The cable car ride is okay, you get an amazing view of Funchal. I’ll say this….it beats walking. Ticket line moves quick. Was about €15 one way per person or €20 for return. Decided to do the sled ride down.

Great tourist attraction for the first day of discovering the island. Nice views from the above. Kids loved it 🙂 Tip: much cheaper is take the bus

The Funchal Cable Car is one of the best ways to experience Madeira’s beauty. The ride takes you smoothly from the heart of Funchal up to Monte, offering incredible views of the city, the harbor, and the lush green hillsides. It’s a relaxing, scenic journey that really gives you a sense of the island’s dramatic landscape. At the top, you can explore Monte Palace Tropical Garden or visit the famous church of Nossa Senhora do Monte. • 🎟 Buy a round-trip ticket, but consider taking the cable car up and the traditional wicker toboggan ride down for a fun adventure. 👉🏻buy your ticket online so you don’t have to wait in line. • 📸 Sit facing the sea on the way up for the best panoramic views. • 🕰 Go in the morning or late afternoon to avoid long queues, especially on cruise ship days. • 👟 Wear comfortable shoes, Monte has steep streets and plenty to explore on foot. • 🍷 Nearby cafés at the top are perfect for a drink or snack before heading back. A must-do in Funchal scenic, memorable, and a highlight of any trip to Madeira.

While line to the cable car itself looked long, it moved relatively quickly. No queue to buy the tickets when I went there so not sure there is a benefit in buying tickets before you go. Ride was very smooth and calm

Nice way to get an over view of Funchal at the beginning of our trip. 40 Euros for two, round trip. Cable car seats up to 6.

This cable car is amazing and runs the whole way down the mountain. At the top of the cable car be sure to go and visit the Tropical garden which is like paradise.

We caught a one way down from the botanical gardens to the oceanfront. It was more expensive than taking an Uber but much more scenic and relaxing. The ticketing process was straightforward and the ride was smooth and quick.

It would be probably easier to recount what was NOT in this place, as there was a great deal of attractions. Innumerable sculptures in plein air, both old and new. Beautiful ceramic tile compositions depicting the history of Portugal. Botanical gardens with interesting fauna, including Madeira chaffinch and firecrest. Free wine sampling. Galleries of contemporary art and of mineralogy. Mystical grottoes in the style of Italian Mannerist gardens. An option to buy and drink a pina colada in a drilled pineapple to cool off after all the walking. It was a great deal of fun.

Absolutely stunning but get there early to beat the crowds!! We arrived just after 9am and were one of the first in so we had the place to ourselves. Some of the vistas are beautiful and we loved the way you can see parts of the gardens from different angles and heights. We also liked the fact there were several different cafes dotted in each corner of the gardens and we had a nice coffee and Portuguese tart admiring a view over Funchal. Certainly one of the most interesting and unique gardens I’ve visited with plenty to see and explore, however it’s not the most accessible with lots of steep slopes and narrow steps.

This is no just another botanical garden, but a true masterpiece. Spread over a vast area, the garden combines exotic flora from all over the world, impressive art collections (including a tile panel telling the history of Portugal), lakes with swans, Japanese-style pagodas and hidden waterfalls. Walking through the garden is a magical and relaxing journey, and every corner reveals a new surprise. If it is a rainy day, bring umbrella with you, since there is no place to hide there... Champion tip: Wear very comfortable shoes! The garden is built on a mountainside and has many ups and downs. At the end of your visit, consider the experience of going downhill on the traditional Monte straw sledges (Associação dos Carreiros do Monte) – 35 euros, 10 minutes, 2 km, arrive before 3pm otherwise there may be no more tickets. There is a cable car between Funchal city center and Monte Palace, costing 14.5 euros one way, 20 euros return. There is a cable car between the Botanical Gardens and Monte Palace, costing 7.5 euros one way, 15 euros return.

Jardim Monte Palace is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places I’ve ever visited in Madeira. The gardens are perfectly maintained, filled with exotic plants, waterfalls, koi ponds, and breathtaking views over Funchal. The mix of tropical vegetation and oriental-style architecture makes it feel like stepping into another world. The tile panels and sculptures add a touch of culture and history at every turn. Take your time to explore — it’s much larger than it seems! The café inside is also a nice spot to relax and enjoy the scenery. A must-see attraction if you love nature, art, and tranquility. 🌺🌿

A large and beautiful garden located right next to the cable car station at the top of the mountain. It can take around three hours to explore fully. The garden features unique plants and flowers, and there’s also a lovely little café to relax in. Definitely worth a visit!

