How to Plan Your Tour to Monte and Botanical Gardens in Funchal

Looking for a perfect getaway in Funchal? The Monte and Botanical Gardens tour offers you a wonderful opportunity to experience some of the most exciting attractions in the region. The tour covers the Monte Church Sanctuary – an important religious pilgrimage site – and the Madeira Botanical Garden where you can enjoy the unique experience of seeing over 2000 exotic plants.Here’s all you need to know to plan a tour to Monte and Botanical Gardens in Funchal:

Overview

The Monte and Botanical Gardens tour is a carefully crafted experience designed to save you time booking taxis and help you tick off some of the most famous attractions in Funchal in a day. With a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, you can travel seamlessly between sites and enjoy the flexibility to choose to add on a toboggan ride if you wish.

What’s Included

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle and admission to the Madeira Botanical Garden.

Meeting and Pick-up

The tour starts at 9:00 AM, and pick-up is available from various hotels and accommodations in Calheta, Ribeira Brava, Machico, and Caniçal for a charge of 10€ per passenger. Other locations are available on request.

What to Expect

Monte Church Sanctuary

The first stop of the tour is the Monte Church Sanctuary – an 18th-century religious building that attracts pilgrims from all over the world. The church is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture and offers stunning views over Funchal. You can enjoy an hour’s visit to the church and experience the unique ambiance of this iconic site.

Madeira Botanical Garden

The second stop is the Madeira Botanical Garden, home to over 2000 exotic plants from all over the world. This beautiful garden is a must-visit for nature lovers and offers a breathtaking escape from urban life. With the tour, you can enjoy the perk of having admission included and explore the gardens at your own pace.

Optional Toboggan Ride

As an optional add-on, you can experience a thrilling toboggan ride from Monte down to Livramento. This unique traditional mode of transportation involves riding on a wicker sled guided by two carreiros wearing typical Madeiran dress. Please note that the toboggan ride is not included in the tour price.

Conclusion

The Monte and Botanical Gardens tour in Funchal offers a unique opportunity to experience some of the most famous attractions in the region. The tour is well-planned, comfortable, and includes admission to the Madeira Botanical Garden. To book the tour, visit here and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in Funchal.

FAQs About Funchal: Your Ultimate Guide

If you are planning to visit Funchal, then you might have a few questions in your mind. Funchal is a beautiful city located on the Portuguese island of Madeira, and it is a popular tourist destination. Here are the most frequently asked questions about Funchal that you need to know before your trip.

1. What is the best time to visit Funchal?

The best time to visit Funchal is from May to September because these are the months when the weather is warmest and driest. During these months, you can enjoy a lot of outdoor activities without any problem. However, if you don’t like the crowd, then you can consider visiting in the off-season months that are October to April. During this period, the weather is mild and pleasant, and you can have some peace and quietness.

2. How to get to Funchal?

There are two ways to get to Funchal:By Air:

The fastest and most convenient way to reach Funchal is by air. Madeira International Airport is located just 20 minutes away from the city center. You can book a flight to Funchal from any major city in Europe or other parts of the world. Some popular airlines that fly to Funchal are TAP Portugal, British Airways, and EasyJet.By Sea:

You can also reach Funchal by sea. A few cruise lines offer direct trips to Funchal, and you can also take ferries from other Portuguese cities such as Porto, Lisbon, and Portimão.

3. What are the top attractions in Funchal?

Funchal is a city that has a lot to offer to its visitors. Here are some of the top attractions that you should not miss:- Monte Palace Tropical Garden: This is a beautiful botanical garden with exotic plants and flowers from all over the world. You can also enjoy a cable car ride to reach here.- Cristiano Ronaldo Museum: This museum is dedicated to the famous footballer Cristiano Ronaldo. You can see his personal belongings, trophies, and other memorabilia here.- Funchal Cathedral: This is a beautiful cathedral located in the heart of the city. It has a mix of Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles.- Mercado dos Lavradores: It is a popular market where you can find fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, flowers, and souvenirs. You can also see the traditional Madeiran embroidery being made here.

