Location: Funchal
Top Things to do in Funchal
10 Tours 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. 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!
2. Private Half day Madeira tour (8 seat Mercedes Vito)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
I'm a native of Madeira and have been providing tours for over six years. I have a real passion for the culture, the heritage and a love for the natural beauty of my island home. I provide fun, interesting and informative tours for tourists, business travelers and even seekers of their roots in Madeira. I'm a steady and safe driver with a clean and comfortable vehicle. We will enjoy the day at your pace.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions: Admission to toboggan run, garden entrance will need to be paid separately if wanting to do this.
Reviewed By Madeira_my_dear
We booked two island tours with Diogo, one on the East side and one on the West side of the island. Diogo is a very easy going and relaxed person, who is never in a hurry and makes you feel there is all the time in the world to enjoy the fantastic scenery of Madeira. He takes you to places which are off the beaten track and knows some fantastic restaurants to have lunch. He is very knowledgeable and always in a good mood!
3. Canyoning in Madeira Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 544 reviews
Madeira Island offers exceptional conditions for the practice of canyoning, due to its geological, climatic, hydrological, touristic and natural characteristics. It is considered by canyoning professionals as one of the best regions in Europe.
Inclusions: 2 Professional guides, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Funchal and Caniço, Port pickup and drop-off, Adidas Canyoning Boots, VadeRetro neoprene suit, Certificated equipment, Water and a Kitkat chocolate, Photos of the tour for free
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By 431lilianav
Wonderfull experience. Different holiday morning. Really nice couple, always making sure we were safe and very friendly. Would definetely recommend and repeat the experience.
4. Rabaçal - 25 Fonts
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 18 reviews
About 4 hours and 30 minutes, starting at Paúl da Serra, going down to the Rabaçal valley for the first levada, which takes us to the first waterfall, the Risco waterfall. We descend to find the second levada of the 25 fountains thus providing wonderful and unique views of the Rabaçal valley, finding endemic species of fauna and flora along the way to reach the 25 fountains lagoon. On the way back we passed a tunnel of about 800 meters
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Joanna K
Best tour guides! Always friendly and accommodating. Guide Suzanna made our day! Thank you for a great tour!
5. Northwest Terraces and Volcanic Pools 4x4 Full Day Tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 15 reviews
Explore the northwest side of Madeira in a 4x4 vehicle with an open top roof. Volcanic lava pools, a 15–minute levada walk, non-touristic villages, Madeira's UNESCO–listed native forest, waterfalls, sea cliffs, any many more great surprises await you.
Inclusions: Local guide, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off - Funchal area free pick up / outside of Funchal may have extra fuel tax, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off - Pick up at the Cruise dock extra fee €5.00 per person, Bottled water
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch - extra €13.00 per person, Gratuities
Reviewed By erindoyle2
These guys seriously know what they are doing so rest assured that you will feel like family by the end of the day. We had NUNO as our driver for the first tour booked to see the northwest of the island. A group of digital nomads and myself (a teacher) met for the first time and decided to book a second tour a few days later to visit the east (Madeira peaks). The 4•4 vehicles allow you to take the old Madeiran roads (old kings roads) that you otherwise could not access, therefore allowing you to see unique vegetation, history and also experience off the beaten path (literally) waterfalls, levadas, and gorgeous scenery. Every tour is unique with many opportunities to stop to take photos, visit local restaurants/cafes and rum factories, poncha bars. These guys bring their passion of their island to life and give you a very personal account of this unique island. I also appreciated that they kept us away from big touristic restaurants and shops. They support the locals and that is obvious by the markets we stopped at and little taverns we ate at. I appreciated that they picked me up on the other side of the island so I wouldn’t miss the adventure. A big thank you to Fernando, the owner who was very quick to contact us via WhatsApp to confirm everything. I am grateful to have met Nuno and want to thank him for giving me the most memorable days of the trip! Miss it already!
