Funchal Walking Tour: Exploring Madeira’s Capital on Foot
Home » Blog » Madeira Tours » Walking Tours »To truly get to know Funchal, you’ll want a sturdy pair of walking shoes because this city is best explored on foot. It’s essential to remember that Funchal is built on the slopes of several hills, so you’ll be ascending and descending streets throughout your journey. However, the leisurely pace of a Funchal walking tour allows you to savour every moment, and it’s well worth it!
Duration: Approximately 5 hours, with time to relax at one of the city’s numerous cafés.
Best Days: Friday and Saturday mornings.
Hotel District
Begin your adventure at the Reid’s Hotel, a Madeira travel icon. If you’re lucky, you can head to the balcony to admire the magnificent views of Funchal Harbour and the bay. Consider reserving a table for the famous afternoon tea, available at various times. The hotel’s sea-facing façade is stunning because guests arrived by sea in the 19th century when the hotel was constructed. Empress Sissi of Austria arrived by boat, ascending the staircase to the reception facing the sea.
Continue walking toward the city centre. On your left, you’ll spot the Statue of Peace and Freedom. While we’re unsure if the artist intended this, the arm upon which the statue rests resembles the Eiffel Tower.
Cross the bridge. The Jacaranda trees lining Avenida do Infante burst into a sea of lilac flowers between May and June.
You will soon reach the Casino Complex, which includes a hotel, a casino, and a conference centre. It was designed by the renowned architect of Brasília, Oscar Niemeyer. During his first visit to Madeira, Niemeyer faced some challenges. He arrived at the island at night by boat and couldn’t gain access to the complex due to a lack of prior notification to the security personnel, who didn’t recognise him. In the garden, you’ll find a bronze statue of Sissi. The statue has a waist measurement of 50 centimetres, similar to the Empress’s.
The small pink palace with chimneys adorned by horses is the Quinta Vigia. It is where the President of the Autonomous Region of Madeira works. Only the gardens are open to visitors, offering breathtaking bay views. You can purchase the tickets at the reception.
Enter Santa Catarina Park, and follow the path around the lake with ducks and swans to your right. Then head toward the sea and prepare to be awed by the view of the city, the harbour, and the marina. As you approach the square with the chapel of Santa Catarina you’ll see Christopher Columbus statue. The Genoese navigator visited the island on three different occasions.
The Portuguese settled the capital of Madeira in the 15th century in the noblest and most strategically situated bay of the entire archipelago. The abundance of fennel that grew where the historic centre now stands gave rise to the name “Funchal”. It officially received its foundation in 1508, predating the discoveries of America, Brazil, and India. While some constructions from that era have endured, others have undergone alterations, and a few retain only fragments. Visitors can explore certain remnants, including the fort and chapel. Only a tiny section of the walls surrounding Funchal remains visible today.
Down below, you’ll spot a roundabout with an armillary sphere. Facing it is the statue of Infante Dom Henrique, the navigator. His round hat was in fashion all over Europe at the time.
Commercial and Political District
Avenida Arriaga is one of the main thoroughfares. Don’t miss a visit to the Municipal Garden next to the taxis sporting the colours of the Madeira flag. Then take a moment to relax at Café Ritz. This building features blue and white tiles with a “traditions” theme. Depending on the day and time, you may enjoy live relaxing music.
Across the street, just before reaching the statue of João Gonçalves Zarco, there’s a building with red-painted walls. Here lies the official tourist information centre. You can request maps and the cultural agenda with the most important events. Zarco was the discoverer of Madeira and also the first Captain-Donatary of Funchal.
Continue your Funchal Walking Tour walking on the Portuguese pavement until you reach the 15th-century Cathedral of Funchal. Its sober style suggests a meditative interior, nearly devoid of decoration—an example of the plain mendicant style. The recently restored altarpiece and Hispano-Moorish ceiling deserve a visit. Watch your step on the poorly lit stairs.
Now, ascend Rua João Tavira to admire the Portuguese pavement beneath your feet. The pattern on this street is designed with various motifs, following a chronological order. It begins with Madeira’s discovery in 1419, followed by a caravel and a compass rose in honour of Portuguese Discoveries. The island of flowers and the arrival of the first crops (vineyards, sugar cane, banana trees). The first inhabitants who developed various means of transporting goods and people, ending with Madeira embroidery.
At the top of the street, turn right, and you’ll soon come across Praça do Município (Municipality Square). It is named after the City Hall, a building radiating luminosity.
In the same square, you’ll find the Church of the Jesuits. I enter this church almost weekly, and the sensation is always “wow”! I imagine the impact it had when it was built. When life was more modest and peaceful, without television, photo albums, or long-distance travel, both on and off the island. The effect would have been amazement! Not that it doesn’t still evoke that feeling today, but because of the image’s importance. Nowadays, we are inundated with images…
Funchal Things to do
Regarding Madeira things to do and Funchal sightseeing, remember to indulge in some retail therapy while exploring this captivating city. Funchal Walking Tour offers a delightful blend of traditional markets and modern boutiques, making it a haven for shopping enthusiasts. Whether you are searching for local crafts, embroidered linens, or delicious Madeira wine, you’ll find unique treasures to capture with your camera while on your photography adventure.
Take breaks along your Funchal walking tour at the charming cafés and restaurants that dot the city. You can only truly experience Funchal by savouring the local cuisine and eating some of the island’s culinary delights. Be sure to sample the famous Madeiran espetada, and pair your meals with the island’s renowned wine. For a taste of the local culture, explore the vibrant nightlife scene, where drinking Madeira wine or a classic Poncha cocktail is a must.
In your pursuit of Madeira sightseeing and Funchal things to do, remember to grab a Funchal walking map. It will help you navigate the city’s attractions efficiently. This handy tool will guide you to the hidden gems and historical landmarks that make Funchal so enchanting. Whether strolling along the seafront promenade, admiring the intricate Portuguese pavement, or exploring the city’s rich history, you will fill every step on your Funchal travel journey with wonder and excitement. So, lace up your walking shoes, unfold your map, and embark on a memorable Funchal sightseeing adventure. It blends history, culture, and the sheer joy of exploration.
The charm of Funchal perhaps lies in its cheerful atmosphere, radiated by the brightness of its white-walled monuments and black stonework… In the succession of ascents and descents. It’s a pleasant, bustling, and modern city that never tires of exploring. There’s always a detail to admire, whether in the cafés along the narrow streets or in the people themselves, strolling with a relaxed and cheerful air. There aren’t many places in the world where people go to work with a smile on their faces. Funchal is a city that offers a bit of everything on a manageable scale. How many cities do you know where everyone who visits has nothing but praise? Perhaps it’s due to the climate or the people, the mountains or the sea, the cleanliness or the sense of security, the food, or the colours. Or perhaps it’s a bit of everything at once.
Related Funchal Things to do
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Explore Madeira’s Hidden Gems with the Madeira Self-Driving Guidebook
If you’re planning to explore Madeira by car and want to discover the island’s hidden treasures, consider the Madeira Self-Driving Guidebook. This comprehensive e-book provides insights into what to do, where to eat, hidden gems known to locals, and more. With digital Madeira Island maps and an events calendar, you’ll have everything you need to make the most of your Madeira adventure.
Get your Madeira Self-Driving Guidebook here and embark on a journey filled with breathtaking vistas and unforgettable experiences.