July 23, 2022

Madeira located in the Atlantic Ocean 320 miles off the west coast of northern Africa and just north of the Canary Islands. Madeira is the name of both the archipelago, and one of the islands within the archipelago (Madeira, Porto Santo, and Desertas are the islands within the archipelago). The islands were claimed by Portugal in 1419 and were originally uninhabited but settlements were established quickly in 1420. Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal which means it has it’s own government that is allowed for under the Portuguese constitution. The island was formed during volcanic eruptions, the last of which occurred roughly 6,500 years ago. It is well known for it’s pleasant year round climate, wine, beautiful flora and fauna, whale watching, and as the birthplace of the famous football (soccer) player Cristiano Renaldo.

#1 Cable Car to Monte

The cable car from Funchal to Monte is somewhat expensive at 18 EUR a round trip but I highly recommend it. Go in the morning since the prices are the same throughout the day and you have to return by 5pm. Also, book tickets online HERE because the lines are very long in the morning during the high season. I purchased mine onsite and here is a photo of the line! Even if you buy online, you will have to wait in line to board the cable car but the line will be half as long as if you also have to buy a ticket.

Even with the wait, the ride was worth it since the cable cars are clean, the ride is smooth, and the views are spectacular. It also drops you off in the perfect location to see the Jardim Tropical Monte Palace (Tropical Gardens of Monte Palace) and only a block away from where you can visit the Igreja do Monte (Monte Church) and the go for a Wicker Toboggan ride. Don’t forget your face mask though because they are Mandatory!

#2 Jardim Tropical Monte Palace

The Jardim Tropical Monte Palace (Tropical Gardens of Monte Palace) is absolutely gorgeous. It was originally the estate of the Charles Murray who was an English Consul and the property was called the Quinta do Prazer (Pleasure Estate). Later it was purchased by the businessman José Berardo who re-established it as the Monte Palace Madeira and imported plants and even some animals from all over the world (Cycads and Protea from South Africa, Orchids from the Himalayas, Azaleas from Belgium, heather from Scotland, laurels from the Canary Islands, black swans from Australia, white swans from Iceland/Scandinavia, peacocks, and Koi fish from China/ Japan).

The gardens are perched at the top of the mountain with sprawling views of the town and sea below. The path begins next to a pleasant café with a 2,322 year old olive tree in the courtyard that was originally planted by the Romans in approximately 300 B.C. The path through the gardens is lush with colorful flowers, cascading waterfalls, ponds full of Koi, a museum of African stone carvings, an Oriental garden, and a Palace with both playful and imposing statues that seemed to range from Greek to Egyptian to African in influence.

#3 Wicker Toboggans

Wicker toboggans have been used in Funchal since the 1850’s as a unique means of downhill transportation. The men in white are called Carreiros and two of them stand of on the back of the toboggan and guide it down the winding streets at speeds approaching 30 miles per hour. They wear thick rubber soled shoes to allow them to guide with their feet as the toboggan slides down the steeply inclined roads. The ride goes for about 2 km and drops you off about 30 minutes walking distance from the center of Funchal. Since the line was quite long and I had purchased a round trip ticket on the cable car, I decided not to take the toboggan. However, in retrospect, I think I should have just waited in line and given it a go. We might try it when we head back to Funchal on our way back to the mainland.

#4 Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte

The Church of Our Lady of the Mount (Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte) is a short walk from the cable car station at the top of the hill. A church has existed on that spot since 1470 when the first man to be born in Madeira constructed a small chapel there. The current construction is the result of a rebuilding after an earthquake in 1748. Interestingly, the church also contains the tomb of Emperor Charles I of Austria who was exiled on Madeira. Since it is close to the gardens and the toboggan run, it is worth taking a look but, otherwise, it is not particularly impressive.

#5 Rua de Santa Maria – Painted Doors

Rua de Santa Maria is one of the oldest streets in Funchal but it was previously run down and falling into disrepair. In 2014, the community instituted a program called Arte de Porta Abertas meaning the Art of Open Doors. They allowed artists to come in and paint the doors to liven up the neighborhood. The program was ingenious and imaginative and the result is a beautiful cobblestone street lined with interesting, colorful doors and quaint restaurants that is wonderful to walk along. I would definitely recommend checking it out!