An incredible botanical garden — you can feel how much titanic work went into creating it. I was deeply impressed by its history. There are many gates here, not historical ones, but designed to enrich the landscape and make the overall picture more interesting. The flora is amazing — so many tropical plants grow here: pineapples, bananas…) and even replicas of the little houses from Santana. There’s a lot of colorful tilework — not original, but reproductions of historical Portuguese tiles that have been preserved for centuries and carry their own stories. It’s worth reading more about them — it’s truly fascinating. There are also flamingos eating near a fantastic waterfall, with blue tiles in the background. Be sure to look closely at how these tiles are arranged and how they manage not to wash away in the rain. The whole place feels like something out of a fairy tale.

Absolutely beautiful garden! The variety of plants, flowers, and trees is incredible, and everything is so well maintained and thoughtfully arranged. Despite the pouring rain, we had a wonderful time exploring the paths and admiring the views. A peaceful and stunning place that’s definitely worth visiting in Madeira — rain or shine!

This place is quite interesting, but it can be a bit tortuous to get there. You either go by taking two cable cars from Funchal, or use road transport. If you go by cable car, it is somewhat counter-intuative, as you go up on the Maderia Cable Car to Monte and then you walk 300m or so to the Botanical Garden Cable Car, which takes you half way back down to get to the garden! It is important to note that you must not pass the ticket office for the botanical garden cable car without an electronic or paper ticket for the ride. There is a steep section down to the cable car entry point and there is no opportunity to buy a ticket there. It's a stiff walk uphill to go back and get one! The garden itself is spread out over numerous terraces down the hillside from the cable car terminal. There are some steep and uneven pathways. The garden is quite unimpressive at first, but it gets better as you go down. The interactive map is worth downloading via the QR code in the garden. Remember that what goes down must come up, and if you are going back on the cable car, you will have to get back up there! Not to mention the short but steep section back up to the other cable car! If you only want to go to the botanical gardens and cable cars are not your thing (and twisty roads don't bother you), it would be worth checking out other options to get there (by car, taxi or bus), but if you like cable cars and/or you would also like to spend some time in Monte, then go for it and enjoy the ride!

I enjoyed my visit to the Botanical Garden in Madeira. The park is beautiful and has a great variety of plants, making it a pleasant place to walk around and relax. However, I think the entrance fee is a bit too high, and parking was a real problem — it was hard to find a spot nearby. Despite that, I’m glad I went, and overall, it was a nice experience.

Beautiful garden. We took the cable car from Funchal but took the bus ride back from the garden. The bus ride was great with local sceneries. Good views from cable cars as well. Cable car ride was a bit pricey. Note: there are two separate cable car rides: Funchal to Monte, Monte to Botanical Garden.

Wow — what a beautiful place! 🌺 The Madeira Botanical Garden is full of stunning plants, colors, and amazing views. Such a peaceful spot to wander and enjoy nature — absolutely worth a visit! 🌿✨

Entry 10 euros. I went around 10 am and it was quite empty. No booking ticket in advance needed. I recommend to allocate around 2 hours if you want to explore the entire garden. It is a really nice experience if you are a plant and cacti lover.

The Madeira Botanical Garden is one of the true gems of the island – a place where nature, peace, and breathtaking views come together in perfect harmony. Visiting it is not just a walk through a garden, but a full sensory experience that leaves you refreshed and inspired. From the moment you enter, you are greeted with spectacular terraces filled with vibrant flowers, exotic plants, and lush greenery that reflect Madeira’s rich biodiversity. The garden is beautifully organized, with each area showcasing unique species from around the world, as well as plants that are native to Madeira and rarely found elsewhere. One of the highlights is the famous patterned flower beds, arranged like a giant carpet of colors – a masterpiece of natural design and a perfect spot for photos. Another unmissable feature is the panoramic view over Funchal and the Atlantic Ocean, which is simply breathtaking and makes the entire visit unforgettable. Beyond the stunning beauty, the garden also has a strong educational aspect. The labels and explanations are clear and informative, offering insights into the extraordinary flora housed here. You feel both relaxed and enriched by learning about such diversity in one place. The atmosphere is calm and welcoming, with benches and shaded spots where you can simply sit, take in the scenery, and enjoy a moment of peace. The staff maintain the grounds with great care, ensuring everything looks immaculate. Whether you are a plant enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply someone who wants to connect with nature while appreciating one of Madeira’s treasures, the Botanical Garden is an absolute must-visit. 🌿 I left with my heart full of joy and my camera full of beautiful memories. This place truly shows why Madeira is called the “Garden of the Atlantic.” Highly recommended! 🌿

