Funchal · Madeira, Portugal
Funchal & Madeira Tours, Tickets & Things to Do
Discover the best Funchal and Madeira tours on Portugal’s lush Atlantic island: hike the famous levada water-channel trails through laurel forest, climb to the soaring peaks of Pico do Arieiro for a sunrise above the clouds, ride a 4x4 jeep safari to the Porto Moniz lava pools, watch dolphins and whales on a catamaran, soar up to Monte by cable car and toboggan back down, and taste the island’s celebrated wine. Compare top-rated experiences and plan your perfect island escape.
651 experiences Free cancellation Top-rated tours Instant booking
Good for families in Funchal
Children can join from a young age and pay less than adults — taken from each operator’s price list.
Browse
Explore Funchal by interest
Whatever brings you to Funchal — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
What to see
Top attractions in Funchal
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Levada Trails
Forest water walks.
180+ toursView tours
Pico do Arieiro
Sunrise peak.
90 toursView tours
Porto Moniz
Lava pools.
120 toursView tours
Dolphins & Whales
Atlantic giants.
80 toursView tours
Monte Cable Car
Soar to Monte.
70 toursView tours
Monte Toboggan
Wicker sled ride.
50 toursView tours
Madeira Wine
Famous tastings.
60 toursView tours
Funchal Old Town
Tuk-tuk & market.
70 toursView tours
3 days
Madeira in 3 days
- 1Day 1: Funchal & Monte
- 2Day 2: peaks & levada
- 3Day 3: jeep safari
- 4Whale watching
For hikers
Madeira for hikers
- 125 Fontes levada
- 2Pico do Arieiro
- 3Stairway to Heaven
- 4Fanal forest
Interior awayLevada Walk
Forest trails.
from €35View trips
Peaks awayPico do Arieiro
Sunrise summit.
from €40View trips
Northwest awayPorto Moniz
Lava pools.
from €45View trips
Above Funchal awayMonte
Cable car & sled.
from €25View trips
Funchal awayWhale Watching
Atlantic giants.
from €40View trips
Funchal awayWine Tasting
Madeira wine.
from €30View trips
Practical guide
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Funchal visitor asks before booking.
Year-round appeal
Madeira’s spring-like climate means pleasant weather all year, earning it the nickname “island of eternal spring”.
Spring (Mar–May)
Green, blooming and mild — superb for levada hikes and flowers, with the Flower Festival in spring.
Summer (Jun–Sep)
Warm, dry and busiest, with the calmest seas for boat trips and swimming.
Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Still warm with the wine harvest and fewer crowds — a lovely time to visit.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Mild and green, a popular winter-sun escape, with festive New Year fireworks in Funchal.
Mountain weather
The peaks can be cloudy or cold even in summer — check forecasts and bring layers for high-altitude tours.
One day
Monte, a levada walk and Funchal.
Three days
Add the peaks and a jeep safari.
A week
Add more hikes, whale watching and the coast.
Hikers
Add multiple levada and peak trails.
Nature lovers
Add dolphin and whale watching.
With kids
Mix cable car, dolphins and lava pools.
Tours & transfers
Guided tours with pickup are the easiest way to reach the levadas, peaks and remote west, sparing the demanding drive.
Car hire
A rental car gives freedom, though Madeira’s steep, winding mountain roads and tunnels take confidence.
Cable cars
The Funchal–Monte cable car is both transport and an attraction, with great views over the bay.
Buses
Local buses link Funchal with coastal towns affordably, though the interior is best reached by tour.
Base in Funchal
Most visitors stay in Funchal, the lively capital, with easy access to tours and the seafront.
Getting there
Madeira Airport (FNC) is around 20 minutes from Funchal, with flights across Europe.
Euro & cards
As part of Portugal, Madeira uses the euro; cards are widely accepted across the island.
Wear proper footwear
Levada and peak trails can be wet, uneven and have tunnels — bring sturdy shoes and a torch.
Layers for the peaks
It’s far colder and windier on Pico do Arieiro than in Funchal — pack warm clothing for sunrise tours.
Book peak tours early
Sunrise and small-group levada tours have limited places — reserve ahead.
Check the forecast
Mountain weather changes fast; flexible booking lets you pick a clear day for the peaks.
Try poncha & wine
Don’t miss a Madeira wine tasting and a glass of the island’s signature poncha.
Pico do Arieiro sunrise
Early small-group tours fill up — book ahead.
Levada hikes
Guided small-group walks have limited places — reserve early.
Jeep safaris
Popular 4x4 tours sell out — book ahead.
Whale watching
Eco catamaran trips are in demand — reserve early.
Monte experiences
Combine the cable car and toboggan for the best value.
Peak season & New Year
Summer and Funchal’s famous New Year are very busy — plan early.
Levada hike
Around €35–60 for a guided small-group walk with transport.
Pico do Arieiro sunrise
About €40–70 for a sunrise tour with transfers.
Jeep safari
Roughly €45–80 for a full-day 4x4 island tour.
Whale watching
Around €40–60 for an eco catamaran trip.
Cable car & toboggan
About €25–45 combining the cable car and sledge ride.
How to save
Choose group tours and combine the peaks with a levada walk.
When to visit
Funchal through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
Spring (Mar–May)
Mar–May
- Best for
- Flowers, hiking.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Flower Festival.
Summer (Jun–Sep)
Jun–Sep
- Best for
- Warm, calm seas.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Busiest season.
Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Oct–Nov
- Best for
- Harvest, quieter.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Lovely & calm.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Dec–Feb
- Best for
- Mild winter sun.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- NYE fireworks.
People also ask
Funchal travel FAQ
What are the best tours in Madeira?
The highest-rated experiences are levada hikes, the Pico do Arieiro sunrise, a 4x4 jeep safari to Porto Moniz, dolphin and whale watching, and the Monte cable car and toboggan.
What should I book in advance in Madeira?
Reserve the Pico do Arieiro sunrise, guided levada hikes, jeep safaris and whale-watching tours ahead, especially in summer.
How many days do I need in Madeira?
One day covers Funchal and a levada walk, three add the peaks and a jeep safari, and a week lets you explore the whole island.
Is Madeira worth visiting?
Yes — Portugal’s lush Atlantic island enchants with its levada hiking trails, the sunrise above the clouds on Pico do Arieiro, 4x4 safaris to the Porto Moniz lava pools, year-round whale and dolphin watching, the fun Monte cable car and toboggan, and world-famous wine.
When is the best time to visit Madeira?
Madeira is a year-round “island of eternal spring”; spring is best for flowers and hiking, while summer offers the calmest seas.
Is Madeira good for hiking?
Yes — its network of levada trails and dramatic peak walks make Madeira one of Europe’s premier hiking destinations.
What are the levadas in Madeira?
Levadas are historic irrigation channels with footpaths alongside, offering scenic, mostly gentle hikes through the island’s forests and valleys.
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