Funchal Old Town on foot, 2-hour walk
A two-hour walk through the historic centre of Funchal. Suits visitors who want to get their bearings in the city on foot at an unhurried pace.
- 2 h
from €17 per person
Check availabilityvia GetYourGuide
Where to stay in Madeira: the best areas
Where you stay shapes your trip more than in most destinations, because of the island's mountains and microclimates. Here are the main areas and who each one suits.
Funchal
The best base for a first visit and if you will not rent a car: almost all tours pick up in Funchal, and there are restaurants, the seafront and buses everywhere. The Lido / hotel zone in the west has large hotels with pools and sea views; the centre and old town suit those who want to walk to restaurants and sights. See Funchal.
Caniço and the east
Caniço and Caniço de Baixo are quieter, close to the airport and still served by tour pick-ups. Machico has a sandy beach and is the closest town to the airport.
The sunny south-west
Ponta do Sol and Calheta get more sunshine than Funchal and are calmer, with easy access to Rabaçal and the west coast. A car is recommended.
The north coast and Porto Santo
São Vicente, Santana and Porto Moniz suit hikers who want to start walks early, but the weather is cloudier and wetter. For a beach holiday, add a few nights on Porto Santo.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best area to stay in Madeira?
Funchal for a first visit without a car; the south-west (Ponta do Sol, Calheta) for sun and quiet with a car; the north for hikers.
Is it better to stay in one place or move around?
Madeira is small enough to stay in one base. Some visitors add two nights in the north or on Porto Santo.
Top-rated tours
Funchal Audio-Guided Walking Tour (1h30) with 25 Audio Comments
A 3.7 km city walk with an audio guide, suited to visitors interested in history and local life. The route passes the cathedral, the Mercado dos Lavradores and the municipal garden.
- Easy
from €5.90 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Half-Day Small-Group Madeira Village Safari from Funchal
A half-day 4x4 outing for those who like small groups and wide views from an open-roof jeep. Stops include Cabo Girão and Jardim da Serra.
- Easy
from €44 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Magic Dolphin Celebrity
Dolphin and whale watching on a classic catamaran with a cap of 18 couples. The 9 am trip in July and August lasts 2.5 hours without swimming; later departures include a 20-minute break.
from €40 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro, Stairway to Heaven and PR3 Self-Guided
For early risers who want a sunrise above the clouds plus about 5 hours of walking on PR1 and PR3, without a guide. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
- Moderate
- Hotel pickup
from €30 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
A Self-Guided Walk Through Funchal's Historic Heart with a Local
For history lovers who like to explore at their own pace: about 90 minutes from Quinta Vigia park via Santa Catarina park to the Mercado dos Lavradores.
from €7.70 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Magic Dolphin Sea Safaris
A fast-boat outing for wildlife fans. Spotters on land help direct the boat to animals, and marine biologists on board explain the species seen.
- Easy
from €45 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Sunrise Tour at Pico do Arieiro: Above the Clouds Experience
A relaxed sunrise at the viewpoints for travellers who want no strenuous activity. Small group, with a start timed to arrive before the crowds. Trails such as PR1 are not included.
- Easy
from €35 per person
Check availabilityvia Viator
Prices are indicative and may change. The final price is shown by the booking platform. Prices checked: October 16, 2026.
Plan your trip
- Best time to visitSeasons, festivals and the best months for each activity.
- WeatherTemperatures, rain and sea by month, and how to read the forecast.
- Car hireRenting a car at Funchal airport and driving tips.
- ItinerariesHow to organise 3, 5 or 7 days in Madeira.
- BeachesSandy beaches, lidos and natural pools around the island.
- Madeira wine & foodMadeira wine, poncha, local dishes and tasting tours.
- Airport & transfersGetting from Madeira airport to Funchal and around the island.