Exploring Funchal, Madeira: A Perfect Two-Days
"The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience." Eleanor Roosevelt
8/10/20257 min read
We were fortunate to spend two full days on the stunning Portuguese island of Madeira, basing ourselves in the charming capital of Funchal. The island is a playground for cruise passengers and independent travelers alike, offering everything from rugged 4x4 adventures and volcanic pools on the north and west coasts to the famous traditional toboggan rides from Monte down into the Old Town.
If the cruise ship’s shore excursion prices feel steep, check Shore Excursions Group—you can often book the same tours at a lower rate with the same quality and guarantees. We can help you secure a hassle-free booking so you can explore Madeira without overpaying. For our visit, we chose to spend our time fully immersed in Funchal’s Old Town—and loved every moment.
Morning Arrival and the Toboggan Ride
After a relaxed breakfast on board, we disembarked around 8:45 a.m. Taxis are easy to find, neatly lined up as you exit the port. A quick tip: spot the McDonald’s outside the port gates—right next to it is an ATM and the taxi queue. Drivers here are professional and often double as informal tour guides, but always confirm prices beforehand to avoid paying cruise-excursion rates.
We negotiated a fare of €35 to take us to Monte Toboggan’s starting point. For an extra €20, our driver agreed to wait at the bottom of the ride and then take us to the Old Town. The ticket stand opens at 9:00 a.m., but lines form early. We arrived at 9:20 a.m. and waited about 30 minutes for our turn.
At €35 for two people, the experience was worth every cent. Skilled Carreiros (sled drivers) expertly guided us down a 2 km stretch of steep, winding streets. The ride is smooth, fast, and entirely unique to Madeira.
Mercado dos Lavradores – Funchal’s Vibrant Market
From the toboggan finish point, we began our walking tour at Mercado dos Lavradores, Funchal’s historic market dating back to the 1930s. Inside, stalls overflow with flowers, exotic fruits, fresh vegetables, and gleaming fish—showcasing Madeira’s rich agricultural and fishing heritage.
If you’re shopping, head upstairs for better prices on produce, or check a nearby grocery store. Even if you’re not buying, the colors and energy make this a must-visit.
Coffee, Pastries, and Painted Doors
After the market, we stopped at a local café for a strong espresso and a warm Pastel de Nata—the creamy, custard-filled pastry that is a Portuguese classic. Prices ranged from €1.50 to €2 for espresso + nata, and it’s the perfect pick-me-up for a day of exploring.
We continued down Zona Velha do Funchal, a pedestrian street lined with restaurants, shops, and the famous hand-painted doors. Once a fishing district, this area is now a vibrant cultural hub. If you want unobstructed photos of the painted doors, visit before lunch when restaurant tables begin spilling into the street.
The Funchal Cathedral and Old Town Dining
Our next stop was Funchal Cathedral (Sé Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Assunção), built in the late 15th century. This Gothic-style landmark features a beautiful wooden ceiling and intricate altarpieces. Inside, the peaceful atmosphere offers a moment to slow down and take in the details.
From the main entrance, turn left toward the waterfront. The street is lined with dining options, but we chose Restaurante Sé Dourada (32.6441° N, 16.9084° W), where live street music sets the scene. Manager Marianna welcomed us warmly, and we enjoyed traditional Madeiran meat skewers and fresh seafood risotto, paired with pitchers of sparkling sangria.
Wandering, Shopping, and Sweet Treats
Post-lunch, we explored further along the waterfront. One standout stop was A Confeitaria, a pastry and coffee shop perfect for an afternoon treat. If shopping is on your list, head to Plaza Madeira (32.6448° N, 16.9103° W)—a shopping mall with a local grocery store in the basement where you can pick up souvenirs and Madeiran specialties.
Final Thoughts on Funchal
Funchal blends adventure, culture, and cuisine into an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re gliding down Monte in a wicker toboggan, wandering through vibrant markets, or savoring fresh seafood by the sea, this charming city offers something for every traveler. Two days is enough to capture its essence—but if you can, stay longer to see more of Madeira’s beauty.
