Funchal Tours &
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.
rating
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.
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.
Pico do Arieiro
Sunrise peak.
Porto Moniz
Lava pools.
Dolphins & Whales
Atlantic giants.
Monte Cable Car
Soar to Monte.
Monte Toboggan
Wicker sled ride.
Madeira Wine
Famous tastings.
Funchal Old Town
Tuk-tuk & market.
Madeira in 3 days
- 1Day 1: Funchal & Monte
- 2Day 2: peaks & levada
- 3Day 3: jeep safari
- 4Whale watching
Madeira for hikers
- 125 Fontes levada
- 2Pico do Arieiro
- 3Stairway to Heaven
- 4Fanal forest
Interior awayLevada Walk
Forest trails.
Peaks awayPico do Arieiro
Sunrise summit.
Northwest awayPorto Moniz
Lava pools.
Above Funchal awayMonte
Cable car & sled.
Funchal awayWhale Watching
Atlantic giants.
Funchal awayWine Tasting
Madeira wine.
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.
Funchal through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Flowers, hiking.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Flower Festival.
- Best for
- Warm, calm seas.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Busiest season.
- Best for
- Harvest, quieter.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Lovely & calm.
- Best for
- Mild winter sun.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- NYE fireworks.