Funchal Electric Car Self-Guided Tour: Explore City & Câmara de Lobos

Summary

Drive Your Own Electric Car Around Funchal’s Highlights

You’ll get to explore Funchal’s best spots—markets, historic squares, beaches, even a fishing village—all at your own pace in an easy-to-drive electric car. The app tells you stories as you go, so you won’t miss any details or hidden gems along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air in Funchal always feels a bit salty, especially near the marina where we picked up our little electric car. After a quick intro from the staff—super patient with my questions about parking—we set off, the app’s voice guide chirping in with stories as we rolled past Mercado dos Lavradores. The market’s not just for tourists; you’ll see locals bargaining over bananas or picking out flowers for their balconies. I couldn’t resist grabbing a handful of passion fruit from a vendor who called out “bom dia!” as we passed.

We zigzagged through narrow lanes to Praça do Município, where the city hall sits grand but not intimidating. There’s usually someone playing guitar on a bench here, and today was no different—soft chords mixing with the sound of church bells from Sé Cathedral nearby. Parking was easy enough (just watch for paid spots), so we hopped out to peek inside the cathedral. The carved wooden ceiling is something you have to see in person—photos don’t do it justice.

Later, we cruised west along the coast toward Formosa beach. The road dips and curves, giving you glimpses of black sand and pebbles below. It’s windy here; I had to hold onto my hat when we stepped out for a closer look at the waves crashing in. If you keep going, you’ll reach Câmara de Lobos—a fishing village that feels like time slowed down. Old men mending nets by their colorful boats (“Xavelhas,” our guide explained) and kids chasing each other along the quay. We parked near a tiny café called “O Pescador” and tried poncha—the local drink—which tasted sharp and sweet at once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Funchal and Câmara de Lobos

• Visit Mercado dos Lavradores
• Explore Praça do Município
• Pass by Funchal's marina
• Tour Cathedral of Funchal
• Relax at Formosa beach
• Visit Câmara de Lobos fishing village

Top questions

Can I park the electric car anywhere?

You can park wherever cars or motorcycles are allowed—just check if it’s a paid lot before leaving your vehicle.

What happens if the battery runs out during my tour?

No worries! Call the support number on your car and help will be on its way quickly.

Is this suitable for families with kids?

Yes! Kids aged 7-12 (or at least 1.20m tall) can ride in booster seats—just let us know ahead of time if you need one.

Do I need to follow a set route?

Nope—you can choose your own path around Funchal or even head out to Câmara de Lobos or other recommended areas within city limits.

What’s included

Your rental includes an exclusive app with audio guides, curated routes covering all major sights in Funchal, full support from our team during your drive, and use of the electric convertible for your chosen time slot.