Shore Excursions Funcal Maderia

[mbodechon]

Looking for recommendations on shore excursions in Funchal Maderia. We will be cruising March 2019 on the NCL Spirit. Thanks for your assistance.

[ggTexasGal]

Looking for recommendations on shore excursions in Funchal Maderia. We will be cruising March 2019 on the NCL Spirit. Thanks for your assistance.

 

You sure have a bunch of posts... try looking here for all of your Spain Ports!

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=596

[scuba_maldives]

We were in Funchal recently and I would recommend the Open Top Bus service, reached by a short walk from the port.

[scuba_maldives]

Walking around the town is very easy too, no tours required.

[mbodechon]

Thank you both so much for your info on exploring Funchal. We love walking around the local areas on our own when ever possible. The Open Top Bus Service sounds like something we would enjoy as well.

[SquishTheWhale]

You definitely don't need to book a tour! I would highly recommend taking the cable car. It's around a 30 minute pleasant walk down the sea front to the cable car station and you can buy tickets there. Once at the top you can explore the small town of Monte, the tropical gardens, take another cable car to the botanical gardens, or take the toboggan ride back down. We chose to take the cable car both up and down.

 

After that we took the open top bus tour- this was great as it does take you around some other areas of the island. Be aware that even if it's sunny in Funchal, it can be cold in Monte and on the bus tour at the higher altitude!

[cruiser man 60]

We were there in January and agree no tour required unless you wish to explore outside Funchal. We just walked off and as previous poster said had already very 30 minute stroll along promenade to the cable car, there are plenty of places to stop for drinks etc on the way. We took the cable car up and then strolled around to Monte and took the train bogging ride down which was great fun and safe.

There is a lovely cafe with terrace and gift shop at end of ride where you can also purchase your photo if you wish. We walked back down but beware as it's a steep 2km downhill walk but brings you out into the main shopping area.

If you don't want to walk to cable car there are taxis etc at port exit.

[mbodechon]

Thank you all so much. All very good information. We will probable take your suggestions and not book an excursion on the ship. We love walking around new areas and a 30 minute walk to the cable car is like a walk in the park.

[scuba_maldives]

I believe you can purchase a joint ticket for both the cable car and bus tour at the lower Cable car Station.

 

Try also to visit the glass bottom viewpoint in the hills, Cabo Girau.

 

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g1190957-d1464866-r152044407-Cabo_Girao-Camara_De_Lobos_Madeira_Madeira_Islands.html

Try to visit the old town and streets just behind the lower station, to see the fantastic murals.

 

Ian.