Location: Funchal
Top Things to do in Funchal
10 Day Trips from in Funchal That You Shouldn't Miss
Funchal, the capital of the Madeira archipelago, was declared a city in the 1500s, and became an important point between the old and new worlds. The laid-back city owes much of its historical prominence to "white gold," Madeiran sugar. Today Funchal is known for its appealing temperatures, wine and crafts. Top spots to visit include the open Worker's Market, Blandy's Wine Lodge and the Sacred Art Museum. Friendly locals, walkable streets and cheap taxis make the city easy to get around.
Restaurants in Funchal
1. A-Framed Houses East Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
The East Tour with its famous “A” framed houses; clouds hanging below Pico do Arieiro hugging the contours of the mountains.The delightful unspotted Laurissilva forest.
Inclusions: Professional guide, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off ( Free for hotels in Funchal), Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Does not include pickup from the Cruise Ship Port (requires extra fee of €5 pp), Lunch
Reviewed By Anke S
Very nice tour and a nice good guide Susana. You will see beautiful parts of the Island. The only reason for not giving 5 stars is the booking process, but the tour and guide were good
2. King's Levada Walk - Santana Laurel Forest and Waterfalls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Levada do Rei its a magical spot on Madeira Island. This walk its a must do if you are in the island. Its a easy/medium walk with fantastic views inside the valleys and forest of Madeira with a lot of water and waterfalls. This walk is 10 km, about 4 hours. We offer a picnic to each person and the service includes insurance, free transport, pick-up and drop-off and friendly and qualified guide. Discover Madeira with us!
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Bottled water, Light refreshments, Snacks, Driver/guide, Local guide, Professional guide, Hotel drop-off, Hotel pickup, Transport by private vehicle
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By jellyfish13mermaid
Very good organized and friendly accompanied tour offering a perfect overview of all the must see sites and most beautiful places of the adorable island. Couldn‘t choose better to make this roundabout! Luis was very nice and a well-informed guide! If you are looking for a professional but casual, pleasant and interesting island tour, I can recommend to book this one.
3. Arieiro Peak & Nun´s Valley in Open Roof 4x4 Tour + Dolphins Watching
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
"Visit Nun's Valley with its interesting history and admire the breathtaking and beautiful views at Pico do Arieiro, at 1818 mts. Discover the beauty of Madeira’s Sea on board of a catamaran" Pico dos Barcelos, enjoying an excellent view of Funchal´s Bay. Afterwards, visit the famous Nun’s Valley, well known by its history and unique location isolated from any other city or village. Then we will go to the majestic Pico do Arieiro (1818 mts) where you can appreciate magnificent landscapes and its breathtaking views over the north and south coast of the island, Ponta de São Lourenço and Paul da Serra. Finally, the last stop before our Catamaran Tour, starting in Funchal’s Harbor, is Santo da Serra, surrounded by the Laurissilva forest (which was classified as World Heritage by UNESCO) and other exotic species. After Jeep tour, you will be dropped off at the Harbor to start the Dolphin Watching Tour (free time to lunch).
Inclusions: Professional Guide, Free pick up in Funchal´s central area and Funchal´s Port., All insurances in accordance to the Portuguese Law, Safety Instructions + First Aids, WiFi, Local Taxes, In summer, there is the possibility of swimming below Cabo Girão cliff
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Drop-off is not included. The boat trip ends in Funchal’s Harbor.
Reviewed By 288yuliyas
A short but very interesting and compete tour. Great and unique experience on my last day in Madeira :) Great views, roads I would never find on my own and safe ride of course which is important! Rui is a very enthusiastic and super friendly guide, who knows a lot about the island and definitely loves it as well as his job!
4. Rabaçal / 25 Fonts
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
It is one of the most emblematic and most visited pedestrian walks on the island of Madeira. An authentic gift for our senses. Along the trail enjoy centurial laurel and heather beyond its unforgettable waterfalls and fountains, 25 in all respects living up to its name. The use of a walking stick, proper footwear and water is recommended.
