Funchal is Madeira's capital and the natural starting point for any visit — a compact harbour city of painted doors, markets and terraced hills. Here are the ten things worth your time, in the order we'd do them.
1. What is the best way to start in Funchal? Walk the Zona Velha
The Zona Velha (old town) is the oldest quarter of Funchal, and it is best explored on foot in the morning. Rua de Santa Maria is famous for its painted doors, and small restaurants line the lanes behind it. Go before lunch, when it is quiet and the light is soft.
2. Is the Mercado dos Lavradores worth visiting?
Yes — it is the island's best-known market and it opens every morning except Sundays. Fruit stalls sell tropical varieties you will not find at home, and the fish hall shows off espada (black scabbardfish) and tuna. Go early, when it is busiest and freshest.
3. How do you get to Monte from Funchal?
The Funchal cable car climbs from the Zona Velha up to Monte, at around 500 metres. Once up, visit the church of Nossa Senhora do Monte and the tropical gardens. Many visitors ride back down in the traditional wicker toboggans.
4. What is the best garden in Funchal?
The Madeira Botanical Garden and the Monte Palace gardens are the two most visited, both on the hillside above the city. Madeira is often called the floating garden of the Atlantic, and its mild climate is why. Allow around two hours for either.
5. Where can you swim near Funchal?
Funchal has no long sandy beach, but the seafront bathing areas along the Lido have ladders and access to the sea. For clearer water and proper swimming, go by boat: on our Day Trip we swim off Fajã dos Padres and Ribeira Brava, places with no easy road access.
6. Should you walk the seafront and marina?
Yes — the promenade from the marina towards the Lido is flat, free and pleasant at any hour. It is where you see the yachts and the cliffs of the coast stretching west. Marina do Funchal is where every Chifbay trip departs.
7. What should you eat and drink in Funchal?
Start with poncha (sugarcane rum, honey and lemon), then try espetada, grilled limpets or bolo do caco with garlic butter. The Zona Velha is dense with restaurants, so book ahead for dinner in summer. Our other Journal guides cover each dish in detail.
8. What is the best view of Funchal?
The best views come from above, at Monte, and from the sea. From the water the city reads as an amphitheatre of white houses climbing green hills, a view you simply cannot get on land. It is especially striking on a sunset trip as the lights come on.
9. Can you see Cabo Girão from Funchal?
Yes — Cabo Girão is a short drive west of Funchal, and its glass skywalk sits about 580 metres above the sea. The wall looks far more dramatic from below, where you feel the scale. On both our Day and Sunset Trips we pass beneath it, with drone footage aboard.
10. What is the best boat trip from Funchal?
A private charter is the best option because the whole boat is yours, up to 5 guests, and the pace follows you. Chifbay offers two packs from Marina do Funchal:
- Day Trip (10:00–13:00 or 14:00–17:00): Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão with drone, Fajã dos Padres and Ribeira Brava swims. 2h30 €500, or 3h €600 continuing to Ponta do Sol with a filmed video.
- Sunset Trip (departs 18:00): the same coast without swimming, as the water is too cold that late. 2h €400 turning at Cabo Girão, or 2h30 €500 turning at Ribeira Brava.
Drinks and food are aboard on both.
How should you plan a day in Funchal?
A simple plan: market and Zona Velha in the morning, lunch by the harbour, cable car to Monte in the early afternoon, then the water for the 18:00 sunset departure. Funchal rewards a slow pace, and leaving the evening for the sea is the best way to close the day.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best thing to do in Funchal?
Combine the old town and market on foot with a boat trip from the marina to see the city and coast from the sea.
How many days do you need in Funchal?
One day covers the highlights; two days adds Monte, the gardens and a boat trip.
Is Funchal worth visiting?
Yes. It is compact, safe and walkable, and the best base for exploring the south coast.
Can you take a boat trip from Funchal?
Yes. Chifbay runs private Day Trips and Sunset Trips from Marina do Funchal for up to 5 guests.