Funchal Walking Tour: English Neighborhood & Historic Sites

A 16th-century convent built for the daughters of Madeira's nobility still stands at the heart of the city.

This private walking tour of Funchal covers the English neighborhood, Saint Claire's Monastery, the Church of St. Peter and the Quinta das Cruzes viewpoint with a live English-speaking guide over two hours. The Santa Clara Convent, built in the late 16th century by order of João Gonçalves da Câmara, anchors the route alongside the Church of St. Peter, which has served English-speaking residents and visitors for 185 years. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels and includes a private guide; you arrange your own transport to the starting point.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Funchal's historic sites and gardens

• Visit Church of St. Peter
• Admire Quinta das Cruzes Garden
• Tour Santa Clara Convent
• See old Jesuits' College

The Experience

What makes Funchal's history visible on foot? The answer is a walk that moves between the English neighborhood—a pocket of the city shaped by centuries of foreign settlement—and the religious and civic buildings that defined Madeira's colonial era. The Church of St. Peter has stood for 185 years as a gathering place for English speakers and visitors from around the world, hosting weddings, concerts and music events. From there, the route leads to the Santa Clara Convent, built in the late 16th century to house the daughters of local nobility, a structure that still carries the weight of that purpose through its architecture and grounds.

The Quinta das Cruzes Garden holds two magnificent 16th-century Manueline windows carved in basalt, and archaeological sculptures including a tombstone traditionally believed to cover the remains of "Henry the German." The old Jesuits' College, now the University of Madeira's rectory, anchors the final stretch—a building that has witnessed more than four centuries of history and now serves as a focal point for exhibitions and tours. A live guide in English walks the route with you, moving between these sites and the manor houses of Madeiran families, connecting the pieces of how the city took shape.

The tour runs two hours and covers ground suitable for all fitness levels. You'll need to arrange your own transport to meet the guide at the starting point; public transportation options are available nearby. Service animals are welcome on the walk.

What’s included

Private tour with a live English-speaking guide; access to all four sites on the walking route.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Madeiran Heritage

Is this one for you?Two hours leaves room for other activities in your day without rushing through the sites, so you can move between the English neighborhood, the convent and the viewpoint without feeling pressed for time.

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Top questions

What is the Church of St. Peter used for today?

The Church of St. Peter remains a vibrant venue for weddings, concerts and music events, serving both English-speaking residents on the island and visitors from around the world. It has held that role for 185 years.

Why was the Santa Clara Convent built?

The Santa Clara Convent was built in the late 16th century by order of João Gonçalves da Câmara, the second captain-major of Madeira, to gather the daughters of the local nobility near his father's residence.

What can I see at the Quinta das Cruzes Garden?

Quinta das Cruzes Garden holds two magnificent 16th-century Manueline windows sculpted in basalt and archaeological sculptures, including a tombstone traditionally believed to cover the remains of "Henry the German."

How long does the tour take?

The walking tour runs two hours and covers the English neighborhood, Saint Claire's Monastery, the Church of St. Peter and the Quinta das Cruzes viewpoint with a live English-speaking guide.

What is the old Jesuits' College now?

The old Jesuits' College of Funchal, which witnessed more than four centuries of history, is now the University of Madeira's rectory and serves as a focal point for exhibitions, tours and visitor services.