11 Places you must see in Funchal, Madeira

11 Places you must see in Funchal, Madeira

There is a lot to see and do in Madeira. There is something of fascination everywhere, whether it be cultural, architectural, or natural. Here are just a few of the things to see in Madeira:

1. Fortaleza do Pico

The main attraction of the Fortaleza do Pico, is its stunning views over Funchal. At about 110 meters above sea level, on the western part of Funchal, this extremely well-preserved fortress, which is over 350 years old, is a must for all tourists that enjoy great views, museums and historic buildings. The construction of this building, which would later serve as the city’s gunpowder warehouse, was completed in the 17th century. It was acquired by the Navy sometime in the middle of the 20th century, and shortly after that, a communication centre for the Navy was established there. This fort now has a place for concerts and conferences, as well as a cafeteria with a great view of the city and is open to the public for free.

Monday–Friday: 10.00–17.00 | Closed on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.

2. Forte de São Tiago

The beautiful Forte de Sao Tiago that was used to protect the city of Funchal from pirate invasions can be found just adjacent to the old town. Construction began in 1614, with the first phase of the works being completed in the seventeenth century and the second phase of the works being completed in the middle of the eighteenth century.  The Fortress has been used for a variety of reasons over the years, including the quartering of British troops, the Army Police, and the Lancers Squadron of Funchal. It also provided sanctuary for the victims of the 1803 flood on the island. The fort has nice small watchtowers and sentinel boxes from the 17th century. The fort is open to the public for free and has some amazing views from its towers and courtyards.

3. Palácio de São Lourenço

Funchal’s first fortress was only built in the years 1529 to 1540 on a plea by the population of Funchal after a ship, moored in the harbor of Funchal, had been pillaged. Palácio de São Lourenço is one of the best-preserved examples of Portuguese fortification from the 16th and 17th century and was declared as a National Monument in August 1943. This historical and political landmark of the Autonomous Region of Madeira features an ammo tower on the east side, typical of the “Manueline” period. The three north-facing bastions were built during the “Filipino” period. Currently, the palace serves as the residence of the Republic’s Representative as well as the headquarters of the Madeira Military Zone.

4. Farmers Market

This is absolutely a must-see! Here you will find a huge variety of vegetables, exotic fruits and fish in a very picturesque setting near the Old Town. Locals dressed in their traditional colourful costumes, which add to the vibrancy of this magical place, selling their variety of flowers and fruit next to their spectacular stalls. In the fish market section, have a look at the black scabbard fish with its huge eyes, razor-sharp teeth and long eel-like body. Its white flesh is surprisingly tasty and is served all over Madeira grilled or fried with banana – a dish known as ESPADA. The front, the main entrance, and the back where the fish market is located are adorned with large panels of tiles painted with traditional regional motifs in 1940. The inside is divided into little shopping areas, that look like squares, streets, and stairways where various products are offered. There is an abundance of colours, sounds, smells, and people here.

Monday–Thursday: 08.00–19.00 | Friday: 07.00–20.00 | Saturday: 07.00–14.00
Closed on Sundays and public holidays.

5. Old Town

Funchal’s most charming district, The Old Town, or Zona Velha as it is called, which is made up of merchant’s mansions and fishermen’s cottages from the 1800s, was the first nucleus to be built after the beginning of colonization during the 15th century. Strolling through the narrow streets one can enjoy some of the old culture that’s left in this particular part of town. A lot of the old buildings still exist, transformed into typical restaurants and bars. There are restaurants located on the first floor of old buildings that have lovely small roof patios with beautiful views of the zona velha and the sea. This is where you will enjoy dinners, lunches or snacks and drinks. At night, the streets, especially Rua de Santa Maria, is full of people visiting  some of the best restaurant and pubs. In general, here you will find a variety of traditional restaurants and pubs, as well as museums, nightclubs, hostels, hotels and a beach This is also where the cable car to the  Monte departs from.

