Activities to Do in Funchal, Madeira - Wanderlust with our family

Whale and Dolphin Tour:

Start your day with an exciting whale and dolphin tour. Madeira’s surrounding waters are rich in marine life, and these tours offer a fantastic way to introduce kids to the beauty of the ocean. The tours often include expert guides who share fascinating facts about these incredible creatures, making it an educational experience as well. You’ll have the chance to see species like the short-finned pilot whale, bottlenose dolphin, and occasionally even sperm whales.

But this was not the craziest part we saw, we even saw a family of 5 whales!

Species

Jan

Feb

March

April

May

Juin

July

Aug

Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

Sperm Whale

Short-finned Pilot Whale

Bryde’s Whale

Common bottlenose Dolphin (aka Flipper)

Atlantic Spotted Dolphin

Common Dolphin

Short-beaked common Dolphin

++ = high chance of spotting | + lower chance of spotting them

We were there in may, and saw a family of 5 sperm whales, the common bottlenose dophin aka Flipper and the common Dolphins (dolphines with black on top and yellow at the belly).

Visit the Main Square:

Wander around Funchal’s main square, Praça do Município, and enjoy the local architecture and atmosphere. The square is lined with charming cafes and shops, perfect for a relaxing break or a bit of souvenir shopping. The beautiful 18th-century town hall and the Colegio Church add historical context, and kids can enjoy the open space and perhaps catch a street performance or two.

Make sure to go inside of Paços do Concelho do Funchal building (see picture) when you’re on the main square. It’s a large, impressive structure with classic Portuguese architecture. You’ll notice detailed carvings, tall arched windows, and a prominent clock tower. Inside, it’s spacious with high ceilings, grand staircases, and historical items that showcase Funchal’s rich culture.

Funchal Cable Car:

Take a ride up to Monte for stunning views of the city and coastline. The cable car journey itself is a thrilling experience for kids, and the panoramic views over Funchal and the Atlantic Ocean are breathtaking.

Once you reach Monte, you can visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden or take a traditional wicker toboggan ride back down. It is also recommended if you are not a fan of driving steep narrow streets up a mountain to go with the cable car.

Our child was so fascinated by the “teleférico” that he couldn’t stop talking about it for days.

Tip: if you don’t want to queue long, go early. That said, we weren’t, there was a major queu but they picked us out because we were with a small child and we could have priority, which was really child friendly!

Monte Palace Tropical Garden:

Explore the beautiful Monte Palace Tropical Garden. This 70,000 square meter garden offers a unique blend of exotic plants, oriental gardens, and stunning water features. You’ll feel like you’re in Japan for a moment, surrounded by lush greenery, koi ponds, and exotic plants. The garden also features art exhibitions, including African sculptures and mineral collections.

Tip: if you go up with the Teleferico/ cable car, buy a combination ticket, it is much cheaper!

Christo Rei Viewpoint:

Visit the Christo Rei viewpoint, it is said to have inspired the more famous Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil.

Located in Garajau, this viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Funchal Bay. The statue itself was erected in 1927 and stands 14 meters tall. The views are epic and provide a perfect backdrop for family photos. There’s also a small chapel and a serene atmosphere.

Tip: take some picnic and watch the sunset from this viewpoint.

Toboggan Ride: “one of the world’s 7 coolest commutes”

One of the most unique experiences in Funchal is the traditional wicker toboggan ride from Monte down to Livramento. These two-seater wicker sleds, guided by two skilled “carreiros” dressed in white and straw hats, glide down the winding streets for about 2 kilometers. It’s an exhilarating ride that has been a tradition since the 19th century. We saw old photos in one restaurant were you could see that it was an actual way of

Our little one looked a bit scared but kept on talking about the “misters who pushed our charriot”

Botanical Garden:

Spend some time at the Funchal Botanical Garden, where you can marvel at a wide variety of plants and flowers. Opened in 1960, the garden spans 35,000 square meters and is home to over 2,000 exotic plants. It’s not only educational but also a lovely place for a leisurely walk with the family. The garden features terraced landscapes, diverse plant species, and panoramic views of Funchal and the surrounding area.

Kidstip: There’s also a bird park with exotic birds that kids will love.

Beaches and pools

Machico beach, Activities to do in Funchal Madeira

Lido swimming pool,
Activities to do in Funchal Madeira

Although Madeira is not the typical beach holiday, you can relax in some beautiful beaches and pools. Machico and Calheta beach features golden sands and calm waters, perfect for families.

If you want some seats and shade go to Complexo Balnear do Lido which offers oceanfront pools and direct sea access. They also have 2 children pools to play in.

Other notable spots on Madeira’s south side include Praia Formosa, the island’s largest black sand beach. For natural pools, visit Doca do Cavacas and the volcanic rock pools of Porto Moniz, which provide a unique and scenic swimming experience.Porto Moniz has a pool where kids can play but also have some protection from the wind therefore it is warmer here than the sea temperature.

Kid tip: Porto Moniz has a playground as soon as you enter the area.

Events in Funchal

As the main city of Madeira, Funchal is always buzzing with activity. When we visited in May, we had the pleasure of experiencing one of the island’s biggest events, the Flower Festival. This month-long celebration transforms the city into a vibrant display of color and fragrance. Parades, flower markets, and intricate floral carpets adorn the streets, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. Whether you’re into music, art, or cultural festivities, Funchal has something for everyone year-round.

Check out the official Madeira website to see if any event is taking place .