Summary
The capital of Madeira is situated along the southern coast of the main island, adorning the slopes of the Central Massif as they gradually descend to the ocean. In Funchal, one can observe the rich plant life that thrives due to volcanic soil and a consistently mild climate, with three vibrant gardens available for relaxation.
Two of these gardens are accessible via the cable car that transports visitors to the Monte neighborhood. For a swift return down the incline, one can opt for a high-speed descent on a wicker sled. The city is characterized by its whitewashed colonial architecture, some of which dates back to the era when Madeira was first discovered.
Let us examine the top attractions in Funchal:
1. Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro
One of the many advantages of Madeira’s consistently pleasant weather is that gardens such as this one can flourish at any time of the year.
The exquisite Palheiro Gardens are located within a British colonial-style estate surrounding a private residence and boast approximately 3,000 species from various parts of the world.
Among the numerous flowerbeds and meticulously shaped hedges, you will find a rose garden, a sunken garden, a camellia avenue, a French garden, a ladies’ garden, along with a tea room.
If you visit during late winter, you may get a glimpse of summer in Europe, with wisteria and unique species like proteas already in bloom.
2. Funchal Cathedral
Within the city’s cathedral, visitors can step back into the Portuguese Age of Discovery.
This structure was erected in the early 16th century using multi-toned pyroclastic rock extracted from the cliffs at Cabo Girão to the southwest.
Upon observing the steeple’s roof, you will notice that it is adorned with classic glazed tiles.
Manuel I, the Portuguese king during that period, donated the cathedral’s silver processional cross, recognized as a masterpiece of liturgical silver craftsmanship.
The wooden choir stalls are noteworthy as well, depicting prophets, saints, and apostles dressed in 16th-century attire.
3. Monte Cable Car
A mandatory attraction in Funchal is the cable car that carries visitors to the elevated Monte neighborhood, which is 600 meters above sea level.
This gondola lift commenced operations in 2000, replacing a long-abandoned railway that ran four kilometers up the slope and ceased operations in 1943. Alongside reaching the sights in Monte, one of the primary reasons to embark on this 15-minute journey is the stunning scenery; Funchal, the mountains decorated with white houses, and the ocean await your admiration and photography.
4. Monte Palace Tropical Garden
Winding through seven hectares of terraces is another botanical garden, featuring exotic plants complemented by picturesque waterfalls and architectural elements such as a Japanese pagoda.
Your journey through the gardens is enhanced by exquisite azulejos created in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Within the Japanese garden, there are tile panels illustrating the history of trade between Portugal and Japan.
In the Monte Palace Museum, visitors can explore an exhibition of African art on the upper floors, while a collection of minerals with 700 specimens from the Portuguese mainland, South America, North America, and Africa is available below.
5. Rua Santa Maria
Extending from east to west through Funchal’s Zona Velha is a charming cobblestone street lined with houses featuring decorated doors.
Rua Santa Maria was among the first streets plotted in Funchal and has origins in the 15th century. Today, it serves as a popular destination for shopping and dining.
In 2010, the street experienced flooding, and as part of the redevelopment, the city initiated the Art of Open Doors project.
As a result, the path is now enlivened by colorful and artistically painted doors.
6. Igreja do Monte
One of the prominent attractions at the summit is this 18th-century church, which stands on the site of a 15th-century hermitage.
At the high altar, there is a statue of Nossa Senhora do Monte (Our Lady of the Mountain), which originally resided in the hermitage and has been honored since the island’s early years.
Additionally, the tomb of Charles I of Austria, who spent his later years in exile following the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand in 1914, is worth visiting. Charles was the last Emperor of Austria and the final Habsburg-Lorraine monarch.
Be sure to ascend the steps to the roof between the towers for an uninterrupted view of Funchal.
7. Wicker Toboggan Ride
Upon reaching the upper terminal in Monte, you will encounter groups of individuals attired in boaters and white suits, offering a high-speed descent back to Funchal.
This mode of transport is undoubtedly unconventional.
You will board a type of wicker sled with greased wooden runners, and descend the Carro de Cesto road that winds down the hill.
The tradition dates back to the 1800s, and your exhilarating journey will take you for two thrilling kilometers until you arrive in Funchal’s Livramento suburb to continue your exploration.
8. Madeira Botanical Garden
Another attractive activity in Monte is to catch a second cable car to the Botanical Garden.
This terminal is within a short walking distance from the upper station in Monte, and a combined ticket can be purchased before departing from Funchal.
