Funchal

5 quieter places to add to the big sights: viewpoints, markets, walks, small museums and local favourites.

5 places in Funchal

Hidden GemsFree

Câmara de Lobos

Câmara de Lobos

A colourful fishing village west of Funchal with a small harbour, where Winston Churchill once painted.

  • Suggested time: 1h 30m
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Everyone

Open all day

Hidden Gems~£2

Cabo Girão Skywalk

Cabo Girão

A glass-floored viewing platform on one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs, high above farm terraces.

  • Suggested time: 45 min
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Photographers

Daily

Hidden Gems~£6

Madeira Botanical Garden

Funchal

Terraced gardens above the city with rare plants, flowers and sweeping views over the bay.

  • Suggested time: 2 hrs
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Outdoor lovers

Daily

Hidden Gems~£12

Monte Palace Tropical Garden

Monte

A terraced garden of exotic plants, Japanese ponds and Portuguese tiles above the city.

  • Suggested time: 2h 30m
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Couples · Photographers

Daily, roughly 9:30–18:00

Hidden GemsFree

Zona Velha Old Town

Zona Velha

Painted doors, small cafés and restaurants along the narrow Rua de Santa Maria.

  • Suggested time: 2 hrs
  • No booking needed
  • Suits: Nightlife fans

Bars and restaurants open evenings until late

Hidden gems are the quieter alternatives to the headline sights. Prices, hours and booking advice are approximate, so check the official site before you go.

The big sights in Funchal