Best things to do in Funchal

Funchal, the capital of Madeira, Portugal, is a haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. From the sparkling turquoise waters of the Atlantic to the lush, green peaks that surround the city, every corner of Funchal promises breathtaking views and unforgettable outdoor experiences.

In this guide, we’ll uncover the top 10 things to do in Funchal, Portugal, from thrilling water sports to mountain adventures that immerse you in Madeira’s wild, untamed beauty. Whether you’re exploring the coastline, soaring above valleys, or diving into crystal-clear waters, these experiences showcase the very best of the island’s natural wonders. If you’re still planning your trip, be sure to check out our blog article on how to get to Madeira for essential travel tips and advice.

1- Snorkelling in Funchal

Rota dos Cetáceos

Funchal offers unforgettable snorkelling experiences in crystal-clear waters, where you can swim alongside playful wild dolphins in their natural habitat and discover vibrant marine life. These snorkelling guided tours in Funchal provide all the necessary gear, safety instructions, and local insights, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced snorkellers. And, for those who prefer a self-guided adventure, snorkelling equipment rentals in Funchal allow you to explore at your own pace while enjoying the island’s stunning Atlantic waters.

Whether it’s your first time or you’re an experienced snorkeller, these experiences combine adventure, safety, and breathtaking scenery, ensuring an unforgettable encounter with Madeira’s underwater world.

2- Sea Kayaking along the coast in Funchal

I Go Madeira Tours

Sea kayaking in Funchal is an unforgettable way to explore Madeira’s stunning coastline, combining adventure, nature, and breathtaking views. On a sea kayak guided excursion along the coast, you can paddle through Câmara de Lobos Bay, a charming fishing village painted with colorful boats, and admire the dramatic cliffs of Cabo Girão, one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs, rising sharply from the Atlantic. The tour allows you to glide through calm waters, discover hidden caves, and stop to enjoy panoramic viewpoints that few visitors get to see.

Another popular option is the kayak and snorkelling excursion from Caniço de Baixo in Cap Garajau, where you can combine paddling with exploring the vibrant underwater world. The waters here are calm and clear, perfect for spotting colorful fish while taking short breaks from kayaking. These excursions are guided, safe, and suitable for all levels, offering a mix of active adventure and peaceful immersion in Madeira’s natural beauty.

3- Paragliding over Funchal and the cliffs of Madeira

AltitudeX - Madeira

Get ready to feel the wind in your hair and the thrill of flight as you take off from Madalena do Mar, just a 30-minute drive from Funchal, for an unforgettable tandem paragliding adventure. Hover above Madeira’s rugged volcanic cliffs, lush valleys, and the sparkling Atlantic Ocean as your experienced pilot guides you safely through the skies. Flights typically last 8 to 10 minutes, but when the winds are just right, you can soar for up to 20 minutes, or up to 25 minutes on a premium flight from a quieter, exclusive launch site.

This is not just a flight it is a front-row seat to some of the most breathtaking panoramas in Funchal, combining adrenaline, freedom, and pure awe. Whether you are chasing thrills or simply want to admire Madeira’s landscapes from above, paragliding in Funchal gives you an exhilarating yet safe way to experience the island from a completely new angle.

4. Coasteering on the Volcanic Shores of Funchal

LokoLoko Madeira

Coasteering in Rocha de Baixo is a thrilling way to explore Madeira’s untamed coastline. Adventure awaits as you scramble over volcanic cliffs, leap into deep, crystal-clear ocean pools, and navigate natural rock formations carved by the Atlantic waves. Experience an amazing rush of adrenaline as you jump off cliffs up to 20 meters high, feeling the power of the sea beneath you. Each jump, swim, and climb immerses you in the dramatic beauty of Madeira, creating an unpredictable and exciting adventure that leaves you with a lasting sense of freedom and exhilaration.

5. Scuba Diving in Funchal

Azul Diving Center Madeira

Scuba diving in Funchal is an extraordinary way to immerse yourself in Madeira’s stunning marine landscapes. Beginners can enjoy a Discover Scuba Diving session from the beach, where friendly instructors guide you through the essentials and help you glide effortlessly beneath the sparkling Atlantic waters. Swim alongside colorful fish, explore fascinating rock formations, and feel the gentle pull of the ocean as you take your first breaths underwater.

For those craving a deeper adventure, a half-day scuba diving discovery unveils Madeira’s vibrant underwater ecosystems, with groupers, rays, and schools of tropical fish darting through the crystal-clear waters. Every moment is an exhilarating mix of tranquility and excitement as you explore hidden nooks, marine caves, and kaleidoscopic reefs.