We were fortunate to spend two full days on the stunning Portuguese island of Madeira, basing ourselves in the charming capital of Funchal. The island is a playground for cruise passengers and independent travelers alike, offering everything from rugged 4x4 adventures and volcanic pools on the north and west coasts to the famous traditional toboggan rides from Monte down into the Old Town.
If the cruise ship’s shore excursion prices feel steep, check Shore Excursions Group—you can often book the same tours at a lower rate with the same quality and guarantees. We can help you secure a hassle-free booking so you can explore Madeira without overpaying. For our visit, we chose to spend our time fully immersed in Funchal’s Old Town—and loved every moment.
Morning Arrival and the Toboggan Ride
After a relaxed breakfast on board, we disembarked around 8:45 a.m. Taxis are easy to find, neatly lined up as you exit the port. A quick tip: spot the McDonald’s outside the port gates—right next to it is an ATM and the taxi queue. Drivers here are professional and often double as informal tour guides, but always confirm prices beforehand to avoid paying cruise-excursion rates.
We negotiated a fare of €35 to take us to Monte Toboggan’s starting point. For an extra €20, our driver agreed to wait at the bottom of the ride and then take us to the Old Town. The ticket stand opens at 9:00 a.m., but lines form early. We arrived at 9:20 a.m. and waited about 30 minutes for our turn.
At €35 for two people, the experience was worth every cent. Skilled Carreiros (sled drivers) expertly guided us down a 2 km stretch of steep, winding streets. The ride is smooth, fast, and entirely unique to Madeira.
Mercado dos Lavradores – Funchal’s Vibrant Market
From the toboggan finish point, we began our walking tour at Mercado dos Lavradores, Funchal’s historic market dating back to the 1930s. Inside, stalls overflow with flowers, exotic fruits, fresh vegetables, and gleaming fish—showcasing Madeira’s rich agricultural and fishing heritage.
If you’re shopping, head upstairs for better prices on produce, or check a nearby grocery store. Even if you’re not buying, the colors and energy make this a must-visit.
Coffee, Pastries, and Painted Doors
After the market, we stopped at a local café for a strong espresso and a warm Pastel de Nata—the creamy, custard-filled pastry that is a Portuguese classic. Prices ranged from €1.50 to €2 for espresso + nata, and it’s the perfect pick-me-up for a day of exploring.
We continued down Zona Velha do Funchal, a pedestrian street lined with restaurants, shops, and the famous hand-painted doors. Once a fishing district, this area is now a vibrant cultural hub. If you want unobstructed photos of the painted doors, visit before lunch when restaurant tables begin spilling into the street.
The Funchal Cathedral and Old Town Dining
Our next stop was Funchal Cathedral (Sé Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Assunção), built in the late 15th century. This Gothic-style landmark features a beautiful wooden ceiling and intricate altarpieces. Inside, the peaceful atmosphere offers a moment to slow down and take in the details.
From the main entrance, turn left toward the waterfront. The street is lined with dining options, but we chose Restaurante Sé Dourada (32.6441° N, 16.9084° W), where live street music sets the scene. Manager Marianna welcomed us warmly, and we enjoyed traditional Madeiran meat skewers and fresh seafood risotto, paired with pitchers of sparkling sangria.
Wandering, Shopping, and Sweet Treats
Post-lunch, we explored further along the waterfront. One standout stop was A Confeitaria, a pastry and coffee shop perfect for an afternoon treat. If shopping is on your list, head to Plaza Madeira (32.6448° N, 16.9103° W)—a shopping mall with a local grocery store in the basement where you can pick up souvenirs and Madeiran specialties.
Final Thoughts on Funchal
Funchal blends adventure, culture, and cuisine into an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re gliding down Monte in a wicker toboggan, wandering through vibrant markets, or savoring fresh seafood by the sea, this charming city offers something for every traveler. Two days is enough to capture its essence—but if you can, stay longer to see more of Madeira’s beauty.