The Madeira Botanical Garden is an absolute gem and a must-visit while on the island. The gardens are beautifully designed, with an incredible variety of exotic plants, vibrant flowers, and perfectly maintained pathways. Every corner feels like a discovery, with breathtaking views over Funchal and the ocean adding even more magic to the experience. It’s not only a place for nature lovers but also for anyone who enjoys peaceful walks surrounded by beauty. The layout is easy to explore, and there are plenty of shaded spots to pause and take in the scenery. The palms collection and colorful patterned flower beds are especially impressive. A visit here is both relaxing and inspiring — perfect for a calm afternoon. Highly recommended for families, couples, or solo travelers looking to enjoy the natural charm of Madeira. 🌺🌿

Great experience but show up early to beat all the tiktokers. It’s cold so take a sweater. Half the hike was closed when we went in August 2025 so do your research so you can avoid disappointment. Still a great experience.

A lookout point at 1,818 meters, Pico do Arieiro is the third highest peak on the island and the only one that can be easily reached by car. The road itself winds its way up through forests, setting you up for the dramatic view. At the top, you’ll find yourself above a blanket of clouds that stretches to the horizon, with jagged mountain peaks jutting out from within. The place is equipped with a small visitor center, a cafe and an iconic circular radar station. Champions' tip: The ultimate experience is to get here at sunrise. Seeing the sun rise and flood the sea of ​​clouds in orange and pink is a memory you won't forget. Bring very warm clothes and a raincoat, no matter what the weather is like in Funchal. Additional tips - arrive at the mountain's parking lot at a quarter to six at least, to get a spot close to the start, otherwise the next parking lot is further away. Pay for 3 hours of parking in the parking lot, it's very cheap and there was police there even at those hours. If sunrise is well past and it's still very cloudy / rainy, it's worth moving on to the next destination because you'll see the sun as we did - on the horizon and blurry. It's recommended to search for a webcam on Google (Pico do Arieiro webcam) to see what the situation is at the lookout. It's just a matter of luck, if you don't get to see it - no big deal.

The mountain deserves 5 star, but the little shop and the toilets are 0. They’re only opened around 7 am, but idk why, when most of the people is there around 5 am, so that’s why everywhere is poo and toilet papers. The best sunrise in my life!!

Beautiful sunrise view where you can see the cloud cover the sun then it rise up. I arrived 45 minutes before sunrise time and I parked my car on the first parking space which cost 5€ per day. Then I walked for 8 minutes to reach to the top where is a big reader. There are many places where you can stand or sit to watch the sunrise. Before walking up early and driving here check up the weather forecast and make sure it is will be a clear sky. After sun rise do the hike to top.

Madeira offers several spectacular spots to watch the sunset or sunrise, and Pico do Arieiro is undoubtedly among the best. At an altitude of 1,810 meters, you're surrounded by clouds. This magical atmosphere feels almost otherworldly. The breathtaking views will make you forget your everyday worries, as you're swept away by nature’s raw beauty and challenged by its whims—especially the wind. Before you go, check the weather forecast for the area and come prepared: bring a warm coat, a hat, and hiking shoes if you would like to go outside most basic spot. Also it is really cold after sunset. Also, bring your water/food as later the day, shop may be closed. If you're feeling slightly adventurous, try a short hike to Ninho da Manta, or take on the more demanding Stairway to Heaven trail before sunset. Views are amazing. In is recomended to come at least 45 minutes before sunset to find rigt spot - the more you will come down the road the less tourists be there in your photos. But even photos from parking spot are breathtaking. Alternatively, if you're not the romantic type waiting for sunrise or sunset, but rather someone seeking adventure and challenge, consider hiking all the way to Pico Ruivo, the Madeira's highest peak or other hikes. But read abou it before and be prepared...

