Funchal - Hop On Hop Off

[Larainerenee]

Has anyone done the HOHO tour bus in Funchal? Is it a good way to get an overview of the area?

[Funkat]

I am wondering the same & also if tickets are available for purchase at the port. 

I'm considering the 3 IN 1 (48h): Funchal + Câmara de Lobos + Cabo Girão Tour .  I can purchase tickets on the yellow bus website that include tickets to both the skywalk & the cable car R/T for only $14 more than just the HOHO tickets on Viator. I would love this, as it would save us time waiting in the cable car line to purchase tickets,  However, this is our 3rd cruise that has been scheduled for Funchal and we have never been able to actually dock there - first time was due to a hurricane our ship was diverted & then last year we couldn't make the stop due to a worker strike affecting the port. With our history in the port, I would prefer to wait until we are actually there to purchase tickets.

[Teacake]

Yes, we did it last year. Picks you up at the cruise terminal right by the ship but drops you off at the entrance to the port . You then have about a 10 minute flat walk back to your ship. It was a good way to see the island 

[9265359]

On 9/19/2024 at 8:47 PM, Larainerenee said:

Is it a good way to get an overview of the area?

 

Not really, because an awful lot of the interesting areas within Funchal are not places that the bus can go. 

 

If you cannot walk it is better than nothing, but not the best option if you can.

[sleepingcat]

Agree with the above.  Funchal is not large and the historic centre is easily walkable from where the ship will dock.  You can also walk to the Cable car station and if you go early before the ships tours you will walk straight in and buy tickets and go.

 

You are right not to prebook anything because Funchal can often be a missed port. I think if it is your first visit you will easily fill a day with the  historic centre of town and the cable car. which also gives access to some lovely gardens, and also walks. 

[Larainerenee]

Thank you!

[edinburgher]

On 9/19/2024 at 8:47 PM, Larainerenee said:

Has anyone done the HOHO tour bus in Funchal? Is it a good way to get an overview of the area?

I agree with others. with a little planning,  Funchal can be quite easily explored without the limitations of the HOHOs.

 

Madeira is known for fortified wines, colourful flowers, bananas and views.

 

You could take the cable car up to Monte where there are views,  botanical gardens and the toboggan ride which brings you part way down the hill should you choose to ride in a wicker basket. You can also get up there by public bus.

 

The centre of town is easily walkable and offers a number of sights/attractions including a colourful market, Blandy's for wine tours and/or tastings, and others.it is a pleasant area to wander with some of it  pedestrianised.

 

If you have not already searched for a read some past threads for info and ideas, choose from these

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/search/?q=funchal&quick=1&type=forums_topic&nodes=465