How to Plan Your High East Tour in Funchal

Are you planning to visit Funchal and want to experience the beauty of the island of Madeira? If so, consider the High East Tour. This 4-hour excursion will take you through some of the most captivating landscapes in the eastern part of the island. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know to plan for and enjoy the tour.

Experience

This tour is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Madeiran countryside. As you journey through the eastern side of the island, you’ll have numerous opportunities to see stunning views, including breath-taking vistas of the Funchal Bay. You’ll visit the Cristo Rei Miradouro, the Monte district, the Pico do Arieiro, the Eira do Serrado and the Pico dos Barcelos, among other locations.

Highlights

Here are just a few of the tour’s highlights:

1. Enjoy a convenient hotel or cruise ship pickup service
2. Visit the stunning Cristo Rei Miradouro
3. Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the Monte district
4. Experience the rich colors and lush foliage of the Monte Tropical Garden
5. Stand atop the Pico do Arieiro for a breath-taking view
6. Explore charming Madeiran villages throughout the tour

Full Description

The High East Tour is a 4-hour excursion that takes you on a journey through the east side of the island. The tour begins with a convenient pickup at your hotel or cruise ship. From there, you’ll head to the Cristo Rei Miradouro, where you’ll be able to gaze out over the Funchal Bay and take in the stunning sights. Next, you’ll journey to the Monte district, where you can explore the local monuments, such as the Igreja do Monte, or wander through the gardens of the Monte Tropical Garden. After soaking up the natural beauty of Monte, you’ll proceed to the Pico do Arieiro, the third-highest peak on Madeira that is accessible by car. At 1818 meters, this peak will offer you one of the most breath-taking views of the island that you’ll experience on the tour. Along the way, you’ll see other charming villages and take in incredible views of the island at stops like the Eira do Serrado and the Pico dos Barcelos.

Booking the Tour

To book your High East Tour, visit the following link: book the tour here. With convenient pickups, immersive experiences, and awe-inspiring views, the High East Tour is a memorable way to experience the natural beauty of Madeira’s eastern side.

Book Your Tour Now

We hope this guide has been useful in helping you plan your High East Tour. With stunning sights and captivating experiences, this tour offers an ideal way to explore the natural beauty of the island. So go ahead, book your tour today, and get ready for a memorable adventure in Funchal.

Funchal City Guide: Frequently Asked Questions

Are you planning a trip to Funchal or just curious to know more about the city? Here are some frequently asked questions about Funchal that we hope will help you better understand this charming city.

1. Where is Funchal?

Funchal is the capital city of Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal. It is located on the southern coast of the island and is easily accessible by air or sea.

2. What is the best time of year to visit Funchal?

Funchal is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is from May to September when the weather is warm and sunny. However, if you are interested in the city’s famous festivals, such as the Carnival or the Flower Festival, plan your visit accordingly.

3. What are the must-visit places in Funchal?

Funchal has something for everyone, from beautiful parks to historical landmarks, and exciting activities. Some of the must-visit places in Funchal include:

a. Monte Palace Tropical Garden

Monte Palace Tropical Garden is a stunning botanical garden that features exotic plants, waterfalls, and artwork from around the world.

b. Funchal Cathedral

Funchal Cathedral is a historical landmark that dates back to the 15th century. It features beautiful Gothic architecture and is located in the heart of the city.

c. Madeira Botanical Garden

Madeira Botanical Garden is a must-visit for nature lovers. The garden features over 2,000 plant species, including endemic species from Madeira.

d. Mercado dos Lavradores

Mercado dos Lavradores is Funchal’s famous farmer’s market. Here, you can find a variety of local produce, flowers, and traditional handicrafts.

4. What are the best activities to do in Funchal?

There are plenty of exciting activities to do in Funchal. Some of the best activities include:

a. Levada Walks

Levada Walks are a popular activity that allows you to explore Madeira’s stunning countryside. There are over 2,000 miles of levada trails to explore, ranging in difficulty from easy to challenging.

b. Whale and Dolphin Watching

Madeira is one of the best places in Europe to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. There are plenty of tour operators that offer whale and dolphin watching tours.

c. Cable Car Ride

Funchal’s cable car ride offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding sea. The ride takes you from the Old Town to Monte, where you can explore the tropical gardens.

5. What is the local cuisine like in Funchal?

Madeira’s cuisine is a unique blend of Portuguese, African, and Caribbean influences. Some of the must-try local dishes in Funchal include:

a. Espetada

Espetada is a traditional Madeiran dish that consists of skewered beef marinated in garlic, salt, and bay leaves.

b. Bolo de caco

Bolo de caco is a type of bread that is made with sweet potato and served with garlic butter. It’s a popular side dish in Madeira.

c. Poncha

Poncha is a traditional Madeiran drink that is made with aguardente de cana (sugar cane spirit), honey, lemon juice, and sugar. It’s a popular drink in Funchal.