Breathtaking views. We were above the clouds on a sunny day. Fantastic views to get to here and will visit again.

This place offers great views of surrounding countryside. Lots of walks and scenery to sample. A visitor centre nearby. Lots of groups on various walking routes but never overcrowded.

The Mercado dos Lavradores is undoubtedly a beautiful and vibrant market, full of colorful displays of many different fruits. It's definitely worth visiting just to see the aesthetic and variety. ​However, it seems heavily geared towards tourists, as the prices are quite high. For example, I was charged €10.27 for just a small banana and half a dragon fruit. While the produce looks amazing, be prepared for steep prices compared to local alternatives. Come for the sights, but shop carefully!

Nice market with great fruits, but the prices are crazy. Not really worth buying anything, though it’s fun to walk around for the experience. The fish was fresh, and we did pick some up for the evening. Definitely a tourist trap — be careful before buying fruits.

📍 Visited the Farmers Market on a Friday 🛍️ I didn’t read the reviews beforehand just excited like most tourists to experience a local farmers market! 💸 I only realized I'd overpaid when I later visited a regular supermarket. I bought a dragon fruit for €7 each, something I’ve always wanted to try... only to find the same fruit at the supermarket for €3.50. Ouch. 🏛️ The building itself is beautiful and definitely worth checking out. It’s a nice stop if you're sightseeing. ⚠️ Buyer beware: not everything is fairly priced, and prices can vary widely between stalls. Don’t accept the first offer shop around a bit. 🌟 Not all bad though it’s still a good tourist experience. Just go with your eyes open, take your time, and enjoy the atmosphere.

The market is not big but you get to see many interesting local fruits, vegetables, plants/ seeds, sweets and herbs. The toilets are clean and plenty of cafes to sit down and take a break.

Gorgeous market. A lot fruit to choose from with verity I've never seen in my life. Unfortunately prices are ridiculous 😔😕 check what you're buying and triple check your bill as the like to cheat!

I was expecting a big market with many shops that sell many products. However, I found out that there four shop selling flowers and trees seeds on the entrance of the market. Then around the market yard some expensive fruit shops and a restaurant on the corner. On the left side there are one butcher shop and on the right side some shops that sell many products (souvenirs). Fish market on the back of this yard. In the upper floor fruit, nuts & dried fruit shops. I didn’t feel that it is representing Madeira or have the concept of other traditional market like I the other Portuguese cities.

This traditional market is great! Some stalls were full of people waiting to be served as they were so busy, the large fruit stall downstairs seemed to be a bit of a tourist trap, with pre wrapped fruit ready to eat, however if you venture up the stairs there is some amazing fruit stalls. As well as an incredible view of the fish tables with the workers cutting the fresh fish off as you order it. This was a lovely trip to this local market, I would recommend, just keep your wits about you for pricing and haggling techniques.

This refers to the tour of the winery with following wine tasting. Tickets go for 18 resp. 20 Euro per person. Nice tour of the location including insights into the production of Madeira wine, which actually is a "fortified wine" - more on that on the tour. Afterwards there was a tasting with 3 different wines. And we met some nice mates form Liverpool and stayed for another hour or two - nice place 😀

Madeira wine without Brandy's seems unthinkable. For 7 generations, the family has been deeply involved in the development of Sheets probably the most iconic export product from Madeira. Forget about the stuff you can buy in the super market that ends up in your sauce. This is as much of an art as creating single malt or any other "liquid gold". The wine makers are masters of their kind and the Blandy family tradition is deeply woven into old and modern Madeira. It's incredible what people with a vision, a good sense for business and quality can achieve.

A fantastic experience at Blandy's Wine Lodge. They have a wonderful selection of Madeira wines, covering a wide range of ages and styles. ​The wines we tasted were delicious, and it's the perfect spot to purchase something special to take home or as a gift for friends. Highly recommend visiting if you are interested in quality Madeira!

This visit was a gift but if you like exploring different drinks and a little history, this is the tour for you. The tour guide on the Vintage Madiera wines tour was extremely knowledgeable,fun with it and kept the tour extremely interesting and informative throughout. The tour visited both public and private collections, some being extremely rare wines. It all finished of course with a tasting of 5 different Madiera wines including a 1992 vintage. All in all a superb tour.

