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Funchal Beaches. If you plan on visiting the beaches of Funchal Barreirinha, Ponta Gorda, Doca do Cavacas or Lido Swimming Complex, or any other nearby attractions, you can always check the current weather conditions with our NEW additional webcams located along the oceanfront, or simply enjoy the views.
- Praia Formosa Beach, Madeira Island
The beach Praia Formosa, situated in the capital Funchal,...
- Lido Pool Complex, Madeira Island
The Lido swimming pools are, probably, the most famous...
- Doca Do Cavacas Natural Pools
Doca do Cavacas is the name that made the Gomes’ Pools...
- Barreirinha Beach Complex, Funchal
The Barreirinha complex, located at the end of the old part...
- What To Do
There are plenty of fun things to do in the Funchal area,...
- Praia Formosa Beach, Madeira Island
Jul 9, 2023 · Praia Formosa Beach in Funchal. Starting on the far reach of Funchal, in the ‘hotel zone’ or lido district, is the largest beach in Funchal. Praia Formosa is mostly pebble with sand at the water line. People do just lay towels down on the rocks, but it doesn’t look very comfortable! Water shoes may also be a good idea.
- Best Things to Do in Funchal: Map to Get Oriented First!
- Stroll in The Old Town
- Visit The Cathedral Sé
- Take The Cable Car to The Monte Area
- Explore The Monte Palace Tropical Garden
- Do Something Unique: Sled Ride
- Go Whale and Dolphin Watching
- Enjoy Local Culture at Mercado Dos Lavradores
- Admire The Art in Rua Maria
- Learn More About Madeira Wine
Funchal is quite spread out. And some streets are spread out. You do want to plan the attractions by area so as not to spend your time walking or taking the bus. Plus, some people find it quite confusing with the cable car… Therefore, I have created a map to help you better understand where everything is inside Funchal: This article really focuses ...
Why I recommend it…
I am not a city person, I prefer nature. But I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised by the old center of Funchal. It has a lot of charms with lots of trees lining the streets. You should take the time to just stroll around, appreciate the buildings (fort, cathedral, churches…) and enjoy the vibe. I especially love the square around the cathedral, the Avenida Arriaga and rua dos Capelistas, Palaçio de Sao Lourenço, the waterfront and its yellow fort…
Planning tips
1. Area: old town 2. Hours: plan 2 hours without visits and taking your time 3. Price: free 4. Difficulty: easy
Why I recommend it…
The cathedral was built during the reign of Dom Manuel. The architecture is a mix of Manueline and Gothic style. I love the sharp contrast of the white limestone with the brown bricks. It is quite stunning visually. Notice the wooden ceiling, the technically impressive altarpiece and the woodwork pieces.
Planning tips
1. Area: old town 2. Hours: 7:15am to 5:30pm (closed at lunchtime on weekends) 3. Price: Free access 4. Difficulty: none 5. website
Why I recommend it…
You cannot go to Madeira and not take a cable car. They are institutions. I prefer the ones in nature, but I have to admit at the Monte cable car is the most practical one. It allows you to easily visit the Monte area, which is a lot higher above Funchal (with very steep roads to reach it). One in the Monte area, don’t head to the famous Monte Palace directly, take the time to walk inside the small municipal garden and admire the Monte Church: Our Lady of Monte Church and its impressive stair...
Planning tips
1. Area: starts in Santa Maria and ends in Monte 2. Hours: Cable car runs from 9am to 5pm 3. Price: Cable car for a fee, depends on combination you might buy – Free access to garden and church 4. Difficulty: not for people with vertigo, steep to reach the church 5. website
Why I recommend it…
Madeira is famous for its nature-made natural beauty. But it is also famous for its man-made natural beauty a.k.a. its gardens. There are several in Funchal, but if you have time only for one, I strongly recommend the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, created by José Berardo. Lush vegetation surrounds the walking paths that lead to water feature, stones, sculptures, tiles, museums and various structures. I loved it, it is quite a contrast with the town below!
Planning tips
1. Area: Monte 2. Hours: 9:30am to 6pm – ) – Plan 3 hours 3. Price: 12,50€ (museum closes earlier 4. Difficulty: steep slopes to get around but you can pay to have a cart take you to some areas 5. website
Why I recommend it…
The Funchal toboggan sled ride is one of the most unique experiences in Madeira. Very unusual. You are sitting in a basket and transported down the steep streets back to the center of Funchal. And how are you breaking, may you ask… well, 2 men in traditional costumes will use their feet to balance, steer and brake the ride. Exhilarating and so unique!
Planning tips
1. Area: starts in Monte area near the church, finish in old town 2. Hours: the descent lasts for 10 minutes 3. Price: 30 euros for 2 people 4. Difficulty: nothing, but make sure you have see everything at the top of the hill before doing the ride down! 5. you can book it as part of a tour. See options.
Why I recommend it…
A classic in Madeira is to take a whale and dolphin watching tour (you have many more chances to see dolphins). There are many boats taking tourists out along the South Coast from Funchal. A great number of whales pass through Madeira each year. Research says that 28 different species of the 78 known can be seen on this The highest quantity of species is from April to September, but you can see some year-round. Aside from wildlife, the tour allows you to enjoy scenic views of the island and t...
See available tours:
1. Catamaran tour including swimming under Cabo Girao – See options & availability 2. Speed boat tour – See details & availability 3. Swim with dolphin tour – See details & availability
Why I recommend it…
Popular Funchal attraction, this covered market from 1940 includes beautiful tile and faience decorations. Here you can find many fruit stalls as well as local drinks and a fish market in the morning. Careful, the area has a reputation for overcharging tourists for fruits!
Planning tips
1. Area: Santa Maria 2. Hours: 8am to 7pm – closed Sat afternoons & Sun 3. Price: Free access 4. Difficulty: easy
Why I recommend it…
There is quite a lot of street art in Funchal. But one of the best areas is to walk along the street Rua Maria near the old Market. It is a long street with restaurants, where walls and doors have been decorated with various styles.
Planning tips
1. Area: Santa Maria area, near the old Market Mercado dos Lavoradores. 2. Hours: 24 hours 3. Price: free access 4. Difficulty: rather flat area close to the waterfront
Why I recommend it…
The Madeira wines are some of the most popular in Portugal. They are not as famous as Port wine internationally, but they have strong supporters. It has a unique flavor because of the heating of the wine. And it is stored in a warm environment.
Planning tips
1. You can, for example, stop at Blandy’s to take a tour inside town. 2. or you can join a wine tasting tour – see this option about wine and sugar
May 12, 2024 · Map: Madeira’s best beaches. Madeira is not a beach destination par excellence. We go there above all for its impressive landscapes, lush gardens and unique hikes. But if you still want to spend some time relaxing on a beach and taking a dip, there are a few sandy and pebble beaches. 1. Praia do Porto do Seixal (black sand)
more. Funchal pictures: Check out Tripadvisor members' 50,005 candid photos and videos of landmarks, hotels, and attractions in Funchal.
Funchal is a city located on the Madeira Islands in Portugal. Known for its stunning landscapes and rich culture, it is a popular destination for travelers from around the world. The city's coastal location offers a variety of beautiful beaches, each with its unique characteristics and attractions.
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Sep 3, 2023 · The biggest public beach of Madeira is Praia Formosa which is a 10 minute drive from the city centre of Funchal. This beach is divided in three other beaches, from which one is a sandy beach. The other beaches in Funchal are pebbled beaches but serve great for a dip in the ocean or to enjoy the sunshine. In Funchal you can also find some ...
