Funchal is fabulous – all tropical gardens, colourful markets and ocean views. But step outside the city and you’re suddenly face-to-face with wild peaks, misty forests, and fishing villages that look like they’ve barely changed in a century. If you’re wondering what’s nearby, here are 20 amazing day trips from Funchal Madeira that’ll show you just how wildly diverse this little island can be.
I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase using my affiliate links.
I’m Hazel, a British travel writer and solo explorer. I spent a whirlwind week in Madeira – hiking, eating, chatting with locals, and chasing every sunset I could find. It’s the kind of place that sticks with you long after the trip ends. If you’re curious, I’ve shared more tips and itineraries on the blog too.
In this list of day trips from Funchal, each spot includes:
🛣️ Driving directions from Funchal.
🅿️ Parking tips.
🚐 Suggested tours (many with hotel pickup).
🗺️ A clickable map at the end to help plan your route
Let’s hit the road! 🚙
1. Cabo Girão Skywalk Views 🌊
Glass floors. Sheer cliffs. Atlantic Ocean stretching forever. Welcome to Cabo Girão, home to some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. It’s only 20 km from Funchal, but it feels like you’re at the edge of the world.
Take a deep breath and step onto the skywalk (just don’t look down if you’re wobbly with heights). Bonus points if you try the paragliding launch!
There are a few little cafés and shops nearby too – perfect for picking up some local honey cake while you soak it all in.
🚗 Driving tip: VR1 west from Funchal. Busy car park near the viewpoint.
🎟️ Tour idea: Small group West Island tour (or an accessible version) that also includes Nuns Valley.
2. Get Lost in Monte Palace Tropical Garden 🌺
Up in the hills above Funchal, Monte Palace is a magical maze of koi ponds, waterfalls and exotic plants. It’s peaceful, artistic, and beautifully curated. The African art collection in the museum is really good too.
Ride the cable car up and take in the views before wandering through the garden.
🚗 Directions: 8 km from Funchal. Take Estrada Monumental north to Monte. Parking is limited, so go early.
🎟️ Tour idea: Monte Palace Tropical Garden Tour includes cable car one-way and transport back.
3. Hike the Nuns’ Valley (Curral das Freiras) 🏞️
Hidden in a volcanic crater, this village has serious dramatic flair. Legend has it the nuns hid here during pirate attacks, hence the name.
Expect towering cliffs, chestnut cake, and cherry liqueur tastings – plus some of the best photo ops on the island.
🚗 Distance: 20 km from Funchal. Follow signs after taking the VR1 west.
🎟️ Tour idea: Small group 4×4 adventure including food stops and a wicker factory.
4. Swim in the Natural Pools of Porto Moniz 🏊♀️
Nature’s infinity pool, anyone? These volcanic rock pools are filled with crystal-clear seawater and backed by dramatic cliffs.
Pack swimwear and a towel, then reward yourself with some seaside lunch and a wander through the village.
🚗 Directions: VE3 west, 60km from Funchal. It’s a popular spot; parking can get tight.
🎟️Tour idea: Private West Madeira Safari 4×4 Tour: combine with waterfalls and coastal stops on a small group tour.
👉 Read my guide: 15 Excellent Things to Do in Porto Moniz.
5. Watch the Sunrise at Pico do Arieiro 🌄
If you’re up for an early start, this mountain peak is pure magic at dawn. At 1,818m high, you’re often above the clouds.
Feeling adventurous? Hike to Pico Ruivo (Madeira’s highest peak) for a real challenge (and epic bragging rights).
🚗 Driving tip: 25km from Funchal, ER202 north. Summit car park fills up quickly.
🎟️ Tour idea: Morning transfer, or go all in with the full Arieiro to Ruivo guided trek.
6. Snap the Storybook Houses in Santana 🏡
With its triangle-shaped thatched cottages (palheiros), Santana is impossibly cute. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard.
Visit the local theme park for a peek into Madeira’s traditions, then feast on scabbardfish (trust me, it’s tastier than it sounds) at one of the restaurants.
🚗 Route: 35 km from Funchal, VE4 northeast from Funchal. Plenty of parking near town.
🎟️ Tour idea: Combine with Camacha and Pico do Arieiro in an East Island tour.
Santana also features on my 7 day East Madeira itinerary.
7. Wander the Levada Trails 🚶♀️
If there’s one thing that really captures the essence of Madeira, it’s a levada walk. These iconic irrigation channels (levadas) double as some of the island’s most scenic walking routes. Trails wind through forests, tunnels and waterfalls.