For adventurers ready to level up, the Open Water Course in Funchal offers a comprehensive three-day experience, teaching essential diving techniques, safety skills, and environmental awareness. By the end of the course, you are fully certified to explore the island’s breathtaking underwater world independently. Whether it is your first dive or your path to becoming a certified diver, scuba diving in Funchal is a playful, thrilling, and unforgettable adventure that brings you face to face with the magical marine life of Madeira

6. Canyoning in Funchal’s Ravines

Madeira Climbing Center

Madeira’s dramatic landscapes, where towering cliffs, lush greenery, and sparkling pools create the perfect playground. In the Cidrão Canyon, the surrounding mountains make every jump and rappel feel epic, while the cascading waters add a refreshing thrill. The Ribeiro Frio Canyon envelops you in vibrant forests, weaving waterfalls and rock formations into a stunning natural course that blends excitement with serenity. Meanwhile, the Caldas Canyon delivers breathtaking abseiling experiences into crystal-clear pools, offering moments of pure adrenaline against a backdrop of volcanic scenery. The Lajeado Canyon thrills with high jumps and natural slides, keeping the heart racing while showcasing the island’s untamed beauty.

Every twist, slide, and plunge flows seamlessly into the next, creating an adventure that is as much about feeling the rush of adrenaline as it is about soaking in Madeira’s wild, unforgettable scenery. Canyoning in Funchal is a perfect mix of thrill, nature, and awe, leaving you with a lasting memory of the island’s rugged wonders.

7. Whale Watching from Funchal Marina

Seaborn Catamaran

Whale and dolphin watching in Funchal offers an unforgettable way to explore the Atlantic waters surrounding Madeira. Typical whale watching excursions in Funchal take you along the stunning coastline, where playful pods of dolphins often leap alongside the boat, and majestic whales such as sperm and pilot whales glide gracefully through the deep blue sea.

For a truly unique experience, the Whale and Dolphin-Watching Sailing Tour on the Santa Maria de Colombo takes place aboard an incredible replica of Christopher Columbus's Santa Maria, combining the thrill of marine wildlife spotting with the charm and history of a historic tall ship.

Each tour immerses you in Funchal’s rich marine biodiversity, providing opportunities to spot different species while enjoying panoramic views of the island’s dramatic cliffs and sparkling waters. Experienced guides share fascinating insights about the animals and the ecosystem, making the excursions as educational as they are exhilarating. Whether you choose a classic whale-watching boat or the themed sailing tour, these outings promise awe-inspiring moments, lasting memories, and a close connection to Madeira’s vibrant ocean life.

8. Hiking in Funchal

Overland Madeira

Hiking in Funchal is an incredible way to experience Madeira’s dramatic landscapes, from soaring mountain peaks to lush green valleys. The Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo trail takes you across some of the island’s highest points, offering breathtaking ridgelines, panoramic vistas, and a true sense of adventure. Each step rewards you with stunning views of jagged peaks, deep valleys, and the surrounding Atlantic horizon, making it a must for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a challenging and unforgettable hike.

For a more serene and enchanting experience, the Levada do Caldeirão Verde trail winds through the UNESCO-listed Laurisilva Forest, revealing waterfalls, emerald pools, and vibrant native flora. Walking along the historic levada channels, hikers are immersed in Madeira’s verdant heart, surrounded by moss-covered tunnels, singing birds, and the calming sound of flowing water. Hiking in Funchal combines adventure and tranquility, offering a perfect way to explore the island’s natural beauty and create lasting memories.

9. 4x4/Jeep Tours in Funchal

Madeira Truespirit

Embark on an exhilarating 4x4 Jeep tour through the stunning landscapes of Funchal, Madeira. Traverse the island's rugged terrain, from the majestic Pico do Arieiro, the island's third-highest peak, to the serene village of Santana, renowned for its traditional thatched houses. Experience the thrill of off-road driving as you navigate through lush forests, steep valleys, and picturesque coastal cliffs.

Marvel at the breathtaking views from the Cabo Girão Skywalk, Europe's highest sea cliff skywalk, offering panoramic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding landscape. Discover the rich biodiversity of the Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and delve into the island's cultural heritage with visits to charming villages and historical landmarks. Whether you're seeking adventure, nature, or culture, a 4x4/Jeep tour in Funchal promises an unforgettable experience through Madeira's diverse and captivating scenery.

10. Mountain Biking near Funchal

LokoLoko Madeira

Mountain biking around Funchal is an exhilarating way to discover Madeira’s stunning landscapes, from lush forests to terraced hillsides and sweeping coastal views. Trails like Poiso to Camacha take cyclists through the island’s central mountains, weaving past eucalyptus groves, traditional villages, and panoramic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. For a more relaxed ride, the Levada da Serra trail follows historic levadas through verdant forests, offering glimpses of native flora, flowing streams, and serene countryside. While these trails are not directly in Funchal, they provide easy access from the city and an unforgettable way to combine adventure, nature, and the breathtaking scenery of Madeira.

Discover more thrills in Funchal

Funchal is far more than Madeira’s charming capital; it is a vibrant playground for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. From diving into crystal-clear waters while snorkeling and gliding along the coast in a kayak to the thrilling rush of canyoning, paragliding, and 4x4 jeep tours, the city offers endless ways to immerse yourself in the island’s stunning landscapes. Whether you are planning a family getaway, a romantic escape, or an action-packed trip with friends, the top things to do in Funchal promise unforgettable experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.

If your spirit of adventure is calling for more, explore our selection of the best outdoor activities in Funchal and continue your journey discovering the incredible outdoor adventures that await across Madeira.