All citiesFunchal Things to do and walking itinerary
Portugal Funchal travel guide
13 things to do in Funchal, where to stay, airport transfers, 3 MICHELIN-starred restaurants. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Funchal
- Cathedral of Funchal — cathedral in Funchal, Madeira Island (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Madeira Botanical Garden — botanical garden (visit ≈ 45 min)
- CR7 Museum — museum of Cristiano Ronaldo (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte — church in Funchal, Madeira (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Fortaleza de São Tiago — fortress in Funchal, Madeira (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Igreja de São João Evangelista — church building in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Church of St Martin — church building in São Martinho, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Museu de História Natural do Funchal — museum in Funchal, Madeira (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Convento de Santa Clara — monastery in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Capela do Corpo Santo — 15th c. chapel in Funchal, Portugal (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Capela de Nossa Senhora das Neves — chapel in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Palácio de São Lourenço — palace and fortress in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Santa Catarina Park — park in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal (visit ≈ 45 min)
2-day Funchal walking itinerary
Starting point: Old Town (Zona Velha). The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 3.5 km · 4,770 steps · 49 min on the way): Cathedral of Funchal → CR7 Museum → Museu de História Natural do Funchal → Convento de Santa Clara → Igreja de São João Evangelista
- Day 2 (≈ 9.1 km · 12,340 steps · 2 h 2 min on the way): Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte → Madeira Botanical Garden → Fortaleza de São Tiago
Where to stay in Funchal
- Old Town (Zona Velha): Painted doors, restaurants and the cable-car station.
- Centre / Cathedral: Near the market, marina and bus stops.
- Lido / Hotel Zone: A calm area of sea pools and large hotels.
Getting from the airport to Funchal
- Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo (FMA): Aerobus airport bus ≈ 30 min
Getting around
The centre is walkable, but the town climbs a steep slope. A cable car goes up to Monte; renting a car is easiest for the island.
Classic places to eat
- Fábrica Santo António: Honey cakes and biscuits since 1893.
- Golden Gate Grand Café: A historic café in the centre since 1841.
- O Celeiro: A classic for espetada and Madeiran dishes.
- Gavião Novo: Fresh fish and seafood in the old town.
- Loja do Chá: A small tea house near the cathedral.
MICHELIN-starred restaurants
Last known stars; check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- Il Gallo d'Oro — 2 MICHELIN stars, Creative
- William — 1 MICHELIN star, Modern
- Desarma — 1 MICHELIN star, Creative
Romantic views
- Monte Palace Tropical Garden (Afternoon): A hillside garden of koi ponds and exotic plants.
- Cabo Girão Skywalk (Sunset): A glass-floored platform on top of a huge sea cliff.
- Funchal Marina (Evening): A palm-lined promenade and the marina.
- Madeira Botanical Garden (Afternoon): A colourful garden overlooking the town and harbour.
Football stadiums in Funchal
- Estádio da Madeira: Home of C.D. Nacional
- Estádio do Marítimo: Home of C.S. Marítimo
- Campo do Adelino Rodrigues: Home of C.F. União
Good to know before visiting Funchal
- Fine: Swimming under a red flag is fined.
- Warning: You're required to carry ID or a passport.
- Warning: Small drug amounts are an administrative offence, not legal; buying and selling are banned.
- Warning: Street sellers offering drugs in Lisbon usually sell fakes; walk away.
- Warning: Pickpockets work Lisbon's tram 28 and crowded spots.
- Bread, olives or cheese brought unasked (couvert) are charged; send them back if unwanted.
Extra rules for Madeira
- Warning: Check trail closures and weather alerts on the official site; closed trails are dangerous.
- Most popular hiking trails charge non-residents a small access fee.
- Emergency: 112
- Plugs: C/F, 230V
- Tap water: Tap water is safe to drink.
- Tipping: Tipping is optional; 5–10% or rounding up is common.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Portugal, Wikivoyage — Portugal, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Funchal travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Funchal?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 2 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Allow 3 days for the top 12 places within walking distance.
- What are the top things to do in Funchal?
- Highlights: Cathedral of Funchal, Madeira Botanical Garden, CR7 Museum, Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte and Fortaleza de São Tiago. The map has 13 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Funchal?
- Old Town (Zona Velha): Painted doors, restaurants and the cable-car station. Other options: Centre / Cathedral and Lido / Hotel Zone.
- How do you get from the airport to Funchal city centre?
- Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo (FMA): Aerobus airport bus ≈ 30 min
- How do you get around Funchal?
- The centre is walkable, but the town climbs a steep slope. A cable car goes up to Monte; renting a car is easiest for the island.
- Which MICHELIN-starred restaurants are in Funchal?
- According to the last known data there are 3 starred restaurants: Il Gallo d'Oro (2 stars), William (1 star), Desarma (1 star). Check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- What is the emergency number in Funchal?
- Emergency: 112.
- Do you tip in Funchal?
- Tipping is optional; 5–10% or rounding up is common.
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