Top picks: Levada do Caldeirão Verde and 25 Fontes. Choose a short stroll like levada Moinho or go big with a full-day trek.
🚗 Varies by trail. Most have parking at the trailhead.
🎟️ Tour idea: Caldeirão Verde, Rabaçal, and Referta Castelejo are all available as guided hikes.
👉 Check out my guide to the 16 best Levada walks in Madeira.
8. Soak up the Charm of Câmara de Lobos 🎨
Fishing boats, cobbled streets, and a killer seafood scene. The relaxed village of Câmara de Lobos is all kinds of charming.
Bonus: Winston Churchill loved it here – and the man had taste.
🚗 Just 5 km from Funchal. Easy drive west.
🎟️ Tour idea: Kayaking, jeep tours, or even a hop-on hop-off bus between Funchal and Câmara de Lobos.
9. Beachy Bliss in Machico 🏖️
One of the few places in Madeira with a proper sandy beach, Machico is perfect for a laid-back beach day.
Add in a scenic promenade, a little history (this is where the Portuguese first landed), and plenty of seaside spots for lunch, and you’ve got a full day sorted.
🚗 VE1 east, about 25 km from Funchal. Lots of parking near the beach.
🎟️ Tour idea: Combine Machico with Santana, or do a full East Coast loop in a 4WD.
10. Underground Adventures in São Vicente Caves 🌋
Explore lava tubes and learn about Madeira’s volcanic roots at this interactive cave complex. It’s surprisingly fun. Think moody lighting, geology facts, and a dash of Jurassic Park vibes.
The attached volcanism centre brings the whole story to life.
Fun fact: These volcanic caves formed around 890,000 years ago!
🚗 VE4 northwest from Funchal. About 35km. Easy to find with good parking.
🎟️ Tour idea: Often paired with Porto Moniz or Seixal.
11. Forest Bathing in Ribeiro Frio 🌳
Cool, green, and wonderfully still, Ribeiro Frio is a peaceful little pocket tucked deep in the island’s laurel forest.
Don’t miss the walk to the Balcões viewpoint. It’s short, sweet, and rewards you with sweeping valley views and cheeky finches (pictured above) that’ll eat from your hand.
🚗 VR1 northwest then follow signs. Trailhead parking available.
🎟️Tour idea: Levada Walk from Ribeiro Frio to Portela: 8-hour hike from Ribeiro Frio to Portela. This tour has a Badge of Excellence.
12. Feel the Wind at Paul da Serra 🌬️
Madeira’s high plateau is wild and untamed, with open views and fewer crowds. You’ll often be above the clouds.
Great for moody photos, rare plants, and levada walks that feel totally remote.
🚗 ER228 westbound. About 45 km from Funchal. Look for pull-offs along the road.
🎟️ Tour idea: Rabaçal Levada Walk from Funchal: Marvel at a lagoon, towering cliff, and 25 natural springs.
13. Hike the Headlands at Ponta de São Lourenço 🌅
Dry, rugged, and wildly dramatic, this eastern tip of the island is all about big skies and crashing waves.
Wear good shoes and hike out for panoramic sea views. You might even spot rare seabirds along the trail. Ponta de São Lourenço also features on my 7 day East Madeira itinerary.
🚗 VE1 to Caniçal then follow signs, about 20 km. Car park at the trail start.
🎟️ Tour idea: Full day guided hikes and kayak/boat combos available.
14. Chill by the Sea in Calheta 🍹
Another sandy beach! Calheta’s artificial golden strand is ideal for lazy swims, SUP sessions, or cocktail o’clock at a seafront bar (try Calhau beach bar opposite the Savoy).
If you fancy a bit of culture, the Casa das Mudas Arts Centre is just up the hill. It’s modern, striking, and full of thought-provoking Portuguese art.
🚗 VE4 west from Funchal. About 35 km. Ample parking by the beach.
🎟️ Tour idea: Whale watching tours launch from here.
👉 Read my guide: 10 Excellent Things to Do in Calheta.
15. Sunset at Ponta do Pargo Lighthouse 🗼
Way out west, this cliff-edge lighthouse is a prime sunset spot. Come for golden hour and watch the island glow. Quiet, spacious, and seriously photogenic.
🚗 ER101 westward. Parking available near the lighthouse.
🎟️ Tour idea: Private levada walk through the area.
16. Sip Wine in Câmara de Lobos Vineyards 🍷
Terraced vines, ocean views, and a glass (or two) of Madeira wine. Yes, please.
Tour a local vineyard (only 10 km from Funchal), learn how Madeira wine is made, and enjoy a tasting with views.
