Top Funchal How to Get Around in 2026

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.

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 the summit on a longer, more rewarding route.

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.

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.

Leave all of the planning to someone else and enjoy yourself in Madeira with this tour through ancient forests. Begin with hotel pickup and journey through eucalyptus and mimosa forests. Ascend Pico do Arieiro mountain, then descend to Ribeiro Frio and stop at a trout hatchery. Take a leisurely stroll through the trees and visit the Santana UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Lunch is not included.

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.

Escape the busy city centre and discover Funchal from above on a private tuk-tuk tour through quiet hillside streets, local roads and scenic viewpoints. Enjoy panoramic views over Funchal Bay, the harbour, the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, from spots many visitors never reach. Along the way, I’ll share stories about Madeira, point out places of interest and recommend restaurants, viewpoints and experiences for the rest of your stay. There will be time to stop for photos, and I’ll happily adapt the route to the weather, traffic and your interests. Travelling by tuk-tuk makes it easy to reach viewpoints and narrow roads that larger vehicles simply can’t access, a relaxed, personal way to see Funchal from a different perspective. Some of my favourite stops on this route don’t even have official names, just spots I’ve found over the years with a great view and no crowds. If you’d rather see the Funchal locals know than tick off a checklist, this is the tour for you.

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.

Madeira Island’s western shores are home to natural sea pools, traditional fishing villages, and more, but reaching the top sites requires local knowledge. On this group tour, travel from your hotel (select areas) via air-conditioned minibus and reach the sites with ease. Hit sites of interest, including Camara de Lobos, Porto Moniz natural pools, and the Ribeira Brava. The tour is available in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Visit the village of Monte on this private tour, which ensures personalized attention and a flexible itinerary. After pickup in central Madeira, ride up the local hills in a private vehicle, enjoying the scenery instead of fussing over directions and driving yourself. Once you reach Monte, enjoy the landscaped grounds of the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte and the views over Funchal.

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.

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.

On this scenic, private half-day trip, you’ll travel from Pico dos Barcelos to picturesque Nun's Valley in a comfortable, WIFI-equipped car. See where the nuns of the Monastery of Santa Clara once sought refuge from French privateers. Other highlights include postcard-perfect views from Pico dos Barcelos, a stop at popular Eira do Serrado lookout point, and a peek at the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva Forest.

Get an insider’s perspective of downtown Funchal on a private tour by motorcycle-and-sidecar that reveals areas that many tourists miss. Traveling in style, you’ll zip between top Madeira attractions in the Old Town and city centre without having to worry about navigating. Plus, a private guide ensures that you benefit from local knowledge and tailored recommendations.

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.

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.

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.

We call it the Typical Tour trought the East side of the Island. You will stop at the following locations (in order): Camacha, Pico Arieiro, Ribeiro Frio, Faial, Santana, Portela, Ponta de Sao Lourenco, Machico

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.

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.

Enjoy a peaceful sunrise stroll between Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo—without having to rush to keep up with a group—by choosing this self-guided hike package. To save you the hassle of organizing transport, the trip includes hotel pickup, then drop-off at Pico do Arieiro, and pickup from Achada do Teixeira once you’ve finished the hike.