The Funchal Cable Car is one of the most scenic ways to get from the Old Town up to Monte – and it’s more than just transport; it’s an experience. Gliding high above the city, you’ll get sweeping views of Funchal’s rooftops, the bay, and the lush hills that cradle the capital.

🪙 Ticket prices:
• One-way – Adults: €12.50 | Children (7–14): €6.50
• Round trip – Adults: €18.00 | Children (7–14): €9.00
👉 Buy tickets online here

🚨 Local tip: Buy your tickets online in advance! The ticket queue at the lower station in the Old Town can get long – especially in the late morning. But with pre-purchased tickets, you can skip that line completely and go straight to the boarding queue. Much better than standing in the sun while everyone else floats above your head.

Monte Palace Tropical Garden in Funchal is a stunning botanical garden that offers a rich collection of exotic plant species from all over the world. It’s known for its panoramic views over Funchal’s bay and the unique art pieces that adorn its landscape. The garden’s history dates back to the 18th century, and it now covers an area of 70,000 m². Visitors can admire centenary cycads, considered living fossils, and enjoy the presence of majestic swans, flamingos, and Asian Koi fish among the dense vegetation and lakes.

As for the prices, the entry fee for adults is €15.00. Children younger than 15 years old can enter for free as long as they are accompanied by adults.

Easily accessible via Funchal's yellow buses or by cable car.

Old Town - Zona Velha in Funchal is a charming and historic district known for its narrow cobblestone streets and aged buildings, some of which date back to the 15th century. It’s a vibrant area full of life, offering a variety of shops, bars, and restaurants.

The district is also famous for its artistic aspect, particularly the “Arte de Portas Abertas” project, which has turned the doors of Rua de Santa Maria into a permanent outdoor art gallery with over 200 works of art. Additionally, Zona Velha is home to significant landmarks like the Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmer’s Market), Forte São Tiago, and the Madeira Story Centre.

Right in the heart of Funchal’s Old Town, Mercado dos Lavradores is a bustling mix of tropical fruit stalls, flower vendors in traditional Madeiran dress, and a legendary fish hall with giant slabs of tuna and black scabbardfish. It’s a feast for the senses – and one of the island’s most iconic places to visit.

But fair warning: some fruit stalls can be tourist traps, offering tastings that turn into pricey purchases.
💡 Good news? On Fridays, many more local farmers and real producers come in – and that’s when the market feels its most authentic (and affordable).

And don’t worry – in our travel tips section, you’ll find advice on how to avoid the common scams and enjoy the market like a local. Come with curiosity, a bit of caution, and definitely some spare change.

Rua de Santa Maria in Funchal’s Old Town is famous for its Painted Doors Project — a vibrant open-air art gallery where local artists have transformed ordinary doors into expressive works of art. Every doorway tells a different story, from surreal scenes to playful illustrations. It's a perfect place for a casual stroll, street photography, and soaking in the creative energy of the city.
🗺️ Location: Rua de Santa Maria, Funchal
📷 Tip: Go early in the morning while restaurants are still closed — you’ll find more doors shut and visible, making it easier to enjoy the full artwork without the crowds.

In the heart of Funchal’s Old Town, the bright yellow São Tiago Fortress stands proudly by the coast. Built in the 17th century to protect the city from pirate attacks, it now houses a contemporary art museum and offers a quiet spot to soak in some history with ocean views.
Right in front of the fortress, you’ll find a small pebble beach — perfect for a quick dip or to rest your feet after wandering the streets. It's one of the few spots where you can admire Funchal’s historic architecture and the Atlantic waves in one frame.

Right off the busy Rua Ivens, the Stadtgarten (or Funchal Municipal Garden) is a peaceful green pocket where you can escape the city buzz without actually leaving it. Shady trees, exotic plants, and trickling fountains create a calm atmosphere – perfect for a quiet coffee break or just resting your legs between shops and museums.

You’ll find plenty of benches, a small café, and even a few feathered residents strutting about. It’s not huge, but it’s central, charming, and always full of life – in the most relaxing way.

Just a short walk from Funchal’s marina and city centre, Santa Catarina Park is the kind of place where locals come to unwind – and visitors are pleasantly surprised by how peaceful it feels. Sprawled across a hillside, it’s filled with shady trees, colourful flowerbeds, duck ponds, and benches with panoramic views over the bay.

It’s perfect for a quiet stroll, a picnic, or just a breather between sightseeing stops. There’s also a little café, a playground, and even a tiny chapel tucked away inside the park. Whether you’re after views, greenery, or a break from the buzz, this spot is a breath of fresh (and floral-scented) air.

Standing proudly near Funchal’s marina, the Cristiano Ronaldo statue is hard to miss – bronze, bold, and built like it’s still mid-workout. It honours Madeira’s most iconic export (after poncha, of course), and whether you're a football fan or not, it’s a fun stop for a photo.

But here’s the real game: look closely and you’ll spot exactly where visitors can’t resist giving CR7 a pat – the shiny bronze hands, bum, and yes… the rather polished crotch area. Let’s just say the statue’s seen a lot of affection over the years.