Anyone who reads my reviews knows we are wine lovers, but we knew nothing about Madeira’s namesake wine. And — being sweet — we were not sure we would like it. But we signed up for the Vintage Tour on an afternoon when rain threatened, and the tour changed that. You can await your tour in leather comfy chairs in the far end of the wood-beamed gift shop, or outside near the wall of flowers. We chose both. While we were waiting outside, we checked out the winery’s restaurant, which looked like a good future dinner spot. Stepping back into history, our great tour guide then led us through the myriad charming old buildings on the property, where we learned all about Madeira and saw many very big old oak barrels with wine aging as long as 75 years. There’s also an interesting museum and we saw a library of old bottles reaching back to the early 1800s (alas, they don’t offer library cards). Because Madeira only ages in casks, not in bottles, the wine in the library’s old bottles should taste the same as the day it was bottled (see, we learned a lot), but we’ll never know about those bottles. But the tour includes a tasting, in a clubby, wood-paneled room with lockers of more old bottles, along with some magnums and larger. By tasting four ten-year Madeiras made from four different grapes, along with a 1988 vintage, we also learned that Madeira is not as sweet as Port and not as harsh as Sherry. Last cocktail party fact: the island’s economy runs on three engines: Madeira wine, tourism, and — wait for it — bananas. To support the economy and to have a nice apéritif or after-dinner drink back home, you can buy bottles here at a discount, then pick them up after security at the airport, so you can carry the bottles on the plane. But after those bottles are but pleasant memories, the challenge will be to find good stuff like this in the U.S. But we like a good challenge. YouTube’s Chef’s Apprentice

The basic tour was great and takes about 45 minutes with a tasting at the end. The three wines in the tasting were quite good. The tour was informative and the guide answered any questions we had.

We took the Vintage Premium tour and really enjoyed the experience. Our tour was in English and the guide was really knowledgeable. Really interesting to learn more about the production process and variants of Maderia wine. We tasted different types of Maderia wine made from different grape varieties (Sercial, Verdelho, Boal and Malvasia). The 1994 Boal was very nice 😁

Santa Catarina Park – A Hidden Heaven in the Heart of Funchal If there’s a heaven on Earth, then Santa Catarina Park in Funchal, Madeira is certainly part of it. Perfectly situated in the heart of the city, this lush green sanctuary is easily accessible from all directions. Whether you're staying nearby or just exploring Funchal, the park is impossible to miss — and once you’re in, you may not want to leave. The park is a haven of tranquility and natural beauty, home to a variety of birds, ducks, and charming water ponds that create a peaceful atmosphere. It offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the best spots to watch cruise ships arrive in the harbor — a truly magical sight. Within walking distance, you'll find the iconic CR7 Hotel (just 5 minutes away), Marina Beach (a short 2-minute walk), and Plaza Shopping Mall (only 2–3 minutes away). There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby, making it convenient to grab a bite or relax with a coffee. Whether you're visiting with family, friends, or even alone, Santa Catarina Park is made for everyone. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely walk, a quiet moment to unwind, or a fun outing with kids. With open spaces to play, benches to relax on, and stunning views all around, it’s the perfect escape from the bustle of the city without ever leaving it. A must-visit gem in Madeira — peaceful, picturesque, and unforgettable.

This park is very very pretty overlooking the ocean. You can see cruise ships coming and go. You can have a lovely view of the city. It also has exercises instruments and little playground for children. Has little café and a lake with many ducks.

Beautiful clean park , good to spend some time around there. You can find Christopher Columbus’s statue.

Spent a nice 20 mins relaxing around the pond & water features. Public toilets and a cafe. Looked like they were setting up for a festival or show when we went.

Beutiful serene place to chill and relax. Gardens are full of interesting plants and trees. Lots of shade to draw breath.

A quiet little Parque (park). It has a nice panoramic view of the cruise terminal and Funchal Marina area.

Beautiful park near the city center. Very pleasant and enjoyable regardless of time of the day. In the park there is a fountain and a small pound, so it is great even if it is hot. There are many trees and benches along alleys, on which you could rest. In the park center there is also an open area and in the south-west part playground for children. The sight on the port is stunning, especially after the dusk and when some liners are in the harbour. Other facilities include toilets, and there is a spot or two where you could buy coffee or soft drink. After the dark there are some areas that are not well lit and as some alleyways are uneven it is better to be careful.

