Free Walking Tours in Madeira

Located off the northwest coast of Africa, Madeira is a Portuguese island known for its subtropical climate, delicious wine, dramatic cliffs and pebbled beaches. The volcanic island offers its visitors a wealth of outdoor activities and sightseeing opportunities.

Free walking tours in Madeira present the perfect opportunity for you to familiarize yourself with the island’s history, culture and top-rated sites. Follow your expert local guide as you explore Funchal — the main city in Madeira.

Here's all you need to know about free walking tours, one of the most engaging sightseeing tours in Madeira.

How do free walking tours work?

Free walking tours in Madeira have become increasingly popular in recent years as they provide tourists with an affordable and authentic way of experiencing this incredible city.

Unlike standard Madeira walking tours, these tours are completely free to book and participate in, but it is encouraged that you tip your tour guide at the end of the tour. The amount you decide to tip is completely up to you.

How much should you tip?

When deciding how much to tip, think about the effort that your guide put into the tour and how much you enjoyed the tour overall.

Most tour participants tend to tip between €10 and €15 per person, but some people tip as much as €50 for outstanding tours.

What are the best free walking tours in Madeira?

Free walking tour in the main city of Madeira

Madeira may be a small island in the Atlantic Ocean but it has a lot to offer in terms of culture and natural beauty. Join your expert local guide, who’s also a biologist, as you make your way around the main city of Madeira.

As you walk through the city streets, your guide will fill you in on the history of famous figures who once lived on the island, such as Infante D. Henrique and Gonçalves Zarco among others.

You’ll also learn why Funchal once had one of the most important harbors in the world and what diseases were once treated on the island.

Old Town free walking tour in Funchal

Put on your walking shoes and embark on an adventure that explores the Old Town of Funchal in depth. The Old Town quite recently experienced major improvements, making it a beautiful place to walk around and learn more about local history and culture.

In addition to the Old Town, you’ll also get to see the first-ever fort built in Funchal. You’ll also get to learn about the island’s world-famous wine and your guide will give you insider tips about the best bars in Funchal.

Prepare to see some of the significant damage caused by floods and other natural disasters as you walk around the areas surrounding the picturesque Old Town. Feel free to ask your guide any questions that you may have regarding Funchal and what to do during the rest of your stay.

Funchal essentials free walking tour

Did you know that Funchal was the first place where the Portuguese settled in the 15th century? From then on, Madeira became a significant location in the Atlantic Ocean as ships could stop to restock their various supplies.

Travel back in time as you begin to understand everything from Madeira’s mass sugar production all the way through to the digital nomad hotspots that the island is famous for today. Your expert local guide is there to show you the way and ensure that you don’t miss a thing.

This tour is perfect for newcomers to the island as you’ll see a range of popular tourist sites as well as some of Madeira’s hidden gems. Enjoy a coffee pitstop around halfway through the tour and don’t forget to wear comfortable walking shoes for a blister-free experience.

Cultural and natural free walking tour in Funchal

The island of Madeira is known for two main things in particular, which are its rich culture and its gorgeous natural beauty. This free walking tour focuses on these two aspects in particular and you’ll soon gain an appreciation for the island’s culture and nature.

Meet your enthusiastic local tour guide in front of the Chapel of Santa Catarina before you begin walking toward the Marina do Funchal, where you’ll learn more about the city’s maritime history. Next, you’ll visit the fortress of São Lourenço, which was built in the 16th century.

Some of the other attractions you’ll see on the tour include the Avenida do Mar, the Madeira Assembly, Funchal Gate, the Fort of São Tiago, the Old Town of Funchal and many more along the way.

In which languages is it operated?

While Portuguese is the official language of Madeira, most visitors are English-speaking and for this reason free walking tours in Madeira are all operated in English. You could always ask your guide to teach you a few Portuguese words if you want to familiarize yourself with the local language.

Where does it start?

Free walking tours in Madeira usually begin at easy-to-find landmarks in the main city of Funchal. Some of the most popular meeting points include Santa Catarina Park and the CR7 Christiano Ronaldo Museum among others.

Make certain that you arrive at the starting point at least 5-10 minutes before the tour is meant to start so that you don’t get left behind or keep anyone waiting for you.

How long does it last?

The majority of free walking tours in Madeira last around 2.5 hours, but there are also a few shorter walking tours that are closer to 1.5 hours in length.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Not all free walking tours in Madeira are suitable for wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility. However, there are a few tours—such as the free cultural and natural tour of Funchal—that are proudly wheelchair friendly.

When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Madeira?

The best time for a free walking tour is in the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During this time, you'll experience mild and pleasant weather ideal for exploring outdoors, without the tourist crowds of the high summer season.

Should you book tickets online?

Free walking tours in Madeira are some of the most popular and affordable experiences that the island has to offer. Because of their popularity, these tours can fill up quite quickly and it is important to reserve your spot ahead of time if you want to avoid disappointment.

Booking your tickets online could not be easier and there are no costs involved. It is also free to cancel your reservation should something else come up. With a few simple clicks, you can reserve your spot on your preferred walking tour and begin planning the rest of your Madeira itinerary.

What other sightseeing tours can you do in Madeira?

• Hop-on hop-off bus tours in Madeira
• Scooter tours in Madeira
• City tours in Madeira