will be in Funchal for the day off a cruise. Prefer not to take a tour. Is there much available for the day without a tour ? Do we need a taxi ? Cable car to Monte seems interesting. Can you walk from the cruise port to the cable car ? Thanks

I was in Funchal about 9 years ago, it is a beautiful city. We took the cable car up to the botanical garden, which I highly recommend. It is quite spectacular, and has gorgeous views. There is a small natural history museum there, as well as a cafe where you can have lunch. I'm sorry, I don't remember how close the cable car station is to the area where the cruise ships dock (I wasn't on a cruise).

The cruise port is about a 20 minute walk or so, 5 minutes in a taxi, from the cable car station, follow the signs for the Teleférico-Término. The gardens will take a couple of hours at least.

Depending on how long you'll have back in the town, stroll around and have a coffee, have a look at the Madeira Story Centre opposite the cable car station.

Thanks for the replies. We are relatively fit 70+ travelers, but I would love to make the 20+ minute walk to the cable car. Is the walk uphill, downhill, interesting, or safe ? Sorry that this sounds so much like beginners, which we are not. Thanks again.

Depending on when you will be there, you can visit the Market of Funchal (Mercado dos Lavradores).

The walk from he cruise terminal to the old town (where the cale car to Monte and the Madeira Story museum) are located is completely flat along the ocean promenade. But note Madeira is a very hilly place and there are some very steep ones elsewhere, such as once you get up to Monte Palace Gardens on the cable car (not trying to put you off, it is a wonderful experience on a nice day).

There's been a lot of construction to improve the appearance of the area nearest the cruise terminal pier, and more generally the sea defences, but I believe this is now complete. It's a pleasant 20 minute walk with some gardens and outdoor seafront cafes/restaurants along the way.

As far as safety is concerned, Madeira is one of the safest places in the worlds that you could visit.

Sorry for all the spelling mistakes in my post (wireless keyboard needs upgrading).

Thinking about the Monte Palace Gardens, although it is built into a steep hillside, they do operate an electric golf cart type vehicle to take people back up to the exit at the top of the hill if they don't fancy the climb, so suitable for all.