This second cable car also offers a highly scenic journey through the João Gomes Stream Valley.
Like much of Funchal, the garden is integrated into the hillside, and unfortunately, forest fires in 2016 adversely affected the orchids.
However, there is plenty to discover, including scenic viewpoints, plantations of tropical and subtropical fruits such as papaya, avocado, coffee, and sugarcane, imaginative topiaries, and an extensive array of succulent plants.
9. Santa Clara Convent
This convent offers a rare glimpse into Madeira during the 15th century, established by João Gonçalves da Câmara.
He was the second captain-major of Funchal, and under his leadership, the Madeira archipelago experienced significant economic and social development facilitated by the sugar trade.
The convent stands as a testament to these developments, originating in 1492 as a sanctuary for the daughters of local nobility.
The convent operated until the dissolution of monasteries in 1834. During your guided tour, you will explore the monastery’s church, essential for its magnificent tiled walls and frescoes, along with the tranquil garden in the cloisters.
10. Madeira Film Experience
At times, one requires factual information, which is precisely what you will acquire at the theater located in the shopping center, just a short distance from the marina.
The Madeira Film Experience encapsulates the archipelago’s volcanic origins and approximately 600 years of human history within a 30-minute film.
The production quality is exceptional, enhanced by paintings, photography, and archival footage.
By the end of the presentation, you will gain insights into the wars, political turmoil, and crises (including famine and isolation) that have influenced the island’s history.
If your visit to Madeira is brief and you arrive by cruise ship, prioritizing this experience is highly recommended.
11. Jesuits College
With its volcanic fountain, Praça do Município is among the most striking urban landscapes in Funchal, bordered by the municipal chamber and this impressive Jesuits College.
This remarkable building, dating back to the 16th century, features both Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles.
The Jesuits were suppressed in the Portuguese Empire in 1759, and since then, the college has undergone several transformations, serving as headquarters for the invading British army, a Portuguese military base, and currently as the main building for Madeira’s university.
Visitors can still explore the college on a specialized tour that includes access to the chapel, showcasing its exquisite tilework.
12. Pico dos Barcelos
Situated just east of the city is a hilltop platform offering unparalleled views of Funchal.
You will be at an elevation of 355 meters, where you can pause for a coffee or refreshing drink at the recently renovated viewpoint.
Gazing towards the ocean, you will see the entire bay of Funchal framed by the Ponta do Garajau, with the Desertas Islands visible in the distance.
Additionally, when looking inland, the captivating sight of Funchal’s whitewashed houses ascending the increasingly steep slopes of the Central Massif will greet you.
13. Pico do Arieiro
Madeira’s third-highest peak is a straightforward day trip from Funchal, reaching an altitude of 1,818 meters.
Visitors without vehicles can choose from a variety of companies offering coach or car services to the summit, where amenities such as a shop, café, and several viewpoints accessible via walkways are available.
On clear days, you may even see the island of Porto Santo, located 30 miles to the north.
If you prefer hiking, you can park some distance from the summit and traverse a trail that requires about two hours each way.
From there, you can continue on to Pico Ruivo, the highest point on the island.
Be advised that temperatures at both peaks are significantly lower than in Funchal, so appropriate clothing is advisable.
14. Day Trips
In Funchal, visitors can line up a continuous array of unique experiences.
Several companies offer adventurous 4×4 and paragliding excursions, or you may choose to take control, navigating the scenic route to Curral das Freiras, a village situated on the cliffs of a canyon.
Alternatively, consider hiking the rugged headland at São Lourenço at the extreme eastern point of Madeira.
The island’s interior is rich with water channels known as levadas, designed to transport water from high-rainfall areas to drier agriculture regions.
These channels, carved from rock and dating back hundreds of years, create ideal terrain for hiking through Madeira’s subtropical laurel forests.
15. Madeira Wine
This fortified wine originated similarly to port; during the era of prolonged sea voyages, grape spirit was added to wine for preservation purposes.
However, that is where the similarities diverge, as Madeira is subsequently subjected to the “estufagem” process for a minimum of three months before it is aged in casks for several years prior to bottling.
For example, Vintage or Frasqueira Madeira must mature for at least 19 years in the cask, followed by an additional year in the bottle, while the minimum aging period for Reserve wines is five years.
If you are interested in becoming a connoisseur, Blandy’s has been producing Madeira for 200 years and offers tours at their lodge in Funchal.
