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Local recommendations
The restaurants, bars, activities, wellness spots and trusted services we send our own guests to, personally visited and kept current.
Personally visited
Everywhere we send our guests
Places we go ourselves, on the island all year. Filter the row by what you are after.
Keep going
Where to next?
You know where to eat and what to do. Here is the rest of the trip.
Our stays
Book our Funchal and Paúl do Mar rentals direct: best value, real local service, no booking fee.
Travel guides
When to visit, where to base yourself, how to get around and the best levada walks, written on the island.
Events and festivals
What is on while you are here: Carnival, the Flower Festival, concerts and the food fairs across the island.
Infinite Discoveries Madeira
Small group guided tours of Madeira from Funchal: the south coast, the wild north or both in one day, in a six-seat hybrid van with hotel pickup included.
Bar da Lapa
A snack bar on the quay in Paúl do Mar where fried limpets share the menu with ceviche and chow mein. Small plates from €5 to €20, wine and petiscos.
Conta Plena
Accounting, tax and company set-up in Funchal for the self-employed, small businesses and companies owned from abroad, in four working languages.
Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo (PR1)
The PR1 walk from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, Madeira's highest peak: 6.1 km one way, what it costs to book, and how you get back to the car.Casal da Penha
A family-run Madeiran restaurant with a rooftop terrace, Michelin Bib Gourmand cooking and fresh seafood in Funchal's hotel zone.
Apolo Café
A historic café beside Funchal Cathedral: coffee, pastries, and all-day dining in the heart of the Old Town.
Bonita da Madeira
Bonita da Madeira offers small-group sailing trips from Funchal on a traditional wooden caravel, with dolphin and whale watching, scenic coastal routes, and swim stops along Madeira’s coastline and nearby islands.
Madeira WaterSports
Madeira WaterSports in Funchal offers jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and other ocean adventures, providing visitors with a fun way to explore Madeira’s coastline from the sea.
Go Go Away Madeira Car Rental
Go Go Away Rent a Car Madeira offers automatic car rentals across Madeira Island with flexible delivery, GPS-equipped vehicles, and roadside assistance, making it a practical option for exploring the island’s steep roads and remote locations.
Madeira TukTuk
Madeira TuKTuk offers guided tuk tuk tours in Funchal, exploring viewpoints, cultural landmarks, and nearby attractions like Cristo Rei and Câmara de Lobos. A relaxed and scenic way to experience Madeira.
Taxi Service Madeira
Trusted local taxi drivers in Madeira, offering private transport and airport transfers across the island. A simple, reliable way to arrange direct travel around Madeira with experienced local drivers.
Funchal Cable Car
The Funchal Cable Car is a must-do activity offering panoramic views over the city, mountains, and ocean. Connecting Funchal Old Town to Monte, it provides a scenic and easy way to reach the famous toboggan rides.
Be-Fit Gym Plaza
Be-Fit Gym Plaza Madeira in Funchal is a modern, well-equipped fitness centre offering spacious training areas, and group classes. Located inside Plaza Madeira, it’s a convenient option for visitors and locals looking to stay active in Madeira.
Böate Pub & Disco Club
Böate Pub & Disco Club in Funchal is a vibrant nightlife venue popular for cocktails, dancing, and experiencing Madeira’s modern club scene in the city centre.
Yoga by Lena
Yoga by Lena in Paul do Mar offers immersive coastal yoga sessions overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Led by a highly rated instructor, it’s a calming wellness experience suitable for all levels.
Bar de Pedra
Bar de Pedra in Paul do Mar is a rustic seaside bar known for its sunset views, cocktails, and authentic local atmosphere. A laid-back coastal spot perfect for enjoying poncha, traditional snacks, and the relaxed fishing village vibe of Madeira.
Sabores D’ Itália
Sabores D’ Itália in Funchal Lido is a relaxed Italian restaurant known for homemade pasta, thin-crust pizzas, and rich risottos. A cosy spot offering great value, generous portions, and a warm atmosphere ideal for couples and families.
O.Giro Churros & Paninis
O.Giro Churros & Paninis in central Funchal is a popular casual dining spot known for its signature churros, steak sandwiches, and paninis, offering great value, generous portions, and a cosy, friendly atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Monte Wicker Toboggan
The Monte Wicker Toboggan is an iconic activity in Funchal, Madeira, offering a thrilling downhill ride from Monte in a traditional wicker sledge.
Peixaria da Avenida
Peixaria da Avenida is a modern seafood restaurant in central Funchal known for fresh fish, stylish interiors, and friendly service. It’s a great spot to enjoy high-quality Madeiran seafood just steps from Avenida do Infante.