Day-by-day eating plans for Funchal. weekend classics, family routes, vegan plans, on-a-budget editions.
Day-by-day plans
Funchal weekend: the island plate, done properly ★ 4.7
First-time visitor, two days2 days
Two days built around what Madeira actually grows, catches and distils: the market, the wine lodges, a laurel-skewer grill and one Michelin dinner above the cliff.
Day 1: Saturday: market morning, old town lunch, wine lodge, harbour dinner
Morning
Mercado dos Lavradores at 08:00, before the coaches. Buy anona and tamarillo upstairs, then look at the scabbard fish in the hall below.
Afternoon
Lunch at Gavião Novo on Rua de Santa Maria, fish off the day boat. Then walk to Blandy's Wine Lodge on Avenida Arriaga for a canteiro tasting.
Evening
Dinner at Ákua on Rua dos Murças, Júlio Pereira's fish counter. Finish with a poncha at Barreirinha Bar Café on the seafront.
Day 2: Sunday: cable car brunch, fortress lunch, espetada dinner
Morning
Ride the cable car to Monte and take brunch at Land Food & Coffee on Largo das Babosas, sourdough and Odd Coffee filter.
Afternoon
Back down for lunch at Restaurante do Forte inside the São Tiago fortress, terrace tables over the bay.
Evening
Espetada at Casa das Espetadas on Estrada Monumental, beef on the bay-laurel branch, then a last drink in the Terreiro Concept gastrobar on Rua Imperatriz Dona Amélia, which runs to 23:00 on Sundays.
Funchal in three days, slowly ★ 4.6
Return visitor, three days3 days
A slower three days for a second trip: the downtown wine houses, a sea-pool fish lunch, the two Michelin dining rooms and a last dinner at the quinta above the city.
Day 1: Day one: downtown wine, zero-waste gastrobar, two-star dinner
Morning
Tea and scones at Loja do Chá on Rua do Sabão, then a booked cellar tasting at H.M. Borges on Rua 31 de Janeiro, which takes visits by arrangement rather than off the street.
Afternoon
Late lunch at Terreiro Concept on Rua Imperatriz Dona Amélia, where the kitchen runs on its own garden plantings. Lunch service ends at 15:30.
Evening
Dinner at Il Gallo d'Oro on Estrada Monumental, the island's two-star room, booked well ahead. Kitchen and terrace works keep it shut until it reopens on 26 August 2026, so check the date before you plan around it.
Day 2: Day two: brunch, sea-pool lunch, rooftop dinner
Morning
Brunch at Prima Caju on Rua da Carreira, bowls and eggs, walk-in only so go early.
Afternoon
Taxi west to Doca do Cavacas for grilled fish on the rock above the Ponta da Cruz sea pools.
Evening
Dinner at Desarma on Rua das Maravilhas, Octávio Freitas's nine-moment Chef's Battle menu on the rooftop.
Day 3: Day three: bakery, old town lunch, quinta dinner
Morning
Bolo de mel at Fábrica Santo António on Travessa do Forno, making Madeiran sweets since 1893.
Afternoon
Lunch at Lá ao Fundo by the São Tiago fortress, where the short Portuguese, African and Indian carte keeps vegetarian plates on it. The kitchen shuts at 15:00 before the evening service.
Evening
Drive up to Oxalis at Casa Velha do Palheiro on Rua da Estalagem for dinner in the estate dining room, then a last drink back in town at Mini Eco Bar.
Take in the landscapes of Madeira's vineyards on this full-day tour. Ride Fajã dos Padres cable car, visit a wine cellar, taste local wines and enjoy a typical Madeira...
A snorkeling adventure is a truly exciting and memorable experience. With crystal clear waters and lush marine life, the island offers stunning scenery and unforgettab...
Sample some local Madeira fortified wine. Visit Funchal market with all its colors. Head to Monte for the toboggan ride. Visit Câmara de Lobos, the fishing village.
