Funchal Madeira 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Funchal

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Habana (Rua Santa Maria 18), a popular spot among locals and tourists alike.
  • Visit the Mercado dos Lavradores (Mercado dos Lavradores, Rua do Dr. Filipe Esperança) for a taste of Madeira’s fresh produce and traditional goods. Don’t miss the colorful flowers, exotic fruits, and the famous Madeira wine tasting stalls.
  • Take a short walk to Jardim do Tropical (Tropical Garden, Rua Arriaga) for a peaceful morning stroll amidst lush greenery and stunning tropical plants.

Afternoon:

  • Head to the Cable Car of Funchal (Teleférico do Funchal, Rua Monte) for breathtaking views over Funchal. From the top station, take a leisurely walk along the levadas (irrigation channels) or visit the Botanical Garden.
  • For lunch, head to A Casa do Cachorro Loquaco (Rua do Estreito 65), a cozy restaurant serving traditional Madeiran cuisine.

Evening:

  • Spend your evening exploring the charming streets of Zona Velha (Old Town). Visit the Church of Our Lady of Monte (Igreja da Nossa Senhora do Monte) and enjoy the panoramic view over Funchal.
  • For dinner, dine at Restaurant William (Rua das Flores 14), known for its Madeiran seafood dishes.

Day 2: Adventure and Relaxation

Morning:

  • After breakfast at your accommodation, embark on a morning whale and dolphin watching tour. Book with reputable companies like Natural Madeira or Madeira Whale Watching.

Afternoon:

  • Return to Funchal for lunch at A Casa do Prego (Rua de Santa Luzia 135), a charming restaurant in Old Town with an extensive menu.
  • Relax at the beautiful Garcia’s Natural Swimming Pool (Praça do Marquês do Contada) or the sandy beach of Calheta.

Evening:

  • For your final dinner in Funchal, dine at Vino e Olhos (Rua da Santa Luzia 75), a fine dining restaurant offering a modern twist on Madeiran cuisine.
  • End your evening with a drink at the **Savage Bar` (Rua dos Ferreiros 34), known for its creative cocktails and lively atmosphere.

Things to Know:

  • Madeira is famous for its wine, so don’t miss the opportunity to taste the local varieties, such as Verdelho, Sercial, Bual, and Malmsey.
  • The island’s traditional embroidery is a beautiful souvenir to bring home.
  • English is widely spoken in Funchal, but learning a few Portuguese phrases will be much appreciated by locals.

Transportation:

  • To get around Funchal, the best options are walking, taking the public buses (RAM), or hiring a car or scooter for a more flexible exploration.

Where to Stay:

  • For luxury accommodations, consider the Belmond Reid's Palace or the Quinta da Casa Muda.
  • Mid-range options include the Hotel Madeira Plaza and the Madeira Panorâmica Hotel.
  • Budget travelers can find good deals at the Residencial Colónia Marítima or the Youth Hostel Funchal.