complex
Seafront leisure complex with saltwater tidal pools, a kids' pool & sundecks overlooking the sea.
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
•
Free

Budget breakdown: $396 In total

Activities & Food:$358
Transport:$39