Location: Funchal
Top Things to do in Funchal
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The 10 Best Points of Interest & Landmarks in Funchal, Madeira Islands
Funchal, the capital of the Madeira archipelago, was declared a city in the 1500s, and became an important point between the old and new worlds. The laid-back city owes much of its historical prominence to "white gold," Madeiran sugar. Today Funchal is known for its appealing temperatures, wine and crafts. Top spots to visit include the open Worker's Market, Blandy's Wine Lodge and the Sacred Art Museum. Friendly locals, walkable streets and cheap taxis make the city easy to get around.
Restaurants in Funchal
1. Capela Nossa Senhora da Penha de Franca
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By A8827ZZjohnm - Liverpool, United Kingdom
This Catholic Chapel is a must for those who still love their faith! This ancient chapel in the past, was a shrine to Our Lady and attracted pigrims from all over the world to its tiny enclave. Mass on Sunday Morning at 10.am in English is a joy. Celebrated by a wonderful Christian man, Father Bernardino. He is to Christianity what Ronaldo is to football! A warm, caring, loving, and beautiful person, who embraces people of all denominations, and will pray with you, and for you,during every mass. He once told me that Jesus never came to establish the Catholic Church but the "Kingdom of God". Ecumenism flows in his veins as does his faith in humankind. There are not many like him left, so dont miss the opportunity of this very fulfilling experience. Tea and coffee and cakes are served in the little house which gives you chance to look over the ocean and enjoy the time with other like minded people. You do not have to be a Catholic to listen to the Word of the Lord so please come and join in a beautiful experience. You will not regret it!
2. Colegio dos Jesuitas do Funchal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 565 reviews
Founded by royal charter of D. Sebastiao in 1569, the Jesuits' College of Funchal marked, throughout the centuries, the lives of the inhabitants of Madeira Island. For more than 400 years of history, it served a number of tenants, from British invaders to the University of Madeira, coming to serve as a military facility and a number of schools. Despite its military applications, it has always kept a close relationship with education. Portrayed as "one of the most remarkable buildings that exist in the island" by historian and professor at the University of Madeira Rui Carita, the Jesuits' College of Funchal is the stage of a cultural and scientific awareness project lead by the Students' Union meant for both local residents and visitors of the region. The inauguration of another Gaudeamus - AAUMa Academic Store at the entrance of the College was the starting point of its opening for the general public. Added to it was a circuit of autonomous tours of the College, as well as monthly gatherings for Coimbra Fado and a service of guided tours, whose circuit includes reserved areas of the University of Madeira Rectory, among others. The Students' Union has also published The Jesuits' College of Funchal - A History, by Rui Carita, a book that narrates the history of the College, its tenants and its transformations throughout the centuries. These are projects that, above all, show the spirit of this institution, which benefits from a precious asset both scarce and undervalued in this country; the volunteer work and the dedication of a solid team. Everyone's contribute will be vital, even if in the form of a simple visit to our store. Only then will we be able to continue financing all of the projects that we have to offer to both our associates and the population, whether free of charge or under a symbolic price.
Reviewed By GeorgesVer - Antwerp, Belgium
The facade is magnificent, so is the typical Jesuit interior of the church. Drop in when you are in the neighborhood, it is worth the effort
3. Miradouro Pico Dos Barcelos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 643 reviews
Reviewed By 462antonv - Newquay, United Kingdom
We bought tickets on the Yellow hop-on-hop-off bus and this is one of the stops along the route. The bus stops for a few minutes for you to take photos, but if you don't get off the bus and have a walk around, you are missing the best of the views. Simply walk up the hill, through the car park and gardens and you come across a viewpoint across the whole of Funchal. It's superb and not to be missed! There is a cafe at the top - you can sit back and take in these views. Highly recommended!
4. Bordal - Bordados da Madeira
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Founded in 1962, Bordal is one of the main manufacturers and exporters of the famous Madeira embroidery. With approximately 40.000 designs, Bordal has specialised in pieces for the table, bed linen and babies, using the finest linens and cottons. When you visit Bordal, you can watch the embroidery work being done and take a historical tour of Madeira embroidery.
Reviewed By MontBR - Little Rock, United States
This shop and its manufacturing shop tries to keep alive the traditional Madeira embroidery while creating some modern pieces with it. The attendants are very welcoming and will willingly explain the details about the techniques while showing you many different pieces. A must stop for those who love traditional handcrafted arts in Funchal!
5. Zona Velha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 276 reviews
Reviewed By IanN112 - Norwich, United Kingdom
It is worth taking time out and having a walk from the old fort down the street down towards the indoor market. There are lots of cafes and restaurants.
6. Igreja do Socorro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By Dirk_Schmoker - London, United Kingdom
Igreja do Socorro is a church with breathtaking architecture and a beautiful position on top of a hill overlooking the sea. Just a 5 minute walk from Funchal, it is quiet, peaceful and a very reflective space. Well worth a visit.
7. Praca do Povo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By KathleenR_28 - Port Dover, Canada
This is one of the best promenades I have ever seen. Clean and big, it offers a wonderful place to obtain a splendid view of the ocean, the mountains, the marina and parts of downtown Funchal. This can get busy when cruise ships dock and thousands of tourists do a walk about of the city. The municipality did this right by adding gardens for someone like me to enjoy. There are many places to have a coffee or dine. Restaurants are also available down in the marina. I love this place. I feel so blessed when I see the amazing views here.
8. Historic Center of Funchal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By Mmarymomm - Pleasanton, United States
We really enjoyed our walk around the historic center of Funchal. The streets are clean and there are many outdoor restaurants and a beautiful garden in the center. There is also a statue honoring Joao Goncalves Zarco who was a Portuguese explorer who established settlements in Madeira.
9. Praca do Municipio
10. Avenida do Mar
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 692 reviews
This busy and vibrant boulevard is home to many seafood restaurants and outdoor cafes with waterfront views.
Reviewed By bryanmg141 - Oldbury, United Kingdom
We walked along the Avenida at all times of day and night which gives it different aspects - the views of the military museum and parliament building are particularly nice.