They charge 5 euros to enter, don't pay, it's not worth it. Downstairs there are trophies, most of them are replicas, some original shirts and souvenirs that kids sent him. Cute but nothing more.

A nice little museum that showcases all of Ronaldo’s achievements. It can easily be covered in about an hour and is a must-visit if you’re on the island. Great collection and very well presented

If you're a football fan then this is a must visit place. The museum is, I guess reasonable priced at €5 but the area is geared to tourism and priced accordingly. A good place for cruise ship viewing but it is pretty souless. Funchal has much more to offer. It was extremely busy the day I was there

It’s only €5, well worth the entry fee. One man trophy machine. From his first trophy to all his accomplishments, man of match, MVP and every trophy he’s won with all the medals, loads of fan mail, some statues of the man in kit and even one made from chocolate. Every Ronaldo fan dream, a must visit. Only a short walk from the cruise port.

It's only €5 for a reason. It's nice to see the many, many, many, many oh so many awards and trophies that Ronaldo has been awarded. But after seeing the 150th medal or plaque, it gets boring. It will take about 20 mins to walk around the one room and see repetitive things. Glad we did it, won't be going back.

I enjoyed it but probably not for the right reasons. Every now and then a wax work museum in the back end of nowhere gets a bit of fame on the socials cos none of the models looks like they're supposed to. Well, this is like that but for trophies. definitely worth a look if you're passing.

Visited here whilst on holiday. A great museum to visit whilst here, all dedicated to perhaps the greatest player of all time. A collection of his awards, accolades, trophies won, matchballs and merchandise. Definitely worth a visit and not expensive either.

Nice little church. If you want to get to the top just gotta humour the workers there and take some pics with poses on their direction. Then up you go and check out the amazing views. When you get back down you get to check out the pics they took of you. Reminds me of rollercoaster pics. No hard sell to buy them.

Having taken the cable car to the top, we went to explore around the gills and came across this stunning church. Definitely worth a visit around the church and the surrounding gardens. We lit candles for lost loved ones, stopped in a nearby shop for ice cream (there bar and restaurant too) and watch the queues of people waiting for a toboggan ride back down the hillside.

Beautiful Church. I do recommend going up to the choir loft and the bell tower. It costs only €1.50 and from there one gets a fabulous panoramic view of the Funchal Marina.

Category: Attractions. Check out this beautiful, twin-towered church where the exiled Charles I of Austria sleeps, forever. It’s an easy walk from the upper cable car station. If the steep steps are too much for you, take either the road on the right side of the church (still pretty steep) or the gradually ascending path through the gardens on the left side. The platform at the top of the steps provides a birds-eye view of the sledges being launched below. After you make your way up and into the church, be sure to walk up to the choir loft (not many steps) to see the pipe organ and liturgical accoutrements. From this loft you can also get a good view of the wonderful painted tongue-and-groove concave and convex arched ceiling. From the floor of the nave, be sure to look back and up at the choir loft and its Corinthian-ish columns, at the interesting wooden box seats on the two side walls, and at the ornate pulpit. After viewing the church, be sure to stroll the multiple paths of the gardens, which are lush and full of different plant and tree varieties. Charles I (a statute) stands guard. I especially liked the big old trees and the mottled-paint-and-plaster old building to the left of the church. We wondered if it’s possible to walk all the way around the church. It is. If you are interested, there’s a tea house on the right side, up the hilly street. YouTube’s Chef’s Apprentice

We were looking forward to visiting Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte, but our experience was unfortunately soured by the behavior of the entrance staff today. When we arrived around 16:45, we were not greeted at all. My husband politely asked how much the entrance fee was, and a woman at the door (who had black hair and looked to be in her late 20s or early 30s) barely acknowledged us. She simply gestured at the card machine while remaining focused on her phone, showing no interest in engaging with visitors. When I offered to pay in cash, she finally responded, but did so curtly, saying they were closing. This was confusing and disappointing, specially since we later saw that the official closing time was listed as 19:00. We had made the trip up specifically to visit the church and were unfairly turned away over two hours before closing. The pilgrimage site is worth the visit, but the dismissive and inattentive attitude of the staff left a poor impression. A little courtesy and clear communication would have gone a long way in making fellow Catholics feel welcome.

