How to Plan Your Private VIP Service Madeira Island Tour of the West in Funchal

Are you looking for an adventure in Funchal, Madeira Island? Look no further than the Private VIP Service Madeira Island Tour of the West! This full-day tour includes seven unique stops with a combination of cultural and natural attractions. You’ll visit the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva forest, swim in the lava pools of Porto Moniz, enjoy panoramic views from the Encumeada lookout point, and more. Here is a guide on how to plan your tour.

Booking Your Tour

To book your Private VIP Service Madeira Island Tour of the West, visit the Viator website. This is a third-party tour operator, and you’ll benefit from their expertise in offering unique experiences. You can choose a tour that includes lunch if you want to try traditional Portuguese cuisine. The tour also includes hotel pickup and drop-off in a comfortable WIFI-equipped vehicle.

Preparing for Your Tour

Before you embark on your tour, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared for a full day of adventure. Here are some tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather
• Bring sunscreen and a hat for sun protection
• Bring a swimsuit and towel if you plan on swimming in the lava pools of Porto Moniz (optional)
• Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery

What to Expect on Your Tour

On the day of your tour, your driver/guide will pick you up at your hotel or designated pickup location. From there, you’ll embark on a full-day adventure to the western part of Madeira Island. Your private guide will provide little-known background information about each location you visit, enriching your experience. Here are the highlights you can expect on your tour:

Stop 1: Pico dos Barcelos Viewpoint

The first stop on your tour is the Pico dos Barcelos viewpoint, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of Funchal.

Stop 2: Funchal Old Town

You’ll then make your way to Funchal Old Town, where you’ll have a chance to explore the historic city center.

Stop 3: Cabo Girao

Next, you’ll visit Cabo Girao, Europe’s highest cliff skywalk. You’ll have a chance to walk along the skywalk and enjoy the stunning views.

Stop 4: Ribeira Brava

You’ll then make your way to Ribeira Brava, a charming town with a beautiful beach.

Stop 5: Encumeada Lookout Point

Your next stop is the Encumeada lookout point, which offers incredible views of both the southern and northern coasts of Madeira Island.

Stop 6: Porto Moniz

You’ll then visit Porto Moniz, known for its natural lava pools. If you brought your swimsuit and towel, you can take a swim in the pools (optional).

Stop 7: Laurisilva Forest

The final stop on your tour is the Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have a chance to explore the unique forest and learn about the diverse plant and animal life.

Book Your Tour Now

If you’re looking for an adventure in Funchal, Madeira Island, the Private VIP Service Madeira Island Tour of the West is the perfect way to explore all the best attractions. With a full day of adventure and a private guide to enrich your experience, this is a tour you won’t want to miss. Book the tour here and get ready for an unforgettable adventure on Madeira Island!

Discover Funchal, the Vibrant Capital of Madeira

Funchal, the capital city of Madeira, is a vibrant and charming destination that boasts a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and a lively atmosphere. As the largest city on the island, Funchal has much to offer visitors, from historic landmarks to delicious cuisine, buzzing nightlife, and world-class museums. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Funchal.

1. Where is Funchal located?

Funchal is located on Madeira Island, which is part of Portugal. Madeira Island is situated in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 400 miles off the coast of Morocco, and 600 miles southwest of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal.

2. What is the best time to visit Funchal?

Funchal can be visited year-round, as the climate is mild and pleasant throughout the year. However, the best time to visit would be from May to October, when the weather is warm and sunny, and there are plenty of outdoor activities and events taking place.

3. What are the top attractions in Funchal?

Funchal has plenty of attractions to offer visitors, including:

• The Church of Our Lady of the Mountain
• The Funchal Cathedral
• The São Lourenço Palace
• The Natural History Museum
• The Monte Palace Tropical Garden
• The Madeira Wine Museum

4. How can I get around Funchal?

Funchal is a relatively compact city, so it is easy to explore on foot. However, if you prefer to use public transportation, there are buses and taxis available. There is also a cable car that takes visitors from the city to the town of Monte, which offers stunning views of Funchal and the surrounding area.

5. What is the food like in Funchal?

Funchal has a diverse culinary scene that offers something for everyone. Some of the local specialties include Espetada (meat skewers), Bolo do Caco (a type of bread), fresh seafood, and the famous Madeira Wine. There are also plenty of international cuisine options available, including Italian, Chinese, and Japanese restaurants.

