Madeira

Volcanic caves (grutas) where you can visit lava tubes.

about 5 km from downtown

The Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro Park is a typical example of a manor in British colonial style. While the manor is private and can't be visited, you can enjoy the public park.

about 3 km from downtown

The more than 2000 plants of these hillside gardens, plus the view of Funchal make this one of the major attractions of the whole island. The gardens also feature a collection of parakeets and parrots.

A special kind of subtropical forest found only on Madeira, inscribed as a UNESCO

The gardens of this defunct hotel include a Chinese garden, artwork, a small lake, and a variety of flora and fauna.

Rua Brigadeiro Oudinot, Down Town (Zona Velha)

This historic building, with an open patio, offers, on two levels, fresh fruits and vegetables from all over the island. On the lower level is a separate hall where fish vendors sell fresh-caught fish.

A museum and a sugar cane processing factory in the Calheta district of Madeira. There are two mills for crushing the sugar cane. The waste or bagasse falls down a chute and is removed by a conveyor belt below the mills.

Avenida Zarco

Half fortress and half palace, this construction is a good example of mannerist architecture. Highlights include the Noble Salon (Salão Nobre), the Green Room (Sala Verde), the Audience Hall (Sala de Audiências), and the gardens.

Calçada de Santa Clara 15

Dating from the end of the 15th century, this convent, now a national monument, was founded by João Gonçalves da Câmara. The azulejo tiles are especially notable.

Avenida do Infante

The only casino on the island. The building's unusual shape was designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, and indeed looks a bit like Brasilia Cathedral with a haircut.

2 km west of the old town

They were promoted in 2026 and play in Primeira Liga, the game's top tier. Their home ground Estádio do Marítimo has capacity 11,000. The women's team also play in their top tier.

4 km northeast

They too play in Primeira Liga. Their home ground Estádio da Madeira has a capacity of 5500.

Almirante Reis

View the city from above in a gondola. The upper station is at Monte, where you can visit the Monte Palace gardens and the church at Monte. Another cable car goes down from this point to the Botanical Gardens.

Caminho do Monte, Entrada 151, Porta 4· Pricey

Ride wooden toboggan down the mountain on a 2km roadway while being steered by men.

Lobosonda whale watching 2-3 times a day depending on the season. Reservation advisable. Charter booking possible.

just east of the Fortaleza de Santiago, on the water, where R. de Santa Maria meets Largo do Socorro.· Cheap

While many affordable cafes in Funchal have similar prices on burgers and tostas, Barreirinha also offers plenty of outdoor tables overlooking the ocean. Relaxing yet hip atmosphere. Occasional live bands or DJs.

Rua de Leichlingen, 7, Promenade

Italian restaurant. À la carte lunch and dinner served inside and on the terrace. Children's menu. Reservation recommended.

Casino da Madiera, Avenida do Infante

A casual bar that's part of the Casino da Madeira.

a few meters from the left of the city market· Moderate

This small restaurant is close to city market, in an iconic building (Edifício Oudinot), with a terrace overlooking the port. It has a small menu of contemporary, author's cuisine, Portuguese (Mediterranean)-influenced dishes.

Estrada Monumental 462

Recommended dish is Picado (beef steak served with chips). The normal size should be enough for 2 persons. The bigger size could serve 3 - 4 persons.

Rua da Carreira, 306

This place sells only 3 types of hamburgers: normal, special, and super. Also try their smoothies.

in Ponta do Sol, a popular digital nomad hub on the south coast· Expensive

Pop-up coliving for digital nomads and remote workers. Minimum one-month stays in a shared house with private or shared rooms, coworking space, and community events centered around local food and culture.

Rua de Leichlingen 7

One of the three hotels in the resort Vila Porto Mare, near Lido´s promenade offers a wide selection of carefully furnished and fully equipped apartments. The Residence apartments combine views over the ocean with tropical gardens.

5-minute walk from the bus stop "Anadia Shopping Centre" for buses entering Funchal: Walk toward the sea and turn right onto R. Fernão de Ornelas. At the end of the street, at the taxi station, turn right onto R. do Carmo. After the Carmo church, R. das Hortas will be on your left.

Simple and somewhat cramped rooms but very clean and with a low price. Double rooms with private ensuite bathroom/night depending on season. Located in the historical center, so ideal if you don't have a car.

Calçada da Saúde 10

Beautiful, old hotel with a great view over the city of Funchal. Directly near the Convent St. Clara. Reasonable priced and not directly in a desiganted tourist district. Lots of good and affordable restaurants nearby.

Rua Simplício dos Passos Gouveia 21

One of the three hotels in the resort Vila Porto Mare, near Lido´s promenade, tropical gardens with more than 400 specimens, five pools, four restaurants, sports and spa.

from Funchal or the airport, drive west to the region of Calheta; after the Calheta Marina roundabout go straight on to Jardim do Mar then Paul do Mar

Two private holiday rental houses. Both houses sleep 5 and are 50 m from the ocean front between banana fields. 10 minute drive from the town of Calheta & its marina which has white sand beaches next to it.