Top Funchal How to Get Around

Although Madeira is most famous for its natural landscapes, the Portuguese island also harbors a rich history. Receive an introduction to the history of Funchal during a walking tour that offers a more intimate glimpse into the Old Town than you’d get traveling by coach or car. This tour, which proves ideal for first-time visitors, allows you to benefit from the insider knowledge and personalized attention of your guide.

Make the most of your time in Madeira and cover the entire island in just two days on this small-group excursion. Set out for two full-day tours to see top landmarks including Girao Cape, the Porto Moniz natural pools, the fishing village of Camara de Lobos, and the Arieiro and Ruivo summits. Experience nature, history, and tradition on this comprehensive tour.

Get a comprehensive tour of Funchal, combined with personalized attention, on this private excursion. With a dedicated guide behind the wheel, you’ll enjoy private transportation for a stress-free trip that ticks all of the important sights off your list. Stops include Sao Joao do Pico Fortress, Quinta das Cruzes, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, Mercado dos Lavradores, and some impressive lookout points for great photo ops.

Taste your way around Madeira on this small-group food and walking tour. You won’t have to worry about language barriers as you’ll have a guide to translate and order for you. Save time researching and planning your trip by having a guide to show you around. Make the most of your day by visiting multiple places and tasting local specialties. All food and drink is included.

Discover the best of Madeira in your very own tuk-tuk during this full-day excursion. Alongside your private guide, create an itinerary that suits your group's interests. Sightsee around Funchal, stop at the fishing village of Camara de Lobos, take in the sights from Cape Girao, stroll through the botanical garden, and more. While you explore, your guide regales you with information about the island and its landmarks.

See Funchal through the eyes of a local on this private and customizable walking tour. Save the historical landmarks and museum visits for another day and wander the city with a native passionate about their hometown and eager to share a personal perspective. With no set itinerary, choose the areas you’d most like to explore or leave it up to your guide to show you their favorite spots.

Venture off the beaten path and see a side of Funchal that’s inaccessible to traditional tour vehicles on an excursion by 4WD vehicle. As well as receiving personalized attention in a small group, adventure through mountains, waterfalls, fishing villages, natural pools, and volcanic landscapes. This tour reaches scenic corners of Madeira that showcase the island’s dramatic natural diversity.

See the highlights of Madeira in a short space of time, and avoid the crowds on public transport with this private half-day tour. The trip is a great way to learn about the culture of the island from a local, while ticking off interesting sights—such as the Madeira Botanical Garden, the Monte toboggan run, Cabo Girao viewpoint, and Baia de Camara de Lobos fishing village.

Madeira's mountains are a must-see but navigating them without local know-how can be tricky. This small-group hike pairs you with a mountain guide, taking you along the PR3 trail to Pico do Areeiro, the island's third-highest peak. Cross the Stairway to Heaven ridge and pause at clifftop viewpoints over the valleys before reaching to the summit.

Bask in the sun and sea of Madeira, one of the world’s tallest oceanside cliffs, on this catamaran excursion from the Funchal Marina. After boarding, find a nice spot on the deck or one of the four trampoline nets for spotting whales and dolphins. Your crew highlights landmarks and wildlife plus you have a choice of a morning or afternoon departure time.

The rugged landscape of Madeira means there are lots of nature spots that can only be accessed on off-road routes. Instead of organizing your own car rental, benefit from the expertise of a local driver who knows the roads well. Enjoy a private off-road tour that’s customized to suit your requirements; swim in rock pools, hike through forests, access stunning viewpoints, or explore local food spots—the choice is yours.

Explore the enchanting landscapes of the west on this immersive sightseeing tour. Experience the thrill of swimming in crystal-clear natural pools and the serenity of wandering through mystical forests. Marvel at stunning waterfalls and uncover the hidden magic of nature's untouched beauty. This tour promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of the wild, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. - Swim in pristine natural pools surrounded by breathtaking scenery - Discover stunning waterfalls and their captivating surroundings - Immerse yourself in mystical forests teeming with wildlife

Begin your day above the clouds with a breathtaking sunrise at Pico do Areeiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak. As the sky turns shades of gold and violet, you’ll witness one of the island’s most unforgettable views. After sunrise, follow a stunning section of the PR1 trail toward the iconic “Stairway to Heaven” — a dramatic ridge walk with epic photo opportunities. Then, continue your adventure on the PR3 – Vereda do Burro, a quieter trail that leads you through wide mountain scenery, peaceful paths, and open skies. The full hike takes around 5 hours and offers the perfect balance of beauty, challenge, and serenity. At the end, relax with a coffee or local treat before your comfortable return. Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, with early and late start times available. Whether you’re chasing sunrises or unforgettable hikes, this is a true Madeira highlight. We will inform you the exact pickup time the day before, and keep you updated via WhatsApp.

