Funchal, Madeira

[jack2007]

Hi, I'm going to be at Funchal for the day in a couple of weeks. Has anyone done this independently ?
Any advice they would like to share, its my first time at this port but I have been to several other ports in Europe and am confident of being able to do things myself.
I will not be hiring a car so it has to be on foot or with public transport.
thanks

[Zane43]

Jack,
Timely question. I plan on being in Funchal on a trans-Atlantic out of Southhampton (8 or 9 Nov 08). I had the same question. I read by chance in a garden magazine about the amazing gardens and botanical beauty on the island. They showed pictures of the Reid hotel which has 10 acres of gardens. I plan trying to visit the Reid and walk the grounds. Of course, I'm a gardener, you may not be. But the island is suppose to be gorgeous and the town is quaint according to descriptions. The wine is rated excellent too. Happy cruising. I'll tell you thoughts in Nov.
Dave

[Hank]

We usually go off on our own in Funchal (and most other places), but it depends on how you want to spend your day. Its possible to walk from the ship through town and over to the cablecar (its on the left side of town as you look inland from the port). You can than take the spectacular cable car ride up to the top of the mountain where there are some interesting paths and a large botanical garden. Than, its fun to take the street sleds (you have to see these things to understand) down the hill where you would than catch a taxi the rest of the way to the bottom (or you can walk) which puts you right back in town.

Hank

[Jill SC]

Funchal has the double decker hoho bus that will take you around the town. The botanical garden is worth a visit, the cable car and the sled are great fun, there is a casino within walking distance (but uphill) and there are tours for the wine bottling. Lots of restaurants and shopping along the waterfront.