Madeira is a small island with dramatic landscapes, so almost anywhere is reachable as a day trip from Funchal. The roads wind through mountains and along sea cliffs, and every direction offers something different.
Monte
Less than three kilometers northeast of Funchal, Monte is an easy half-day trip. The main draw is the toboggan ride, a wicker sled steered by drivers in white uniforms that hurtles downhill back to Funchal in under ten minutes. Also worth visiting are the Nossa Senhora do Monte Church, dating from the 18th century, and the Monte Palace Tropical Garden with its thousands of plant species.
Ilhas Desertas
The Deserted Islands are three uninhabited volcanic islands about 16 kilometers southeast of Funchal. Boat trips run from the harbor and cost roughly 100 euros. Deserta Grande is the usual destination. The islands are a nature reserve, home to 16 bird species, tarantulas, and a small population of Mediterranean monk seals.