Things to do in

Rua de Santa Maria

Meet your guide at Jesuit's College of Funchal, Madeira University to begin this 2-hour guided walking tour of Funchal. Learn how the history of Madeira and Funchal shaped the city centre as you visit the most important points of interest. Travel down the 19th century public walkway between the Municipal Theatre and the Cathedral, where sugarcane was first planted in Madeira, during the 15th century. Explore the city’s medieval heart dating from the Golden Age of Sugar and discover the beautiful 17th century religious monuments. Visit the ruins of the old Pilory Square and other remnants from past floods and the area damaged by the Great Fire of Funchal in 1584. This tour helps to support students at the University of Madeira who are facing financial difficulties.  

Enjoy this adventurous tour of Monte Village and Funchal with an exhilarating toboggan ride at the end. Admire beautifully decorated streets and visit the Church of Our Lady of the Mount. Starting at the Old Town, see the “painted doors” throughout the streets of Santa Maria, where numerous doors were painted by different artists giving this street a unique glow. Also, admire the picturesque details of cobblestone floors and the façades of the old houses on Rue de Santa Maria. Next, continue towards Monte and visit the Church of Our Lady of the Mount. The structure that is visible today for all its visitors was completed back in 1818 and is one of the most sought sites by churchgoers and tourists in general. After visiting Monte, dare to ride some toboggans, more commonly known as “Carreiros do Monte." Toboggan riding was traditionally a means of transportation by locals who wanted to travel quickly from Monte´s village to Funchal. This adventurous and old-fashioned transportation appeared around the 1850s and is still in use today.

Start with a nocturnal Funchal city tour that will take you to the 15th-century old town, with stops at the fantastic viewpoints of Socorro and Villa Guida. Discover a mix of landmarks from different centuries in the city center, including the 15th-century cathedral, the Mercado dos Lavradores, and the Municipal Square where the City Hall and the Jesuit Monastery are found. Visit the neighbourhood of São Pedro where the island's oldest convent, Santa Clara, the famous Museum of Quinta das Cruzes, and the Church of São Pedro can be admired. After the city tour, drive up the hills to the 17th Century Fortress of São João Batista, also known as “Fortaleza do Pico,” where you will be able to enjoy the Atlantic Festival Fireworks, 100 meters above the city. After your arrival at the fortress, you will be offered a glass of sparkling wine so you can enjoy the fireworks in style. You can choose another beverage instead of the complimentary glass of sparkling wine. The Madeira Atlantic Festival marks the beginning of the summer season in Madeira and one of its main events is the pyro-musical show. The pyro-musical shows will be held on June 8, 15, 22, 22, and 29 at 10:30 PM at Funchal´s harbor but can be seen from almost everywhere in Funchal. These wonderful and exciting performances, lasting about 20 minutes each, combine fireworks and music in a unique experience for tourists and residents.  After the fireworks display, your guide/driver will take you back to your hotel or accommodation.