Funchal Madeira - Portugal
- Sal Schmidt
- Jan 15
- 2 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Our first destination on our 110-day Cunard world cruise on Queen Anne began after departing Southampton and rocking and rolling through the ever-predictable Bay of Biscay. At last, we arrived in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal.
Funchal, the vibrant capital of Portugal's Autonomous Region of Madeira, is a city steeped in natural beauty and bustling urban energy. Situated along the expansive Atlantic Ocean, Funchal serves as the largest city and principal economic and cultural hub of Madeira. With a population of 105,000, it ranks as the sixth largest city in Portugal. The city is renowned for its scenic harbour, delightful gardens, and a charming old town area that blends historical architecture with modern amenities. Funchal is not only a major tourist destination but also a living tableau of Madeira's rich heritage.
After three sea days that were far from calm, we were more than ready to disembark and explore a brand-new island for us both. As we approached the port, Funchal revealed itself, bathed in the soft glow of the morning sun, quietly beckoning us ashore.
We had our hearts set on the Funchal Cable Car to Carreiros do Monte ranked as one of the world’s seven coolest commutes the iconic toboggan ride back down the hill.
Unfortunately, the cable car was undergoing a revamp and out of action until April but undeterred, we quickly booked an Uber to take us straight to the toboggan starting point. where we were fortunate with no queues and purchased tickets on the spot, and great value at €35 for 2 people, it was 1.30pm on a Thursday.
This traditional mode of transport, dating back over a hundred years. The Monte Sledges are woven from wicker and set atop two polished wooden runners, each one traditionally handcrafted by skilled artisans. Guiding them are two drivers, the Carreiros, dressed in crisp white and crowned with the iconic straw boater hats. Wearing rubber-soled boots, they skim and steer with practiced ease, pressing their feet to the ground to slow or stop the sledge, turning their own steps into living brakes.
As soon as we set off, endorphins surged. The ride was every bit as exhilarating as we’d hoped. The two men propelled the cart to speeds of up to 38kph steering us around sharp bends on the smooth, glossy roads sometimes sharing the space with passing cars. Thrilling doesn’t quite cover it.
Afterwards, we made our way back toward town on foot, enjoying the hour-long walk as an opportunity to soak in the sweeping views, striking architecture, and lush floral surroundings that define Funchal.
We were drawn into a small patisserie along the way called Ludgero Castro Nunes, where we sampled the famous Portuguese tart. Golden, creamy, and utterly indulgent, it gave us the perfect burst of energy to continue our wander into town.
Strolling through the cobblestoned streets, we began to feel the rhythm of the place, the relaxed pace, the warmth, the charm. Funchal felt like a destination you could easily spend a week or more in, lingering over slow mornings with coffee beneath tree-covered courtyards and sampling its wonderful restaurants at leisure.
Great post. The narrative and the photos are so well done. We enjoyed the cable car ride to Monte Village as well as the toboggan ride.