4. How is the food in Funchal?

Madeiran cuisine is a mix of Portuguese, African, and South American flavors. The food in Funchal is fresh and delicious, and you should definitely try the traditional dishes such as:- Espetada: It is a traditional Madeiran dish of skewered beef cooked on an open flame.- Bolo do caco: It is a Madeiran flatbread made with sweet potato and served with garlic butter.- Poncha: It is a local drink made with aguardente (sugar cane brandy), honey, and lemon.- Black Scabbardfish: It is a type of fish that is caught off the coast of Madeira. It is usually served with banana and a side of sweet potato.

5. What is the currency used in Funchal?

The currency used in Funchal is Euro (€). You can exchange your currency to Euros at any bank or ATM in the city. Most places in Funchal also accept credit and debit cards, but it is always better to carry some cash with you.

6. What is the public transportation system in Funchal?

Funchal has an efficient and affordable public transportation system. You can use buses to travel within the city, and they run on a regular schedule. You can buy tickets from the bus station or from the bus driver. There is also a cable car system that you can use to reach some of the top attractions in the city.

7. Where to stay in Funchal?

Funchal has a wide range of accommodation options for all types of travelers. You can choose from luxury hotels, boutique hotels, apartments, guesthouses, and hostels. Some popular areas to stay in Funchal are:- Old Town: It is a charming area with narrow streets, historic buildings, and traditional shops and restaurants.- Lido: It is a touristy area with hotels, bars, and restaurants. It is also near the ocean and has a beautiful promenade.- Sao Pedro: It is a quiet residential area with beautiful gardens and parks. It is also near the city center and has good public transportation links.

8. Is Funchal safe for tourists?

Funchal is a safe city for tourists, and you shouldn’t face any major problems. However, like any other tourist destination, you should take care of your belongings, especially in crowded places. You should also avoid walking alone at night in dimly lit areas.

Conclusion

Funchal is a beautiful city that has a lot to offer to its visitors. You can enjoy the beautiful landscapes, delicious food, and the warm hospitality of the locals. By knowing these FAQs, you can plan your trip to Funchal more effectively, and make the most of your stay. So, pack your bags, and get ready to explore one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Funchal

Are you planning to visit Funchal, the charming capital of the Madeira archipelago? With its year-round temperate climate, beautiful beaches, and lush vegetation, Funchal is a popular destination for tourists around the world. In this guide, we’ll help you plan an unforgettable trip to Funchal by providing you with a comprehensive list of things to see and do. Here is our step-by-step guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in Funchal:

Step 1: Stroll Through the Old Town

The Old Town of Funchal, also known as Zona Velha, is a historic neighborhood full of charming narrow streets, traditional houses, and colorful flowers. It’s a great place to start your visit as you can wander around without any specific destination in mind and enjoy the charming atmosphere. Be sure to pay a visit to the famous Mercado dos Lavradores, the lively covered market where you can buy local fruits, vegetables, and flowers, as well as try some traditional Madeiran foods.

Step 2: Explore the Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden of Madeira is a must-visit attraction that offers stunning views of Funchal and the surrounding mountains. The garden is home to over 2,000 species of flora, including rare and endangered plants from all over the world. Be sure to take a walk through the Orchid Garden, which features a large collection of exotic orchids, and don’t forget to snap a few pictures at the iconic viewpoint terrace.

Step 3: Visit the Monte Palace Tropical Garden

The Monte Palace Tropical Garden is another beautiful garden located in the hills above Funchal. The garden boasts over 70,000 square meters of exotic plants and flowers, a large collection of Chinese ceramics, and a stunning oriental garden. Be sure to take the cable car ride to get here, as it offers breathtaking views of Funchal and the ocean.

