Funchal is the best base on the island: almost everything worth seeing sits within about 90 minutes of the city, by road or by sea. Here are the ten day trips we would pick, with realistic drive times and what makes each one worth the journey.
What is the best day trip from Funchal?
The best day trip depends on the weather and your mood: mountains and views on a clear day, coast and swimming when the sea is calm. Drive times below are approximate, from central Funchal, and the north is often cloudier than the south, so check conditions before you set off.
1. Is Cabo Girão worth the trip?
Yes, and it is one of the easiest outings, about 20 minutes by car or bus towards Câmara de Lobos. The glass skywalk sits around 580 metres above the sea on one of Europe's highest sea cliffs. Go early to avoid the tour coaches, then pair it with a coffee in Câmara de Lobos.
2. Why visit Câmara de Lobos?
Câmara de Lobos is a colourful fishing village about 15 minutes from Funchal, famous for its harbour of painted boats and for its poncha bars. Winston Churchill painted here, and the espada (black scabbardfish) at the waterfront restaurants is the local specialty.
3. How do you get to Pico do Arieiro?
Pico do Arieiro, at 1,818 metres, is roughly 45 minutes to an hour from Funchal by car, and the road climbs above the clouds. Sunrise draws crowds, so dress warmly and arrive early. Walkers can continue on the famous ridge path towards Pico Ruivo, which demands good footwear and a head for heights.
4. Is Santana worth visiting?
Santana, on the north coast about 50 minutes to an hour from Funchal, is known for its triangular thatched A-frame houses. Combine it with a levada walk or the Laurisilva forest nearby, and expect weather that changes quickly.
5. How far is Porto Moniz from Funchal?
Porto Moniz is about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes by car using the modern expressways. Its natural volcanic swimming pools are the draw, and the drive across the Paul da Serra plateau or along the north coast is part of the experience.
6. What is there to see in Machico and Caniçal?
Machico, about 25 minutes east by car, is the island's historic first landing point, with a relaxed beach and a lively promenade. Continue to Caniçal and the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula for a dry, desert-like coastal walk with sweeping sea views.
7. Is Ponta do Sol a good day out?
Ponta do Sol, around 25 to 30 minutes west, has some of Madeira's sunniest weather and a pebbly seafront with a relaxed pace. It is also the westernmost point of the Chifbay 3h Day Trip, so you can see it from the water as well.
8. What can you do in Curral das Freiras?
Curral das Freiras, the Nuns' Valley, is a village in a volcanic crater about 30 minutes from Funchal. The road down is dramatic, and the village is known for chestnuts: try the soup, liqueur and cakes, especially in autumn.
9. Is Monte worth visiting?
Monte is a hillside district about 15 minutes above Funchal, home to a baroque church, tropical gardens and the cable car from the Zona Velha. The famous wicker toboggan ride back downhill is a classic, if touristy, way to finish.
10. What is the best way to see the south coast in a day?
A private boat gives you the south coast without a single hairpin bend. On the Chifbay Day Trip from Marina do Funchal (departures 10:00 and 14:00) you cruise to Câmara de Lobos and Cabo Girão, then swim at Fajã dos Padres and Ribeira Brava before a fast run back. It takes 2h30 for €500, or 3h for €600 continuing to Ponta do Sol. The whole boat is yours for up to 5 guests, with drinks and food aboard, and every trip includes an Insta360 360° video, drone footage (weather allowing) and photos from a real camera. See the options on our experiences page.
How should you plan a week of day trips?
Mix one mountain day, one north coast day and one sea day, and leave a flexible day for weather. Madeira's microclimates mean clouds can sit on one side while the other shines, so be ready to swap days. Keep a layer in the bag even in summer.
The island looks different from every angle, so see it from the road, the trail and the water.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a car for day trips from Funchal?
Not always. Monte, Câmara de Lobos and Ponta do Sol are easy by bus or taxi, but the north coast, Santana and Ponta de São Lourenço are far simpler with a car or a driver. A boat trip from Funchal marina needs no transport at all.
Can you do a day trip from Funchal by boat?
Yes. Chifbay runs private Day Trips at 10:00 and 14:00 from Marina do Funchal, and a Sunset Trip that leaves 1 h 15 before sunset.