6. What is the nightlife like in Funchal?

Funchal has a vibrant nightlife scene that caters to all tastes. Some of the best bars and clubs in Funchal include:

a. Vespas

Vespas is a popular bar and restaurant that features live music and DJs. It’s a great place to socialize with locals and tourists alike.

b. Copacabana

Copacabana is a nightclub that features different music styles every night. It’s one of the best places to dance the night away in Funchal.

c. Gin O’Clock

Gin O’Clock is a trendy bar that features an extensive selection of gin-based cocktails. It’s a great place to enjoy a drink with friends.

7. How safe is Funchal?

Funchal is a safe city with low crime rates. However, it’s always a good idea to take the usual precautions when traveling, such as not carrying large amounts of cash and not leaving your valuables unattended.

8. What are the transportation options in Funchal?

Funchal has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, taxis, and cable cars. The city is also easy to navigate on foot, and many of the top attractions are within walking distance of each other.

9. What is the currency used in Funchal?

The currency used in Funchal, and the rest of Madeira, is Euro.

10. What language is spoken in Funchal?

The official language in Funchal and the rest of Madeira is Portuguese. However, English is widely spoken in the tourist areas.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Funchal

Funchal is the capital city of Madeira, a Portuguese island located in the Atlantic Ocean. It is known for its lush greenery, flower gardens, and stunning coastline. Funchal is a popular tourist destination, and there’s no shortage of things to do in the city. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just soaking up the sun, there’s something for everyone in Funchal.

1. Visit the Old Town

Funchal’s Old Town, also known as Zona Velha, is a charming area with narrow streets, colorful buildings, and historic churches. Take a leisurely stroll through the streets and stop at the many cafes, restaurants, and bars along the way. Don’t miss the Mercado dos Lavradores, the city’s main market, where you can find fresh produce, flowers, and local crafts.

2. Explore the Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens of Madeira are a must-see attraction for nature lovers. Located on the outskirts of Funchal, the gardens have a collection of more than 2,000 plants from all over the world, including exotic species from Africa, Asia, and South America. Take a guided tour or explore on your own to see the plants and trees, fountains, and scenic viewpoints.

3. Ride the Cable Car to Monte Palace Tropical Gardens

One of the best ways to see Funchal’s stunning views is from the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens. Take the cable car from the city center to the top of the hill, where you can explore the gardens and enjoy panoramic views of the city and the ocean. There’s also a museum with a collection of African art and artifacts.

4. Go Whale and Dolphin Watching

Madeira is known for its rich marine life, and there are plenty of opportunities to see whales and dolphins off the coast of Funchal. Take a boat tour with a local operator and see these magnificent creatures up close. You may also see sea turtles, flying fish, and other marine wildlife.

5. Visit the Cathedral of Funchal

The Cathedral of Funchal is a historic landmark and one of the city’s most impressive buildings. The cathedral was built in the 15th century and features a Gothic-Romanesque style. Inside, you’ll find ornate decorations and religious artifacts, including a silver tabernacle and a 16th-century Flemish painting.

6. Walk Along the Promenade

Funchal’s promenade, also known as Avenida do Mar, is a beautiful place to walk and enjoy the fresh ocean air. The promenade runs along the seafront and is lined with palm trees, cafes, and shops. You can also take a boat tour from the promenade to see the city from a different perspective.

7. Visit the Madeira Story Centre

The Madeira Story Centre is a museum dedicated to the history and culture of Madeira. The museum features interactive exhibits, films, and artifacts that tell the story of the island’s past, present, and future. Learn about Madeira’s wildlife, geography, and cultural traditions.

8. Take a Levada Walk

Levadas are small irrigation channels that run through Madeira’s mountains and valleys. Walking along the levadas is a popular activity for tourists and locals alike. The walks offer stunning views of the island’s natural beauty, including waterfalls, forests, and cliffs. Many of the walks are easy and suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

9. Try the Local Cuisine

Madeira is known for its unique cuisine, which combines Portuguese, African, and South American influences. Don’t miss the opportunity to try traditional dishes like espetada (meat skewers), bolo do caco (traditional bread), and espada com banana (scabbard fish with banana). Wash it all down with a glass of Madeira wine, the island’s famous fortified wine.

10. Relax on the Beach

Funchal has several popular beaches where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the sea. Praia Formosa is the largest and most popular beach, with black sand and clear waters. There are also smaller and quieter beaches like Praia dos Namorados and Praia do Gorgulho. Take a dip in the ocean or just relax on the sand and enjoy the view.

Book Your Tour Now

Funchal is a beautiful city with lots to offer tourists. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or just relaxing, there’s plenty to see and do in Funchal. Take a stroll through the Old Town, explore the Botanical Gardens, ride the cable car to Monte, go whale watching, visit the Cathedral, walk along the promenade, learn about the island’s history at the Madeira Story Centre, take a levada walk, try the local cuisine, and relax on the beach. With so much to do, you’ll never be bored in Funchal.