Inclusions: Certified Guide
Exclusions:
Reviewed By 672kamah
I was on a trip to Western Madeira. everyone was very pleased with the trip. Patricia is a great woman, she talked about what we visit and answered questions. She is very good drivers. Thank you for a great time and we recommend everyone a trip with the girls from this travel agency. Kamila with mather
5. Private - Madeira Island Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
This tour is a private tour with max. 4pax. (Coronavirus update: we are a ''Clean and Safe'' company, respecting all the hygienic and personal protection measures according to the Portuguese Official Tourism Office). It has a duration of 8 hours and you get to know all the island. We do a trip passing in all the major points of the island. Cabo Girao Viewpoint, Poncha da Serra de Agua, Funchal, Camara de Lobos, Santana, Natural Swimming Pools Porto Moniz, Pico Areeiro and much more. You also can customize the tour. The price includes insurance, qualified and friendly guide. Free picnic and transport.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Snacks, Bottled water, Beverages, Light refreshments
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By Livvy1309
The 25 fountains walk was absolutely brilliant. The guide Luis was very knowledgeable and has a great personality! He knew lots of facts about the Levada’s and the history as well as being able to give us tons of information about Madeira as a whole. His English was fantastic and he got on board with all our jokes and chats which was great. This walk itself has quite a few steps, probably around 400 which are quite steep. It isn’t a hard walk but the way back up can be quite tiring - however there is the option to get in a mini bus up the hill, but this doesn’t avoid the steps. The views overall are amazing, Luis took us at the start of the day where the sky was clear, it was slightly cooler and it wasn’t busy at all. Most tourists come later in the day and it can be a bit of a squeeze passing on the steps. The actual fountain is very beautiful and we had a quick dip in the water, it was so so cold but defiantly worth it for a photo! Luis was more than happy to take any photos and pointed out the best spots to have them. I would 100% book with our guide Madeira again.
6. Rabaçal Waterfalls : Full Day Hike and 4x4 Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
The walk takes place in the middle of the Rabaçal valley, one of our most prized nature attractions in the Madeiran Laurissilva forest, the largest laurel forest in the world! Possibly the most underrated hike on the island, away from the big crowds and a must do for all nature and Madeira Lovers! The hike is a moderate, 15km walk, including a fair amount of steps to overcome as well as a tunnel, flat and spacious. It takes approximately 4:30 hours to complete ranging in altitudes of 900m to 1290m above sea level. We are one of the smaller operators on the island and all our hikes are in small groups of 7 persons maximum. This creates a more intimate setting where everybody can hear the guide and feel more involved in the experience. We take our time and personalise the experience according to the day, the weather and group dynamic and we are very attentive to our clients photography needs. Nobody regrets booking with us.
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Driver/guide, Professional Mountain Guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By blesso870
We just completed a full-day west end tour led by Jeff. It was a fantastic day all around. Jeff arrived on time and showed us many beautiful sights we never would have found on our own. We did some off-roading in his Land Rover and felt completely at ease with him driving on these Madeira roads. We then went and saw many of the highlights of the north west side of the island. We were very happy to have the entire day rather than a half-day, which would have felt too short. Jeff listened to what we wanted to do and customized the day for us. A great value too. I highly recommend this tour.
7. Old Forest Jeep Tour 4x4
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
On this tour we leave Funchal in the direction of Poiso with an altitude of 1412m and then climb through the mountains to Pico do Arieiro at a height of 1818m. This is one of the most beautiful places with breathtaking views of the island of Madeira. We stay here for a while and walk a little. We then descend to Ribeiro Frio where we are in the Laurissilva Forest and we visit the trout nursery. We continue our adventure along old paths passing Cedro Gordo and Cruzinhas until we reach the Village de Santana where we will visit the typical straw houses (Colmo). After this stop we descend to the village of Faial with amazing views down to the sea and then continue towards Ponta de São Lourenço in the east of Madeira. This part of the Island is much drier and arid, but with a unique beauty due to its cliffs and colors. Tour is flexible can be changed because of weather or roads, we look for the best weather conditions for u.
