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A Self-Guided Walk Through Funchal’s Historic Heart With a Local
5.0
3 Ratings
Funchal
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Quinta Vigia - Begin your journey at Quinta Vigia, the historic Official Residence of the Regional President of the Autonomous Region. A serene oasis nestled amidst the bustling city, offering lush greenery and panoramic views of Funchal’s vibrant coastline.
- Parque de Santa Catarina - Visit Santa Catarina Park: a picturesque oasis with exotic and endemic flowerbeds and contemplate Santa Catarina Chapel´s Manueline architecture, the first chapel erected in Funchal; a testament to Madeira’s rich heritage.
- The British Cemetery - Wonder the oldest Protest Cemetery in Portugal; a pleasant and touching monument to the enduring Anglo-Portuguese alliance. A beacon of Madeira’s rich cultural mosaic that invites individuals from various backgrounds and honors influential personalities who have contributed to the island’s historical narrative.
- Holy Trinity Church - Pay homage to the first Protestant church in Portugal; a majestic symbol of Funchal’s rich religious heritage and architectural splendor, partially funded through the historic sale of Madeira Wine.
- St. Peter’s Church - Immerse yourself in the historic centre of São Pedro, home to St. Peter’s Church, a revered religious site adorned with artistic and architectural treasures that speak to Madeira’s ancient past.
- Praca do Município - Wander its wave-patterned Portuguese cobblestone pavement and soak in the timeless elegance of this iconic square. Be amazed by the surrounding monuments, such as the St. John The Evangelist Church. Standing sentinel over this vibrant square, this Church stuns with its architecture, intricate carvings, and gilded interiors.
- Estátua João Gonçalves Zarco - Meet Zarco immortalized by a towering statue in Funchal´s heart and learn about the settlement. A tribute to the fearless explorer, who unveiled Madeira 600 years ago, forever shaping the island’s destiny.
- Palacio de Sao Lourenco - Marvel at the historic Palácio de São Lourenço, Funchal’s first-ever fortress, whose imposing presence and architectural grandeur reflect the city’s strategic importance and storied past.
- Funchal Quay - Take a leisurely stroll along Funchal’s picturesque quay. Madeira´s vibrant gateway to Madeira’s rich maritime history and dazzling island adventures, where the tranquil coastline offers breathtaking views.
- Praca do Povo - Experience the vibrant ambiance of Praça do Povo, People’s Square, a lively gathering place where locals and visitors alike come together to celebrate the spirit of Funchal.
- Praça da Autonomia - Witness Madeira´s spirit of freedom at Praça da Autonomia. Its powerful “Monument to Autonomy” a woman breaking free, powerfully symbolizes the pride and autonomy cherished by the Madeiran people.
- Mercado dos Lavradores - Conclude your journey at Mercado dos Lavradores and seize the opportunity to savor Madeiran delicacies that evoke the flavors of the island’s settlers. This is a bustling market where the sights, sounds, and flavors of Madeira come alive, offering an authentic glimpse into the island’s rich culinary heritage and vibrant culture.
What's Included
- Unlimited, lifetime use of the tour
- Virtual playback option to listen like an audiobook
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- Self-guided GPS tour for flexible exploration
- Directions to the starting point
Additional Information
On this self-guided tour, you’ll find heritage and heroism in the cobblestoned capital of Madeira’s archipelago. Funchal’s historic centre is full of quaint roads and enigmatic alleys that reveal hidden churches and views of its vivid coastline. On this walking tour, you’ll find some of the city’s greatest landmarks and a few lesser-known sites representing its heritage.
From Quinta Vigia Park and through Santa Catarina Park to Cica Café in the popular Mercado dos Lavradores, you’ll see Funchal through a local’s eyes. Around every corner, I’ll indulge your curiosity about the ancient city and you’ll hear about Funchal’s distant past while visiting historical attractions.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just yearn for Madeira’s rich history and culture, this captivating 90-minute tour of Funchal will transform your perception of the city.
Location
Quinta Vigia
Avenida do Infante
The best way to Quinta Vigia, the tour's starting point, is to take a bus or simply walk towards Avenida do Infante, nr. 1. You will see a pink building with a large gate.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(3 Ratings)
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1 star
R1663gnjoeo
Jul 3, 2024
Great - Great experience with a knowledgeable local guide. Me and my friends enjoyed meeting new places, stories, different settings and landscapes.
A very cost effective/ quality solution
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Voyage31504710978
Jun 7, 2024
Pleasant and informative - This tour with a local was very pleasant and informative! The itinerary included important landmarks but also "low profile places" equally significant. Maybe the Cathedral could have been included in the itinerary, however, we loved exploring new places, ancient streets, wonderful gardens, viewpoints, and walking along the Funchal waterfront and coastline. Lunch was delicious! So, it was a great solution to see the city´s points of interest.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
464c_lian
May 29, 2024
Very pleasant and insightful itinerary - This tour allowed me to stop and look attentively at all the mentioned places without missing any insightful information. Whenever I visit Funchal I always try to look for authentic experiences and, in fact, being guided by a local gives a different perspective of the city. I highly recommend it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