6. Madeira Peaks - Open 4X4 Full-Day Tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 41 reviews
Experiencethis tour to the East, visiting Madeira Peaks and the traditional thatched houses in Santana, by 4x4 with a open top roof! We will take you through the UNESCO forest and little villages to see amazing views, all alongside a local guide. Get close the natural beauty and wonder of Madeira Island.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Gratuities, Lunch - optional 3 course meal for €12.00, pick up in this areas extra fee - €5.00 p/p - Santo da Serra, Machico, Santa Cruz, Camacha, Jardim da Serra, Ponta do Sol, Calheta, pick up in this areas extra fee - €10.00 p/p - Caniçal, Porto da Cruz, Santana, Ponta Delgada, Porto Moniz, Ponta do Pargo, Prazeres, pick up at the cruise dock extra fee - €5.00 per person
Reviewed By Ritxen2509
If you are not feeling confident driving hilly and windy roads, my advice will be to book this tour. You would save so much hassle and manage to see so much with proper local guide! We had the best day of our stay at Madeira . Nelson - our driver was so informative. We would never see and learn so much as we did with him! Definitely recommend!
7. Madeira Food & Cultural Tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 249 reviews
Introducing Funchal to the World - Food & Cultural tour Prepare yourself for a sensory journey across the island. On this 4 hour tour, our qualified local guide will led you on this walking food experience to 7 different places, to taste a variety of local specialties. All food and drinks are included, children or vegetarians are welcome, small groups are required to keep it conversational. The tour takes place on Tuesday and Friday at 2:00pm at Wednesday at 10:30am.
Inclusions: All food and drinks., Qualified and Certified Guided Tour., Personal Insurance., All drinks are included, we offer non alcoholic options, Mask is required
Exclusions: Private transportation
Reviewed By Soenke1967
It was a special pleasure with Jaqueline to stroll over the market and buy the fresh ingredients for cooking. The coronation of the day we experienced when cooking in the private framework. We rarely eaten so well and feel comfortable at all times. Thanks for the experience. We will definitely come back.
8. West of Madeira Tour. Full Day Minimum 2 People
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 12 reviews
Visit some of the most spectacular views Madeira has to offer, this is one of the most complete tours you can do. From the Southern coast, through the centre plateau arriving to the northern coast. This tour stops in: Câmara de Lobos » Cabo Girão Viewpoint » Ribeira Brava » Canhas » Paúl da Serra » Porto Moniz » Seixal » São Vicente
Inclusions: Private transportation
Exclusions: Lunch
Reviewed By 541ancam
Every time I go to Madeira, I have to book a tour with Dinarte since he knows the island as his back yard. The experience is incredible and his knowledge of the place cannot be matched. Also, the day will be filled with lots of laughter, good food and amazing scenery. About good food, I cannot recommand enough the Fanal tour with espetada. I didn't know I needed the tasty esperada barbecue, surrounded by the ancient trees and the little birds curious about what's cooking. Dinarte is also an amazing chef and he chooses all the ingredients himself, only the freshest produce pass the test. Do yourself a favour and have a barbecue in Fanal, you will thank yourself later ????.
9. Skywalk & Professional Wine Tasting and Vineyards Tour in Open Roof 4x4
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 119 reviews
"The relaxing nature combined with the flavours and traditions of Madeira will make this tour unforgettable." From Funchal we drive to Serra d'Agua, a valley at the center of the island. After passing this area, we go off-road meeting fantastic views over the north of the island (Porto Moniz, Ribeira da Janela, Paúl da Serra and São Vicente). Then, you will have an unforgettable experience with the main wine producers in Madeira, followed by a guided tour through the largest vineyards along with a wine tasting (1 rose, 2 white, 2 red) and a professional explanation about traditions, wine culture and wine production. From this fabulous experience, we will continue our tour to one of the most visited places on the island, Cabo Girão, the highest cliff in Europe and second in the World (589 meters), known by its suspended glass floor viewpoint, which offers a spectacular panoramic view over the Atlantic, Câmara de Lobos and Funchal. A perfect tour for nature and wine lovers.
Inclusions: Professional Guide, Free pick up and drop off in Funchal´s central area and Funchal´s Port, All insurances in accordance to the Portuguese Law, Safety Instructions and First aid, Local taxes, WiFi, Wine Tasting and Vineyards Tour
Exclusions:
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!
10. Full Day Jeep Safari East - Pico do Areeiro - Santana - Ponta de são Lourenço
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 256 reviews
Get to Know the true spirit of the Island in this unique fashion 4X4 tour, the only way to enjoy the magnificent scenery of these unknown areas. An opportunity to 'step back in time'. Travel to the most outstanding and untouched areas of this wonderful Island.
Inclusions: Local taxes, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Lunch, Drinks
Reviewed By Joel K
You’re in good hands with Nuno, if he’s your tour guide. Giving a lot of context to what you’re looking at, and making the experience a fun ride. Don’t forget to drink some rum at the factory:).