6. What are the best beaches near Funchal?

Although Funchal is not known for its beaches, there are some great options nearby, including:

• Praia Formosa
• Doca do Cavacas
• Praia do Garajau

7. What are the best day trips from Funchal?

There are plenty of day trips that can be taken from Funchal, including:

• The Levada Walks
• The town of Santana
• The Pico do Arieiro Peak
• The Curral das Freiras valley
• The Porto Santo Island

8. What is the nightlife like in Funchal?

Funchal has a lively nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, nightclubs, and live music venues to choose from. The old town is particularly popular for its bars and music clubs, which offer a mix of traditional and modern music.

9. What is the climate like in Funchal?

Funchal has a mild and sunny climate, with temperatures ranging from an average of 16°C (60°F) in winter to 26°C (79°F) in summer. Rainfall is more frequent in winter, but it rarely lasts more than a day or two.

10. What is the language spoken in Funchal?

The official language of Funchal is Portuguese, but English is widely spoken and understood, particularly in tourist areas. Other languages, such as French, German, and Spanish, can also be heard.

Book Your Tour Now

Funchal is a vibrant and charming city that offers something for everyone. Whether you want to explore its cultural heritage, enjoy its stunning natural beauty, or experience its lively nightlife, you are sure to have a memorable time in this beautiful destination. With this FAQ guide, you should be well-equipped to plan your trip to Funchal with ease.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Funchal

Funchal is a beautiful city located on the Portuguese island of Madeira. It offers visitors a wide range of activities and attractions, from historical landmarks to outdoor adventures. Here is a guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in Funchal.

1. Visit the Old Town

Funchal’s Old Town, also known as Zona Velha, is a charming area full of narrow cobbled streets, picturesque squares, and traditional houses. Here, you can explore local shops, restaurants, and cafes while admiring the beautiful architecture. One must-see attraction in the Old Town is the Mercado dos Lavradores, where you can sample local fruits, vegetables, and seafood.

2. Explore the Botanical Garden

The Madeira Botanical Garden is a stunning park that spans over 80,000 square meters. You can expect to find a vast collection of exotic plants and flowers from all over the world, as well as beautiful views of Funchal and the ocean. Make sure to check out the Orchid Garden and the Forest Area.

3. Take a Cable Car Ride

One of the best ways to see Funchal’s breathtaking landscapes is from a cable car. The Funchal Cable Car takes you from the Old Town up to Monte, a nearby hillside village. The views from the cable car are stunning, and once you reach Monte, you can explore its historic sites, gardens, and stunning architecture.

4. Go Whale Watching

If you’re looking for a wildlife adventure, consider a whale watching tour. Madeira is home to over 20 species of whales and dolphins, and visitors can see these majestic creatures on guided boat tours. Some popular sightings include sperm whales, bottlenose dolphins, and killer whales.

5. Visit the Madeira Story Center

For those interested in history, the Madeira Story Center is a must-see attraction. This modern museum uses interactive exhibits and multimedia displays to tell the story of Madeira’s history, from its volcanic origins to its discovery by the Portuguese. There is also a restaurant and gift shop on site.

6. Relax on the Beach

Funchal has several beautiful beaches where visitors can soak up the sun and enjoy the ocean. Formosa Beach is the most popular, with soft sand, calm waters, and great amenities. Praia do Gorgulho and Praia do Vigário are two other beaches worth visiting, each with their own unique vibe.

7. Take a Levada Walk

Levadas are narrow irrigation channels that have been carved into the mountainsides of Madeira. These channels provide water to the island’s agricultural fields, and they also offer visitors a unique way to explore Madeira’s natural beauty. There are over 2,000 miles of levadas on the island, and guided walks are available for all skill levels.

8. Enjoy Local Cuisine

Madeira is known for its delicious food, and Funchal has no shortage of restaurants serving up traditional dishes like espetada (grilled beef), lapas (limpet shells), and bolo do caco (a type of bread). Make sure to pair your meal with a glass of Madeira wine, a fortified wine that is unique to the island.

9. Attend a Festival or Event

Throughout the year, Funchal hosts a variety of festivals and events that celebrate Madeira’s culture and traditions. Some of the most popular include the Carnival of Madeira, the Madeira Wine Festival, and the Flower Festival. These events are a great way to experience Madeira’s vibrant atmosphere and connect with locals.

Book Your Tour Now

Funchal is a fantastic destination for tourists looking for a mix of history, culture, and outdoor activities. With this guide, you can plan your itinerary and experience all that the city has to offer. Make sure to explore the Old Town, take a cable car ride, go whale watching, and taste local cuisine. Don’t forget to relax on the beach and learn about Madeira’s fascinating history at the Madeira Story Center.