Discover the wild and authentic side of Madeira with a passionate local guide who knows every hidden corner of the island. This experience blends stunning landscapes, cultural insights, and adventure in a way that goes far beyond standard tours. Enjoy a taste of traditional poncha, swim in natural lava pools, and explore off-road trails, mystical forests, and secret viewpoints that most visitors never reach. Along the way, you’ll hear fascinating stories and enjoy carefully chosen stops that highlight Madeira’s true spirit. Here, it’s not only about where you go, but the unforgettable journey that takes you there.

Start your day above the clouds with a magical Pico do Arieiro sunrise tour. After an early hotel pickup, head to the viewpoint of one of Madeira’s highest points for panoramic views at dawn. For a more complete morning experience, upgrade to the premium option to enjoy a traditional breakfast in the open air before a short levada walk through Paradise Valley (when conditions allow). Note: this is not the PR1 Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo hike; if conditions are not favorable, an alternative sunrise viewpoint is used.

See the extraordinary views from the summit of Pico Ruivo on this small-group sunrise hike. The PR1 hike from Pico do Arieiro takes you to the highest peak in Madeira, offering panoramic scenes of the island below. Set off long before the crowds arrive and climb the mountainous region to reach the top, often above the clouds, as the sun rises.

Venture off-road to explore the rugged mountains and rural villages of Madeira, without having to worry about driving, on this small-group safari from Funchal. Travel around in an open-top safari vehicle, take in the views from Boca dos Namorados, and pass through traditional villages such as Camara de Lobos, and visit the famous glass walkway at Girao Cape that towers 1,970 feet (600 meters) above the sea.

Add a fun twist to your Madeira sightseeing tour and explore the island in a motorcycle sidecar. Sit back and soak up the scenery as you are chauffeured around the island on this private tour; enjoy spectacular views of the coastal cliffs, sparkling ocean, and lush countryside, and hop off to take photos.

Uncover the natural splendor surrounding Funchal on this full-day northern wonders Jeep trip. Stay from Funchal’s well-trodden paths in a fully-equipped Jeep to see the awe-inspiring plateaus at Paul da Serra. Admire the natural Porto Moniz pools, formed by volcanic activity long ago, as well as the renowned São Vicente vineyards and Cabo Girao.

This half-day adventure introduces you to an unusual form of transport that originated in the early 19th century—wicker sledges known as the Monte Toboggans. There’s no need to go to a meeting place, as door-to-door hotel transfers are included. After meeting your guide, see local sights—such as the Church of Our Lady of the Mount. Then, enjoy a thrilling toboggan ride in Monte.

Explore the beautiful island of Madeira by land and sea during this 3-hour. Take a Jeep excursion around the mountainous region to discover its beautiful terrain. Then head out on the water for a boat trip to discover the beautiful coastal scenery and local wildlife of Madeira. This tour has the option of exploring either the eastern or western part of the island.

Embark on a guided adventure of the west side of Madeira that helps you uncover beautiful scenery, places that locals love, and lots of surprises along the way too. Exploring the island with a guide helps you access off the beaten path locations that you might not find alone. It also means you don’t have to worry about navigating or hiring a vehicle. Highlights along the way include Cabo Girao viewpoint, Ribeira Brava Beach, and Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools.

The south coast of Madeira is a popular spot to watch whales and dolphins in their natural environment. This small-group yacht cruise offers a more personalized experience, with a chance to customize the tour to your group’s preferences, stopping to swim or snorkel along the coast, and looking out for bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales, and Bryde's whales.

Instead of opting for an itinerary of sights that don’t interest you, this private full-day 4x4 tour allows you to customize the route. First, receive a list of potential places to visit in west Madeira; then, pick your favorite stops and enjoy the luxury of a tailor made tour. Potential options include wine tasting at Barbusano, a visit to the waterfalls at Sao Vicente, or Porto Moniz’s natural swimming pools.