Step 4: Take a Walk Along the Promenade

The Funchal promenade, also known as Avenida do Mar, is a wide boulevard that runs parallel to the coastline, stretching from the cruise ship port to the fishing village of Camara de Lobos. It’s a beautiful place to take a leisurely stroll, especially during sunset, when the sky turnsorange and pink. Along the way, you’ll find cafes, restaurants, and shops where you can take a break and enjoy the view.

Step 5: Explore the Levadas

Levadas are man-made irrigation canals that run through the mountains of Madeira. They’re one of the island’s most unique features and a popular attraction among nature lovers. There are over 2,000 kilometers of Levadas on the island, and some of them are accessible to hikers who want to explore the beautiful scenery.

4.1 Choose a Levada Trail

There are a wide variety of Levada trails to choose from, ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes. Some of the most popular Levada hikes include Levada do Rei, Levada da Serra do Faial, and Levada das 25 Fontes. Before you set out on a Levada hike, be sure to check the trail conditions and weather forecast, wear comfortable hiking shoes, and bring plenty of water and snacks.

4.2 Book a Guided Tour

If you’re not an experienced hiker or don’t want to go on a Levada hike alone, you can book a guided tour with a local tour operator. Guided tours are a great way to learn more about the history and natural environment of the island and to make sure you stay safe.

Step 6: Taste the Local Cuisine

Madeiran cuisine is a delicious fusion of Portuguese and African influences, with an emphasis on fresh seafood, exotic fruits, and vegetables. Some of the most popular local dishes include Espetada, a skewered meat dish, Bolo do Caco, a traditional bread, and Poncha, a local drink made with aguardiente (sugar cane spirit), honey, and lemon juice.

6.1 Enjoy the Cuisine at Traditional Restaurants

There are many traditional restaurants in Funchal where you can try typical Madeiran dishes. Some of the most popular ones include O Regional, Restaurante Dos Combatentes, and Taberna Ruel. Be sure to try the seafood dishes, which are always fresh and delicious.

6.2 Visit Farmers’ Markets

If you want to taste the freshest fruits and vegetables, you should visit one of the many farmers’ markets in Funchal. The Mercado dos Lavradores is the most famous one, but there are also smaller markets in various neighborhoods. Here you can find a variety of produce, from exotic fruits like passionfruit and dragon fruit to seasonal vegetables like sweet potatoes and kale.

Step 7: Relax on the Beach

Funchal has some beautiful beaches where you can swim, sunbathe, and relax. Some of the best ones include Praia Formosa, Praia do Gorgulho, and Praia da Barreirinha. If you’re looking for a more secluded spot, you can take a short boat ride to the nearby Desertas Islands, which offer pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Step 8: Explore the Best Museums in Funchal

Funchal has several museums that are worth visiting if you want to learn more about the history and culture of Madeira. Some of the most popular ones include the Museu de Arte Sacra, the Quinta das Cruzes Museum, and the Madeira Story Centre. These museums offer a glimpse into the island’s traditional arts and crafts, religious heritage, and maritime history.

Step 9: Go on a Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour

Another exciting attraction in Funchal is the opportunity to go on a dolphin and whale watching tour. These tours typically take you out into the Atlantic Ocean, where you can see various species of dolphins, whales, and other marine life. Some tour operators also offer snorkeling and swimming activities, so you can get up close and personal with these majestic creatures.

9.1 Choose a Responsible Tour Operator

When choosing a tour operator, be sure to pick one that adheres to responsible and sustainable tourism practices. Look for operators that have a good reputation and that follow guidelines for respecting the animals and their habitat.

9.2 Check the Best Season to Go

The best time to go on a dolphin and whale watching tour in Funchal is between April and October, when the weather is warmer and the sea is calmer. However, be prepared for rough seas in case of strong winds or storms.

Conclusion

Funchal is a wonderful destination that offers a mix of natural and cultural attractions, from beautiful gardens and beaches to historic neighborhoods and museums. By following this guide, you can make the most of your time as a tourist in Funchal and experience the best that Madeira has to offer. Remember to plan your trip carefully, be respectful towards the environment and the locals, and have fun exploring this stunning island!