Funchal tours and tickets
Funchal is an outdoor island, so the bookings that matter are for guided walks, whale watching and mountain trips. These run all year and need a few days in high season. The market, the old town, the cable car to Monte and Madeira wine tastings can be done any day. Weather can change plans fast, so keep one spare day.
Book these first
- Rooms for New Year's Eve
- 4 to 6 months ahead. The fireworks over the bay draw many visitors, and rooms with a view go first.
- A guided mountain or levada walk
- A few days ahead. Guides know which trails are open, and some walks are hard to reach without a car.
- Whale-watching boats
- 1 to 2 days ahead. Small boats fill in summer, and trips are canceled when the sea is rough.
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Outdoors
Levada walk
Madeira's old irrigation channels are walking paths through forest and valleys. Guided walks take a few hours and include transport from the hotel. Easy routes are flat, and others have drops and tunnels.
Which to pick. Book a guided walk in high season, and pick an easy route if you are unsure. Bring a torch for tunnels and sturdy shoes.
A few days ahead in high seasonVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorPico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo
The classic mountain route between the island's second and third highest peaks, with tunnels and steep steps. It takes about three to four hours one way. Guided tours handle the transfer back.
Which to pick. Go with a guide unless you have hiking experience and check the path conditions. Start early to avoid cloud.
A few days aheadVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorJeep tour
Open 4x4 vehicles tour the mountains, the north coast and viewpoints in a day. It suits those who want to see a lot without walking. Lunch and stops are included on many tours.
Which to pick. Pick a full-day tour for the north coast and the mountains. It is a good rainy-season backup too.
A day or two aheadVisitor guideTours and tickets on Viator
On the water
Whale and dolphin watching
Boats go out from the marina for two to three hours looking for dolphins, pilot whales and sometimes sperm whales. Operators vary from fast rigid boats to sailing catamarans.
Which to pick. Choose a smaller boat for a closer experience, and a morning time for calmer seas. Check the cancellation rules for rough weather.
A day or two ahead in summerTours and tickets on ViatorSunset catamaran
A relaxed sail along the south coast past Cabo Girão, with drinks and music on some trips. Trips last about two hours and leave in the late afternoon.
Which to pick. Choose it for an easy evening. Book a few days ahead in peak season and bring a jacket for the wind.
A few days aheadTours and tickets on Viator
Experiences and nights out
Funchal to Monte cable car
A cable car climbs from the old town to Monte, about fifteen minutes, with views over the bay. At the top are the church, the Monte Palace garden and the toboggan ride.
Which to pick. Take the cable car up and the toboggan down. Go early to avoid the queue, and buy tickets at the station.
On the day is fineOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorMadeira wine tasting
Tastings at cellars in the old town and at estates in the hills introduce the four main types, from dry Sercial to sweet Malmsey. Visits include a short tour and a flight of wines.
Which to pick. Visit a cellar in the old town for an easy hour. Book a larger estate a day ahead if you want a tour.
A day aheadOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorMercado dos Lavradores food tour
A guided walk through the farmers' market, with fruit tastings, fish and flowers, and a sit-down lunch. Tours last about three hours and include a local dish such as espetada.
Which to pick. Join on your first morning, since the market is liveliest early. Skip it if you prefer to graze alone.
2 to 4 days aheadOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
Day trips
Câmara de Lobos and Cabo Girão
A fishing village with a harbor and the high cliff skywalk of Cabo Girão, about twenty minutes west of Funchal. Tours include a poncha stop and a viewpoint.
Which to pick. Take a half-day trip by bus or tour. Go in the morning, when the cliff is clearer.
On the day is fineOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorSantana and the north coast
A full-day trip to the triangular thatched houses of Santana, the volcanic rock pools of Porto Moniz and viewpoints on the way. The drive is long and winding.
Which to pick. Take a guided full day, since the roads are slow. Bring a jacket, as the north coast is cooler and cloudier.
A day or two aheadTours and tickets on Viator
Booking tours and tickets in Funchal
Do I need to book a levada walk?
In high season, yes, because guides and transport run to capacity. In winter you can often book a day ahead. Pick the route by fitness and by weather.
Can weather stop my plans?
Yes. Mountain trails close in rain or high winds, and boats cancel in rough seas. Leave a spare day and choose a provider with a free change or refund.
Is whale watching guaranteed?
No. Operators see dolphins on most trips and whales on many, but the sea decides. Choose one that offers a free repeat trip if you see nothing.
Is the Monte cable car worth it?
Yes, for the view and the garden at the top. You can ride up and take the toboggan or a bus down, so no tour is needed.
Can I do the mountains without a car?
Yes, with a guided tour that includes pickup. Local buses reach some trails, but the pickup and drop-off are easier with a guide for one-way hikes.
What can wait until I arrive?
The market, the old town, the cable car and a wine cellar can all be done the same day. Book guided walks, whale watching and sunset sails a few days ahead.