A great little church in top of the mountain . Remains of A King was there with a peaceful interior. Hope and pray ..Will come back again one day. Because nearby grill of a traditional roast of beef steaks were incredible

Lovely church. But when taking money from ppl...note that there s a difference between" entrance fee" and "donation". I m happy to donate but I dont like being lied to about entrance fee, specialy when entering a church.

I absolutely loved my visit to the Palheiro Gardens! The gardens themselves are stunning, but what truly made the experience unforgettable was the weather. We were visiting while the gardens were literally inside a cloud! Being enveloped in the mist and cool air made the whole garden feel incredibly atmospheric and peaceful. It was a truly magical walk. Highly recommended!

This garden feels like entering a fairytale. Honestly, imo it’s more worthy to visit than the botanical gardens, it’s very quiet and whimsical. Great to spend the day and read a book.

Wonderful place. This garden is 200 years old and some of the trees are truly magnificent.

Walked from rui maderia hotel all up hill took around 2 hours but the gardens are worth it only down side signage could be better

I think its even better than the Funchal botanic garden. Really beautifull.

Beautiful gardens but not easy to reach. Used Bolt (like Uber) dropping off ticket office and picked up adjacent hotel to avoid slog back up hill.

Beautiful gardens, very quiet, well worth a visit.

Very nice designs and artwork inside but the outside is quite plain. The visit to the tower requires tickets which is a shame, making money in a place that tax plyers already pay for! I guess anything in Madeira is good for tourists to pay!

Beautiful cathedral. I visited the Sunday Mass twice during my holiday. Be aware the cathedral is quite packed, even on regular Sundays at the 11 o'clock Sunday Mass. Coming about 15 min. early to the mass is recommended for a seat. The mass is of course in Portuguese and there was a childrens' choir and the other day a small orchestra. Beautiful building, devoted mass and just a great view to see so many faithful Christians together celebrating the Eucharust.

Very nice cathedral in city centre, some churches in UK are larger than this cathedral but well worth a visit if in Maderia

What an absolutely beautiful Cathedral. Very moving spiritual experience . Thank you

As a Orthodox Christian, I was a pleasantly surprised by this Catholic Cathedral. Full of people and a very beautiful service and architecture. A good religious Christian site and one of the best architectural places of Madeira.

Catholic Cathedral of Funchal. Built in late Gothic and manueline style. The latter is a local specialty and therefore worth a look! Entrance is free, still not too busy, I.e. you will find a place on the bench to look around. As add-on you may also visit the church tower for a view of the city

The Cathedral is very beautiful in the middle of the town, when we visited it was not busy, well worth visiting for the architecture

Poor service. Only went for a drink was put in a back corner in the open topped restaurant at a wet table, as was raining. Grubby area full of cigarette butts. Had to find waiter for a drink as never arrived after 10 minute wait. Had to search again to pay the bill. Inattentive staff.

We learned a lot about the history of the area and even got to smell a variety of scents and guess their place in Madeiras history. We both LOVE to sniff things so this was an unexpected highlight. Thank you to the Madeira story centre for giving us the gift of smells. Also look at these guys in the video….um that ones my friend on a Friday night and the other one….yeah…that’s me!

Probably it was ok 20 years ago. Now it’s old, creepy and not interactive at all. Some reading of interesting facts about Madeira could be covered by wiki. Disappointing and sad. Madeira is so full of tourists but so little to offer if you have a curious mind and love museums.

Bit dated but information was alright for €5. Don’t know expect any artefacts or creativity. Few weird wax figures too. Rooftop restaurant was better for views and beer.

Good food with good view. I ordered tomatoes soup with pouch egg and grill limpets. Tomatoes soup normal and cost 5.80euro. Grill limpets is nice something special and cost about 13euro.

We were approached by a guy outside this place, who insisted it was a really nice place to eat. However, we were only out for a drink, which was no problem. We sceptically went in. The access to the roof terrace is through the museum display (which gives a very interesting history of Madeira) or souvenir shop and up to the next level by lift. On the roof terrace, we were surprised to find a large eating area outside and a large section under cover, too. We chose a table near the front so that we could people watch on the street below then ordered our drinks which came out soon after. If you go up the stairs in the corner of the terrace, it takes you up to another large level covered in astro turf. Good photo opportunities of the rooftops, cable cars, and the upper slopes of Funchal up there. This is a great place to sit have a meal, drink, people watch or all three, it was very relaxing. The servers were polite and prompt (well, apart from when Pedro forgot to get our bill, but we can forgive him for that because of his charm and good looks😉) and well presented. The toilets were clean and tidy.

