Funchal Full Day Itinerary

• 9:00 AM — Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers Market) Start where locals shop — but with a caveat. This is a genuine farmers market that’s been here since 1940, with stalls overflowing with exotic fruits (passion fruit, monstera deliciosa, custard apples), fresh flowers, and catch-of-the-day fish. Here’s the insider tip: if you visit on a Friday, you’ll see far more local farmers selling their own produce at honest prices. The rest of the week, fewer vendors means higher prices aimed at tourists. If you see fruit stalls outside the market elsewhere in Funchal, always ask the price first — some vendors take advantage of tourists. But when you find the right stalls, the quality is incredible.
• 10:30 AM — Explore Funchal Old Town (Zona Velha) Wander narrow cobblestone streets lined with painted doors — each one a small piece of street art. The whole neighbourhood is an open-air gallery. Stop by Sé Cathedral (Funchal’s 16th-century cathedral with stunning carved wooden ceiling), browse local cafés, and soak in the relaxed Portuguese atmosphere. This area feels genuinely local, not manufactured for cruise ship crowds.

West Madeira Highlights (Flexible Route)

Note: This is a suggested route with multiple options. Not everyone will see everything — some travellers prioritise swimming and relaxing at Porto Moniz, others prefer hiking 25 Fontes. Choose what excites you most and don’t stress about ticking every box.

• Morning: Câmara de Lobos — Traditional Fishing Village Your first stop west of Funchal is this colourful fishing village where Winston Churchill once painted the harbour (there’s a plaque marking the spot). Brightly painted boats bob in the tiny harbour, locals still fish using traditional methods, and the whole place feels authentically Portuguese. Stop for a poncha (local sugarcane rum cocktail) at one of the harbour-side bars if you want the full experience.
• Cabo Girão — Europe’s Highest Sea Cliff (589m) Then you reach Cabo Girão. Most sources say “580 metres” but it’s actually 589 metres — Europe’s highest sea cliff. The glass skywalk platform juts out over the edge, and looking straight down through the glass to where waves crash against volcanic rock hundreds of metres below is genuinely vertigo-inducing. On clear days, you can see terraced vineyards clinging to impossible slopes below the cliff, still farmed by locals who access them via cable car. It’s dramatic, beautiful, and slightly terrifying — everything a viewpoint should be.

East Madeira Highlights (Flexible Route)

Note: Like the West, this is a flexible itinerary. Some travellers prioritise sunrise and mountain viewpoints, others prefer coastal hikes. We’re giving you all the options — pick what excites you most.

• Early Morning: Pico do Arieiro (1,818m) — Sunrise Above the Clouds If you’re willing to wake up early (around 5:30 AM depending on season), Pico do Arieiro at sunrise is one of the most spectacular experiences on the island. You drive up winding mountain roads in darkness, then watch the sun rise over a sea of clouds stretching to the horizon. The peaks of neighbouring mountains poke through like islands. The light shifts from pink to gold to blazing orange. It’s cold, it’s windy, and it’s absolutely worth it. Pro tip: If you arrive early enough, you can see sunrise from Ninho da Manta viewpoint (slightly higher up the road). Even if you skip sunrise, Pico do Arieiro on a clear day offers some of the best views in Madeira — you can see Porto Santo island 40km away on exceptional days.