What Are the Best Things To Do In Funchal?

Funchal is the capital of Portugal’s Madeira Island, an archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean. Funchal is known for its ocean views, colorful buildings, and beautiful landscapes. It is a popular destination for tourists looking for a vacation in a unique setting. Visitors can choose from various outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and leisure activities. Here are some of the best things to do in Funchal.

Exploring the Old Town

Funchal’s Old Town is a beautiful place to explore. It contains several attractions such as São Tiago Fort, the Municipal Garden, Largo do Chafariz, and Rua de Santa Maria. All these places offer fascinating architectural sights and can be explored at one’s own pace. There are many cafes and restaurants in the area where you can have a bite to eat. You can also visit Praça do Município – it features an 18th-century façade, fountains and large gardens with palm trees. Furthermore, you can visit Capela dos Osórios and the nearby avenue with many colorful houses decorated with tiles.

Cable Car Ride

The famous cable car ride is a great way to get a bird’s eye view of Funchal. The cars ascend 600m in only 16 minutes, providing a fantastic view of the city’s pedestrian streets, whitewashed buildings, red-tiled roofs and landscape. The two cable car stops offer different attractions; Monte serves as the botanical garden and zoo while the lower Ravoledo station hosts wonderful gardens, pools and a local market.

Whale and Dolphin Watching

As Madeira is populated with different species of whales and dolphins, you can go whale or dolphin watching and catch a glimpse of these mysterious creatures. There are several specialized companies that help arrange exclusive excursions and offer passengers to experience this unique activity. Witnessing whales and dolphins swimming in their natural environment is truly an unforgettable experience.

Walking Tours

The fresh air of Madeira makes it perfect for walking tours, which offer a close-up view of Funchal and its surroundings. You can join a guided tour from the Tourist Office where guides explain the history of Funchal or you can explore the city on your own. Walking in this picturesque town is like stepping into a postcard, with its pastel buildings, narrow alleys, and gutters running alongside cobbled streets leading up to a panoramic view at the top of the hills.

Paragliding

Paragliding offers an adrenaline rush that you will remember for years to come. With the help of certified pilots, you can make a dream flight over Funchal, its hills and its coastline. The location offers some of the best flying conditions in Europe due to the exceptional climate on the island; even beginners can enjoy this exciting activity with experienced instructors.

Visit Museums in Funchal

Funchal’s museums are great places to get to know the city’s past and to see some of Madeira’s unique crafts. The Museum of Sacred Art is located in a beautiful building built-in 1760 and displays religious pieces from different times. The gothic Santo Antonio Church features detailed wood carvings decorated in baroque style. You should also visit Quinta das Cruzes which was once the residence of Madeira’s first governor; there you will get to learn more about how people lived in past centuries on the island.

Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, Funchal has something to offer everyone. With its breathtaking views, quaint old town, historical sites, incredible restaurants and great shopping options, Funchal makes for an unforgettable destination. For more information about Funchal and what it has to offer, visittomadeira.pt is a great source of information on tours and activities available on Madeira Island.

An Insider’s Guide to Exploring Funchal: Uncovering the Hidden Gems

Funchal is the capital city of the Portuguese island of Madeira. This charming city may seem small, but it offers an abundance of experiences, both conventional and unconventional. In this insider’s guide, we will take you off the beaten path to explore some of Funchal’s hidden gems, uncover its vivid cultural experiences, share stories of its history, and get you up close with its delicious culinary culture.

Local Attractions: The Hidden Gems of Funchal

Most tourists are likely to visit the conventional sights when exploring Funchal, but there are some hidden gems that are equally deserving of attention. For instance, locals enjoy exploring the narrow and winding streets of the Old Town- Zona Velha- where they find traditional and colorful buildings, traditional fishermen’s boats, and laid-back coffee shops and restaurants. Another hidden gem is the Farmers’ Market- Mercado dos Lavradores- here, you will find local vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, and traditional handicrafts.

Dining Spots: The Culinary Magic of Funchal

Funchal is known for its rich culinary culture. You cannot talk about Funchal food culture without mentioning espada, a staple fish that most islanders cannot live without. To experience this delicacy, head to a traditional local restaurant, where you can enjoy it with passion fruit sauce- an unusual but flavorsome combination. Bolo do caco, a type of bread unique to Madeira, is another must-try dish. This flat, circular bread is served warm with garlic butter, and it goes perfectly with a glass of local wine.

Cultural Experiences: Unleashing the Spirit of Funchal

Funchal has a rich tradition of festivals and art that will surprise you with their vibrancy. The island’s most famous festival is the Madeira Wine Festival, celebrating the harvest season in August. The city also hosts the Atlantic Festival, a massive fireworks show that illuminates the entire bay every Saturday in June. When exploring Funchal’s culture, be sure to check out the art murals and painted doors of the Rua de Santa Maria.

Local History: Uncovering the Legends of Funchal

Uncover the fascinating past of Funchal by visiting some of the city’s museums and historical sites. For example, the Madeira Story Centre in the city center provides multimedia exhibits about the history and culture of Madeira. You can also take a tour to the wineries of Madeira to appreciate the legacy of the world-famous Madeira wines.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions: A Unique Experience

Funchal has a lot of unforgettable sights that are not commonly known but worth a visit. Take a stroll to the Santa Clara Convent, which is now a museum of Sacred Art and regularly hosts cultural events. If you want to discover the most breathtaking views of Funchal, head on a cable car ride to Monte Palace Tropical Garden, a green oasis on the slope of a mountain. And, if you are feeling adventurous, try a toboggan ride from Monte to Funchal, a unique and exciting experience that you will never forget.

In conclusion, Funchal – an unassuming city- has many hidden gems and fascinating experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether it’s the culinary treats, cultural experiences, or historical insights that piqued your interest, our insider’s guide has got you covered. Come and experience Funchal like a local, share your experiences, and make unforgettable memories.