Day 1
09:00 — Mercado dos Lavradores and surrounding area
Expected duration: 60 min · Travel: on foot.
Visit in the morning, respect those who work and ask for permission before photographing people or stalls.
10:15 — Rua de Santa Maria and Zona Velha
Expected duration: 75 min · Travel: on foot.
Don't turn this part into a list of points: leave time for side streets, local shops and a break.
11:45 — If from Funchal
Expected duration: 45 min · Travel: on foot.
It is an active place of worship: dress respectfully, maintain silence and accept interruptions from celebrations.
13:00 — Lunch in the center
Expected duration: 90 min · Travel: on foot.
Suggested area for a leisurely break; confirm weekly rest and avoid tying the itinerary to a specific restaurant.
15:00 — Museum of Sacred Art or CR7 Museum
Expected duration: 90 min · Travel:on foot.
Choose just one option according to interests, weather and energy; don't try to accumulate both.
17:00 — Avenida Arriaga and Parque de Santa Catarina
Expected duration: 75 min · Travel: on foot.
Don't turn this part into a list of points: leave time for side streets, local shops and a break.
Day 2
09:00 — Cable car from Funchal to Monte
Expected duration: 15 min · Travel: cable car.
The cable car journey takes around 15 minutes. The published time varies between official pages; confirm directly before leaving.
09:30 — Monte Palace Tropical Garden
Expected duration: 180 min · Travel: on foot.
Allow at least two hours, wear grippy footwear and confirm the last access before going up.
13:00 — Lunch at Monte
Expected duration: 90 min · Travel: on foot.
Suggested area for a leisurely break; confirm restweekly and avoid tying the itinerary to a specific restaurant.
14:45 — Monte Church and municipal park
Expected duration: 60 min · Travel: on foot.
It is an active place of worship: dress respectfully, maintain silence and accept interruptions from celebrations.
16:00 — Return by cable car or bus
Expected duration: 60 min · Travel: bus or taxi.
Confirm the line and time on the same day and reserve space for waiting and traffic.
Day 3
09:00 — Madeira Botanical Garden
Expected duration: 150 min · Travel: bus or taxi.
Allow at least two hours, wear grippy footwear and confirm the last access before going up.
12:15 — Lunch in Funchal
Expected duration: 90 min · Travel: bus or taxi.
Suggested area for a leisurely break; confirm weekly rest and avoid tying the itinerary to a specific restaurant.
14:30 — Câmara de Lobos and tour of the bay
Expected duration: 180 min · Travel: bus or taxi.
Outdoor stage, dependent on heat, rain and wind. Use water, sun protection and only open paths.
18:00 — Return to Funchal
Expected duration: 45 min · Travel: bus or taxi.
Confirm the line and time on the same day and reserve space for waiting and traffic.
Practical summary
Rhythm
Full days, normally between 6 and 9 km on foot. Adjust hills, heat and uneven ground to the group's mobility.
Reservations
Book monuments, experiences, gardens and transport in advance by appointment.
Alternative
In heavy rain, swap viewpoints, beaches and gardens for museums and indoor visits.