Things to Do in Funchal

"Lost" in the middle of the Atlantic ocean, Madeira's history it's very rich.
On this tour, we will discover it through the histories of the people that are an important part of it, like Gonçalves Zarco and Infante D. Henrique.
We will discover why Funchal was an important harbor of the world and was a place to treat some diseases. 
Come with me to discover Funchal, the main city of Madeira 🙂

Madeira Island has been known all over the world for centuries, mainly due to its wine. But there's so much more to discover about this island! 

I will take you, in small groups, through the main streets of Funchal, and tell about its culture and history.
 
Book your tour with me and let me show you my city!

Discover Funchal as an expert.

Start your journey at the CR7 Museum, where Madeira’s pride, Cristiano Ronaldo, inspires us to explore this vibrant city. Stroll through the peaceful Santa Catarina Park and take in stunning views of the harbor.

Visit the Armillary Sphere Monument, a nod to Madeira’s seafaring history, then head to Blandy’s Wine Lodge to uncover the secrets of Madeira’s world-famous wine.

Next, explore the historic Palácio de São Lourenço and admire the timeless beauty of the Sé Cathedral.

End your journey at the lively Mercado dos Lavradores and the artistic Rua das Portas Pintadas, where every door tells a story.

In just 2.5 hours, you’ll experience the history, culture, and charm of Funchal. Book now and let’s uncover its secrets together!

Funchal is the Capital of the Archipelago of Madeira, the first place the Portuguese settled overseas in the 15th, in the Age of Discoveries.

Soon, Funchal became a very important harbor in the Atlantic, as many ships stopped over to get supplies.
It was in Madeira that the sugar mass production started. Madeira supplied sugar to Europe in the 15th, 16th and part of the 17th Century.
The sugar trades brought wealth to the Island, which attracted many foreigners. Some just passing by, a lot of them settling here.

Christopher Colombus was in Madeira for the first time in 1478 due to a sugar trade and then lived a few years on the Archipelago, as he married a local lady.

With the decline of the sugar trades in Madeira, the Wine industry took over.
The fortified Madeira Wine is known worldwide.

Religion has always played a big role on the Islanders life and there are many curious stories surrounding some old Convents and Monasteries, which we will happily share with you.

On this tour, we will show you some of the main touristic sites and will also take you to some less known areas of the city, that are as beautiful and interesting.

We will recommend some local shops, tell you about touristic traps you should avoid and do our best to provide you a great experience and help you make the most out of your vacations!

There is a coffee break more or less half way through the tour.

We do not go to the Old Town on this tour.

There are some up and downhills during this tour. There is an uphill that might be demanding for sond walkers. Please bring comfortable footwear and water.

This tour is not suitable for wheelchairs or baby strollers.

We look forward to having you on our tours!

The Old Town of Funchal was the first Portuguese neighborhood outside the European Continent.

Right away, a community of fishermen and seafarers was created.

For centuries, this people lived in very precarious conditions. The Old Town of Funchal got to the beginning of the 21st Century as the area to avoid. Thanks to people with knowledge of other Old Towns in Europe and with a great vision, Zona Velha do Funchal has gained a new face, a new dynamic and today, it is a mandatory place to visit, not only for visitors, but also for locals.

Beautiful painted doors with art make Rua Santa Maria and the Old Town a unique outdoor gallery.

Before we get to the Old Town, we will show you the first fort built in Funchal and share with you the many changes it has seen over the centuries.

We will tell you the story of (possibly) the most popular drink in Madeira and recommend bars in Funchal where you can try it.

Floods are part of the Madeiran History, a force of nature feared by the locals. Many attempts have been made to try and minimize the consequences of these events.
Some of these events have been so catastrophic that people came up with supernatural explanations for it!

This tours ends in the Old Town, in Barreirinha, 5 minutes away from the cable car.

Thistour is not suitable for wheelchairs or baby strollers.
There are some up and downhill on this tour that might be challenging for some walkers.

We look forward to show you this amazing part of town!