6 Rua Fernão Ornelas

Rua Dr. Fernäo de Ornelas is one of Funchal’s liveliest streets. It is named after Fernäo de Ornelas, Funchal’s youngest mayor at the age of 27. Fernäo Ornelas’ transformational thoughts ushered in a significant upheaval in the city. He improved streets, established business zones, implemented significant improvements in education and sanitation, and designed a more contemporary and accessible urban structure. This street exemplifies the changes that occurred in the city during the 1940s. And, more recently, a process of rehabilitation of the facades, painting them in various colors, has highlighted the numerous architectural aspects characteristic of the time. It used to be two-way, then one-way, and in 2005 the pedestrian pavements where expanded to accommodate all the passing traffic and all the buildings where freshly painted to give this road a unique feel about it. Rua Dr. Fernäo de Ornelas runs approximately 200 meters from one end of Largo do Phelps to the other where you will find the famous farmers market.

7. Madeira Wine Company

Between the Municipal Park and the official Information Center, one will find the oldest Madeira Wine cellars which is also known as the Blandy Wine Museum. On a 1 hour tour around the cellars, one can admire letters, documents, books, objects and machinery of the old times. There is also a video on the Madeira Wine History and, obviously an opportunity to taste and buy wines. In the Taste and buy room, you can freely sample different Madeira’s of 5, 10 and 15 years old before deciding which one to buy. The room here is beautifully decorated with wall paintings related to the grape harvest and bottles of wine that date back to the nineteenth century.

Monday–Friday: 10.00–18.30 | Saturday: 10.00–13.00
Closed on Sundays and public holidays.

8. Funchal Sé Cathedral

This late fifteenth-century cathedral is located right in the center of Funchal and is one of the few remaining structures that is virtually intact since the start of colonization of Madeira. This Gothic styled, Portuguese catholic cathedral kas three naves, that are intercepted by an ample transept to form a cross. The interior decoration contains Mudéjar and late Flemish Gothic elements together with other decorative details typical of the Manueline period. The roof is made of cedar wood and the walls are made of stone brought all the way from Cabo Girão. It also contains a silver cross which was donated by the then king of Portugal, Manuel I.

Church opening times: 07.30-12.00 and 16.00-19.00 |  Group visit times: Daily 09.00-11.00 and 16.00-17.30
Mass: weekdays at 08.00, 08.30, 11.15 and 18.00 | Sundays at 08.00, 09.00, 11.00, 17.00 and 18.15

9. Funchal Marina

The beautiful marina in Funchal is a bustling place with a numerous variety of boats, waiting to take tourists on trips along the coast or on fishing trips. In the adjoining harbour, many cruise ships, of various forms and sizes dock there, sometimes up to five at a time. A favorite pastime seems to watch them enter and leave the harbor, either from the pier or from one of the numerous restaurants that make up the marina. A number of kiosks can be found that sell boat trips along the south side of the island as well as fishing trips and full-day trips to the nearby Dersertas Islands. The Marina overlooks Funchal’s port and is about a 15-20 minute walk away. Pontinha, the main pier, has a modern structure with tourist information, ATM/currency exchange, coffee shops, restaurants, public bathrooms, stores, and a taxi rank.

10. Municipal Square

Even if you’re not into architectural sightseeing you still have to visit this awe inspiring square that is surrounded by history and which set off the architectural quality of the city center. The City hall, was the old palace of the Count of Carvalhal, built in 1758 and was bought by the local government in August of 1883. It is a fine example of late 18th century architecture. It has an inner courtyard covered in tiles with a fountain in the middle. The architecture reveals elements of the baroque and mannerist styles. Nearby is an interesting group of buildings originally used by the military, which is where the Sacred Art Museum, is now situated. Here you will also find, Igreja de Sao João Evangelista, more commonly known as Colegio Church. This beautiful building of the Jesuits has 17th century gilt woodcarving that is considered one of the most valuable pieces of Portuguese carving from this period.

11. Columbus Square

This unique square in Funchal is delightful as it is historic. Set among some of the oldest colonial buildings in Funchal this square with its beautiful cobbled streets that are only open to pedestrians, is also the home to some interesting shops, restaurants, bars and tea houses. Recently restored you will also find here the Sugar Museum. Housed in what was originally the 15th century house of a rich sugar merchant (João Esmeraldo, friend to Christopher Columbus) on Madeira, the Sugar Museum is essential viewing exploring the history of sugar plantations and the sugar trade on Madeira. The museum offers a fascinating insight into the sugar trade here with maps, charts and artifacts, recently excavated, related to the Sugar Trade all on display.