Funchal is the biggest city in Madeira. You can easily get here from London, Paris or any other big city. Moreover, Madeira has become one of the most popular tourist destinations. Why do people come to this stunning subtropical island? They expect to see beautiful landscapes, a sandy coastline, and different natural wonders. By the way, Madeira is often compared to Hawaii. Is Funchal worth visiting? Here are the main reasons for that.

WHY VISIT MADEIRA?

• Because of its architecture: Madeira is full of beautiful palaces, chapels, cathedrals, and galleries.
• Because of its foodies: Madeira is a land of wine, cider, and their brand-name Poncha. 
• Because of the opportunity to travel actively: Madeira is a good place for active vacations. You can go canoeing over the river or paragliding over the valleys.
• Because of its beaches: in Madeira, you can find many stunning beaches, like Ponta Gorda, Porto Santo, and many others.

What are the best things to do in Funchal?

1. Have a walk at Palheiro Gardens

What do you know about the weather in Madeira? One of the many benefits of this island is always good and warm weather. On arrival, go to see the breathtaking Palheiro Gardens. This is a huge plantation, situated around a beautiful private house. The garden counts more than 3 000 forms of vegetation. Also, the stunning green spots are divided into different smaller gardens like camellia garden, rosary, and others. Of course, the best time for visiting Palheiro is when everything is in blossom. How to get to the plantation most comfortably? Car hire Madeira, Funchal can help.

2. Go to see Funchal Cathedral

It is not a secret that Madeira island can boast its architecture. You can see the best architectural samples at every corner. Of course, the most famous of them is the ancient cathedral from the 16th century. This huge rocky construction is really impressive. The roof, the columns, the choir are unique and the only of this kind in the world. The church interior is done in wood, silver, and natural stones. You feel like you observe the glorious past of the country with your own eyes.

3. Use Cable Car

To get to this attraction you don’t even need to hire a car if you don’t want to walk and save fuel. Do you know that you can get from the city center to the Monte neighborhood by cable car? This is really the most popular way of transportation here. Everyone is interested in getting here and there at a height of 600 meters above the sea. Interesting to know that the lift runs for 15 minutes and this is the fastest way to see the most beautiful city landscapes. Don’t forget your camera! The view is really awesome.

4. Go to see Tropical Garden around the Monte Palace 

It would be weird to stay in Funchal for some time and miss a chance to see as many gardens as possible. Drive your hired car to another botanic garden around the Monte Palace Museum. The garden occupies a huge territory and is full of exotic plants. Remember, the gardens in Madeira are well-cared and presentable. The elegant sculptures are placed along the green terraces. The plants and flowers quietly coexist with noisy waterfalls and pagodas. The world-popular Japanese pagoda is also situated here.

Actually, the garden is a beautiful gathering of exotic plants and the brightest architectural sample produced in the 15th century. This is a unique mix of Japanese and Portuguese gardening. The materials for decoration were taken from all over the world.

5. Walk through Santa Maria Street 

Everything around you in Madeira, the streets, the houses, is looking like they came from the past. There is one street that is really worth your attention. You may need your hired car to get to the Zona Velha. In this district, you can leave your car and walk along a nice stony street with painted houses and doors on both sides. The first building on this street appeared in the 15th century, and now it is the best and the most atmospheric place for shopping and walking.

6. Have fun on Toboggan Ride

Your happiness from traveling can’t be full without trying one of the funniest tourist attractions in Madeira – tobogganing. Whenever you walk in the upper city, pay attention to a group of well-dressed men. They will offer to get you down to Funchal at high speed in a huge wooden sled. How? You’ll be pushed down the road. By the way, this is the funniest local attraction and just an old tradition from the 1800s.

Your trip to Madeira can be even more interesting and exciting if you hire a car and try to visit as many places as possible. The main city – Funchal, must be the first and demonstrative stop point. Here, you’ll find something for your soul and mind, something for your kids and friends. Madeira is diverse enough to attract more and more tourists every year.