🚗 VR1 west, then follow signs to vineyard estates.
🎟️ Tour idea: Private wine tour in a 4×4 – relaxed and delicious.
17. Wild Vibes in Porto da Cruz 🌊
Porto da Cruz is a quiet little fishing village that feels like a hidden corner of the island, framed by steep cliffs and the wide open Atlantic.
This low-key fishing village is all rugged cliffs, quiet beaches, and moody views.
Don’t miss Penha d’Aguia – the massive rock that looms over the town. You can hike it or just admire from a terrace café.
🚗 VE4 northeast. Easy to park in town.
Porto da Cruz also features on my 7-day East Madeira itinerary.
18. Sunshine and Slow Living in Ponta do Sol ☀️
Claiming the title of Madeira’s sunniest spot, this chilled-out town is ideal for relaxing by the sea.
Come for sunset drinks, cobbled alleys, and a leisurely lunch by the water.
🚗 VE4 west from Funchal. Beachfront parking available.
🎟️Tour idea: Try the Sugar Cane Route walk.
19. Tiny and Tranquil Jardim do Mar 🌸
Jardim do Mar is one of those tiny villages that feels like a well-kept secret.
Surfer haven meets sleepy village, Jardim do Mar is postcard-perfect, with cobbled lanes, stone houses, and flower-filled corners at every turn.
Wander the alleys, sip a coffee, and watch the waves roll in.
🚗 VE4 west then follow signs. Limited but decent parking.
🎟️ Tour idea: Surf or relax – or both.
20. Step Into a Fairy Tale at Fanal Forest 🌲
If you want magic, Fanal delivers. Moss-covered trees, morning mist, and that eerie, beautiful quiet.
It’s UNESCO listed and atmospheric in all the best ways. Bring a jacket and your best wide-angle lens.
🚗 ER101 west from Funchal. About 50 km. Signposted car park near forest entrance.
🎟️ Tour idea: Private forest walk or sunset hike – both dreamy.
Map of Day Trips from Funchal Madeira 🗺️
Want to see where everything is? I’ve popped all the spots from this post into a handy Google Map – in order – to help you plan your routes and get a sense of what’s near what. Save it to your phone before heading out!
FAQs about day trips from Funchal, Madeira 💡
Below are some frequently asked questions about day trips from Funchal.
A: While having a car gives you more flexibility, many of these spots are accessible via guided tours, public buses, or even taxis. I’ve included tour options under each entry for the non-drivers among us. If you do want to hire a car, give Discover Cars a try.
A: The island isn’t huge – you can reach most places within 1-1.5 hours by car. That means you can fit in one or two destinations per day without rushing.
A: Most tours offer hotel pickup and can be booked online in advance. Check Viator, GetYourGuide, or book directly with local operators (especially if you want something private or custom).
A: Layers! Madeira’s weather changes fast, especially at higher altitudes. Also bring comfy shoes, sun protection, a refillable water bottle, and swimwear if you’re headed to the coast.
A: Some are super gentle and suitable for beginners, others are proper hikes. I’ve suggested both easy and challenging routes – check out my full Levada Walks Guide for more details.
A: Some places are really close to each other, like Câmara de Lobos and Cabo Girão, or Santana and Pico do Arieiro. I’ve grouped these together in some tour suggestions to make planning easier.
Quick Wrap-Up of Day trips from Funchal ⚡
Madeira may be small, but it packs in more day trip variety than you can shake a pastel de nata at. Whether you want to hike peaks, sip wine, laze on a beach or dive into the island’s volcanic roots, Funchal is the perfect base.
Planning your itinerary? Don’t miss my 🗓️ 7-day East Madeira itinerary or my 🌿 full guide to Levada walks.
Happy exploring! 🌍
Day Trips from Funchal – Related Reading 📚
Below is a list of some of my Madeira travel guides which may interest you.
🌊 16 Excellent Things to Do in Porto Moniz, Madeira.
🛻 12-Day Madeira Road Trip: Coastal Itinerary.
🏙️ 15 Unmissable Things to Do in Funchal, Madeira.
🍊 10 Great Things to Do in Calheta, Madeira Island.
🏨 Where to Stay in Madeira: 14 of the Best Hotels.
🌍 Best Places in Europe for Nature: Solo Travel Picks.
Pin for Later 📌
Loved this post? Help future you out by pinning it! Just save one of the images below to your Pinterest board so you’ve got all the day trip inspiration ready when it’s time to book.
👉 Looking for practical travel tools? Check out my Travel Resources page.
Tags: Europe, Madeira, Portugal
Leave a Reply