For 5 euros it's really worth the visit. Not very big but totally fine for my attention span. Learned quite a few new facts about the island.

The cable car ride is okay, you get an amazing view of Funchal. I’ll say this….it beats walking. Ticket line moves quick. Was about €15 one way per person or €20 for return. Decided to do the sled ride down.

Great tourist attraction for the first day of discovering the island. Nice views from the above. Kids loved it 🙂 Tip: much cheaper is take the bus

The Funchal Cable Car is one of the best ways to experience Madeira’s beauty. The ride takes you smoothly from the heart of Funchal up to Monte, offering incredible views of the city, the harbor, and the lush green hillsides. It’s a relaxing, scenic journey that really gives you a sense of the island’s dramatic landscape. At the top, you can explore Monte Palace Tropical Garden or visit the famous church of Nossa Senhora do Monte. • 🎟 Buy a round-trip ticket, but consider taking the cable car up and the traditional wicker toboggan ride down for a fun adventure. 👉🏻buy your ticket online so you don’t have to wait in line. • 📸 Sit facing the sea on the way up for the best panoramic views. • 🕰 Go in the morning or late afternoon to avoid long queues, especially on cruise ship days. • 👟 Wear comfortable shoes, Monte has steep streets and plenty to explore on foot. • 🍷 Nearby cafés at the top are perfect for a drink or snack before heading back. A must-do in Funchal scenic, memorable, and a highlight of any trip to Madeira.

While line to the cable car itself looked long, it moved relatively quickly. No queue to buy the tickets when I went there so not sure there is a benefit in buying tickets before you go. Ride was very smooth and calm

Nice way to get an over view of Funchal at the beginning of our trip. 40 Euros for two, round trip. Cable car seats up to 6.

This cable car is amazing and runs the whole way down the mountain. At the top of the cable car be sure to go and visit the Tropical garden which is like paradise.

We caught a one way down from the botanical gardens to the oceanfront. It was more expensive than taking an Uber but much more scenic and relaxing. The ticketing process was straightforward and the ride was smooth and quick.

Just a narrow street with random paintings. Not a must-see in my opinion. Restaurants here seem like typical tourist trap.

A nice walk to see the painted doors, a lot of restaurants options on the way too. Popular with tourists.

What an amazing place. One a run down area it has now been transformed into a living art gallery. Every door is a piece of art.

Great little tourist street with painted doors and lots of outside dining. Nice to walk along in the evening and stop for a bite to eat.

Nice street, if you are in Funchal see the unique doors there.🤩 Many great restaurants.

I’d say an overrated narrow street. Full of restaurants that seem like tourist traps. There are some nice shops, but mainly not worth it

A must do when wandering in Old Funchal for the painted door/walls.

Vert good meeting point and from here you get everywhere by walk most buses stop here also the city tour buses.

Very busy place, here you can get to any public transportation and also walk along the main marina place

Vital place od Funchal and Maderia at all. We were lucky to see oldtimers festival and a lovely Mercedes Gullwing alive!

Nicely arranged 👌 👌👍

It gives Good vibes walking around it.

Lovely stroll along sea front. Cafes on other side of road

Beautiful walk along the promenade 👍

Beautiful! Well worth a stop on our way out of the city. We stopped brief but would beloved for a picnic or drinks stop. Dramatic scenery.

Beautiful panoramic viewpoint overlooking Funchal and the surrounding mountains. The terrace is well-maintained, with gardens and plenty of space to walk around. It’s especially stunning at sunset, when the city lights start to glow. Easy to access by taxi or bus, and usually not too crowded. A short but worthwhile stop for great photos and a peaceful atmosphere.

Nice view at the Funchal and the ocean. It is almost in the city so you don't need to go so far. A lot of parking places. I was also there through the Day and view was fantastic too. Very nice miradouro close to the city where you can also sit and relax. I recommend it to visit.

Lovely spot to see how big the city of Funchal is! There are bathrooms, a little cafe, and a small parking lot, although we were able to find street parking.

Not for you if you don't like heights! But great views otherwise and on 3 euros to get in.

Very lovely view over the city of Funchal

Great place to go. Excellent view of whole city