After ten unforgettable days in Madeira, we quickly realized there was no way this trip could live in a single blog post. So I’m breaking it up—starting where our journey began: Funchal. We arrived here straight from Lisbon after spending two laid-back weeks in Ericeira, and the contrast hit us immediately. Where Ericeira felt calm and coastal, Funchal burst onto the scene with color, movement, and dramatic scenery. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and steep, green mountains, Funchal is Madeira’s capital and cultural heart—equal parts historic charm and vibrant island life. From the moment we landed, we were completely blown away by how beautiful it was.

One day, Three Funchal Activities

We spent three full days soaking up Funchal, and they were packed with some major highlights. One of our very first adventures was riding the Funchal Cable Car—an experience that instantly set the tone for the trip. We floated up and away from the city, gliding silently over red-tiled rooftops, lush gardens, and the sparkling harbor below. With every passing minute, the views seemed to outdo themselves, stretching farther across the Atlantic and deeper into the green hillsides that wrap around the city. By the time we reached Monte, it felt like we’d climbed into an entirely different world—quieter, cooler, and impossibly scenic. We opted for a one-way ticket, which at the time felt like a casual choice… but trust us, there was a very good reason for that, and you’ll see why later.

https://montepalacemadeira.com/

At the top, we explored the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, a sprawling hillside paradise filled with exotic plants, tropical flowers, geometric terraces, ponds, water features, and sweeping views over the city and ocean. The gardens are massive, immaculately maintained, and surprisingly peaceful—one of those places where you keep saying, “Wow,” every few steps.

While exploring the gardens, we stumbled upon one of those unexpected travel gems: a small, incredibly welcoming cafeteria tucked into the hillside. It was the perfect place to refuel—with food and wine—while soaking in the view from outdoor tables that looked straight down to the ocean below. We were very high up, which somehow made that glass of wine taste even better. Sitting there, surrounded by flowers and fresh mountain air, with the Atlantic stretching endlessly beneath us, felt like a pause button on the day.

One of our favorite spots in the gardens was a dreamy water feature with mossy, green walls and a cascading waterfall that felt almost enchanted. Two paths led through it: one dry, one very much not. And, unsurprisingly, three of us immediately chose the wet path. The boys ran straight through the waterfall, laughing the whole way, and emerged on the other side absolutely soaked—shoes, clothes, hair, everything. It was spontaneous, ridiculous, and perfect… one of those memories that ends up meaning more than any photo ever could.

Wicker Basket Toboggan Ride!

And then came the adrenaline. We did the tourist thing, which we don’t always do, and waited in line for about an hour. I have to say this time it was worth the way. From Monte, we hopped into one of Madeira’s most unique traditions: the wicker basket toboggan ride. Guided by skilled carreiros in straw hats, we sped downhill through narrow streets in a wooden sled lined with wicker, using nothing but their boots to steer and brake. It was fast, slightly chaotic, and completely exhilarating—an experience that felt both historic and wildly fun. We were dumped out near the bottom, somewhat where we started that morning, and strolled the rest of the way home.

Check out this experience!

Slowing Down in Funchal

The rest of our time in Funchal was spent slowing down and enjoying the simple pleasures. We wandered through town, did some damage at Ale-Hop (hands down one of the best stores for kids and adults), played chess in the square, sampled Madeira wine, and just let ourselves get lost in the rhythm of the city. Funchal has a way of pulling you in—whether you’re chasing views, history, or just a good place to sit and watch the world go by—and it was the perfect introduction to everything Madeira has to offer.

Just you wait…There’s MORE!!!!

As much as we fell in love with Funchal—the views, the energy, the food, the traditions—we knew it was only the beginning of our Madeira adventure. Those first few days gave us a taste of the island’s charm, but what came next took everything to another level. The second half of our trip was spent in Seixal, in a home perched in what might truly be the most beautiful place on earth. And somehow, it just kept getting better.

Stay tuned for black sand beaches, a tour guide we loved so much we booked her twice, mountains that seem to cascade straight into the ocean, views for days, and a journey to the very top of the island—wandering through Fanal Forest, a mist-covered, otherworldly landscape that felt pulled from a dream. Trust me… the adventure has literally just begun.