Inclusions: On this tour includes a small walk, and if the weather it's good we stop for swimming.
Exclusions: For those who want lunch we stop in a typical restaurant
Reviewed By Piret2013
We were searching for flexibility during the tour. And we got much more we expected! Mauricio knows the island so well that you simply need to say the keyword and he can propose the place which you are looking for and might like. And his car - the Defender - can take you in really hidden places where normal car can`t go. We had a change to go places I even couldn`t dream of. It was amazing tour full of surprizes ;)
8. West of Madeira Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
You will go on a tour to the West of the island. Going through historical places that anyone arriving in Madeira should visit, such as Câmara de Lobos, Cabo Girão, Ribeira Brava, Encumeada, Paúl da Serra, Porto Moniz, Seixal and São Vicente.
Inclusions: Licensed and certified guide
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By 985janinem
We booked a private tour with DG Travel. There was 7 of us and we all loved it. Our tour guide John Richard picked us up from our villa, we were a little late getting ready and he was fine about it told us not to rush at all. I'd been worrying prior to going on the trip about my children travelling in a car all day (would they be safe, what would the driver be like etc). Richard was a great driver and I felt at ease straight away, the kids loved him. He was really informative and helpful throughout, he advised us where would be expensive in the tourist areas and where wouldn't. We had an 8 seater mini bus and we were all comfy throughout. The only downside to our trip was the weather. We couldn't see anything on the glass balcony and the volcanic pools were closed due to high waves. We all still had a great day out & will do the trip again next year when we return. My son (8) and daughters (18, 16 & 4) all loved the trip, it can sometimes be hard finding things to do everyone enjoys and wants to do as a family. I'd recomend booking in private groups if there are 6 + of you as we could spend longer in certain places if we wanted due to it being just us and it didn't cost us much more than if we had gone in a big group with others. The man that took our booking was really lovely and helpful too. I didn't get his name. He did give us his name & number to contact him if we needed anything during our time in maderia and we lost it.
9. Pico Arieiro "FlowerEAST" Santana Full Day 4x4 Safari Small Group Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 71 reviews
Beeing with a small company like us, we asure our groups are also small (6 or 8 pax MAX), and our routes personalised and suporting small local economy. Avoid the hudge jeep convoys and tasteless tours, and go with a local in our cool army UMM open top jeep, in a calm relaxed laidback trip driving trought the old roads and offroads, Visit the 3rd highest peak of Madeira pico do areeiro at 1818mts altitude, going local with a local for the best landscapes drinks and food in Santana were the tradicional houses are, and from there we will walk about 2km (30 min) on a levada. Stops for poncha and other island specials are also a must ;)
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off in hotels in Funchal and Caniço, Live commentary on board, Local guide, Professional guide, Driver/guide
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Hotel pickup and drop-off outside the free areas of Funchal and Caniço, Port pickup and drop-off is available - please ask
Reviewed By daniellelidke
I cannot say enough great thinks about Nico and his crew. They made our trip memorable and customized our tours to meet are needs, timelines & wishes. We were 5 rambunctious ladies looking for adventure. They nailed it! Highly highly recommend!
10. Private Service VIP South Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
South Tour begins in the city of Ribeira Brava, known for the charms of its wild stream. Then we carry on towards Ponta do Sol this beautiful and cultural village where we visit the downtown as well as it's harbor and we can see where the sea in the winter goes over a Bar next to the Bay. Advancing on the route, we will go to visit the Madalena do Mar Harbor for nice Pictures and see some fisherman houses until we arrive to Calheta, a place known for his artificial sand beach and production of Sugar Cane Rum. We carry on towards the mountains of Prazeres where we can visit a Farm Animal Center and try its awarded jelly flavors (fee applies) Continuing we go to Paul do Mar through amazing old roads with old tunnels open by the men.
Inclusions: Driver/Local guide, Live commentary on board, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle, Free WIFI
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Farm Animal Admission Ticket
Reviewed By RuiPedro65
It was a wanderfull day that i spenddl whit the pearl of the atlatico.Tour west has really beautiful views. The guiedes of the company are really professionals.
