Choose Green Transport in Funchal

Walking is truly the best way to explore the historic city center. Most famous landmarks are located very close to each other for easy access. You can enjoy the fresh sea breeze while reducing your personal carbon footprint. This simple choice helps keep the mountain air clean for every resident.

For longer trips, you should use the efficient public bus system. The Horários do Funchal buses cover most tourist areas for a low price. You can buy a rechargeable GIRO card at many kiosks across the city. This card makes using public transit simple and very affordable for travelers.

Try electric bike rentals in Funchal to tackle the city's steep hills. These bikes make climbing the winding streets much easier for most active visitors. Several shops near the harbor offer daily rentals starting at around €25. This is a fun and eco-friendly way to see the sights.

Consider taking the cable car for great views and shared transportation. It connects the old town to the beautiful Monte area in minutes. A round trip ticket costs around €18 for an adult in 2026. Sharing transport options helps reduce the number of individual cars on roads.

Support Local Artisans and Markets

Buying local goods helps the island economy and reduces transport emissions. Visit the Mercado dos Lavradores to find fresh and seasonal regional produce. Look for exotic fruits like passion fruit and delicious local wildflower honey. These items represent the true flavors of Madeira without the long shipping.

You should also look for traditional and handmade Madeira embroidery pieces. This delicate craft has a very long and proud history on the island. Buying from local artisans in Funchal ensures your money stays in the community. Authentic pieces often feature a special certification seal for quality.

Eat at small family-owned restaurants instead of visiting large global chains. These local spots often use fresh ingredients from nearby mountain farms. You can find traditional espetada or bolo do caco for very reasonable prices. A local meal usually costs between €12 and €20 per person.

Avoid buying mass-produced souvenirs that are made in other distant countries. Look for sustainable cork products or items made from local wicker materials. These materials are eco-friendly and represent the authentic culture of Madeira. Your support helps keep these traditional artisan skills alive today.

Practice Sustainable Marine Tourism

Funchal is famous for its diverse and beautiful Atlantic marine life. Many companies offer boat tours to see wild dolphins and whales. It is vital to choose operators who follow strict environmental ethics. They must always keep a safe distance from the marine animals.

Check for companies that have earned the official Blue Flag certification. These businesses prioritize the safety and health of the local ocean environment. You can book sustainable marine life tours directly at the main marina. Prices for these ethical tours usually start at about €35.

Never throw any trash or plastic into the deep Atlantic Ocean. Even small pieces of plastic can seriously harm vulnerable sea turtles. Use the bins provided on the boats or at the harbor docks. Keeping the water clean is a shared responsibility for all visitors.

Learn about the local sea life before you start your trip. The Câmara Municipal do Funchal provides information on local conservation efforts. Knowing more helps you appreciate the fragile ecosystem that you visit. Education is a key part of being a responsible global traveler.

Reduce Waste and Plastic Use

Madeira has high-quality tap water available in most urban areas. Bring a reusable bottle to avoid buying single-use plastic water bottles. You can find many public fountains throughout the historic city streets. This simple habit saves you money and reduces local landfill waste.

Many cafes now support plastic-free initiatives in Funchal for the year 2026. They might offer small discounts if you bring your own cup. Look for signs in windows that show these eco-friendly practices. Every small action helps protect the natural beauty of the island.

Dispose of your waste in the correct color-coded recycling bins. Funchal has specific bins for paper, glass, and plastic items. You will see these bins located near most major tourist spots. Proper sorting helps the city manage its precious resources much better.

Respect the Natural Levada Trails

The levadas are historic irrigation channels used for world-class hiking. They are part of the island's unique and vital cultural heritage. Always stay on the marked paths to protect the local plants. Walking off-trail can cause soil erosion and damage the environment.

Some hiking areas are part of the protected UNESCO World Heritage site. These ancient forests are very old and also very delicate. Do not pick any flowers or disturb the local wildlife. Take only photos and leave only your footprints behind you.

Carry all your trash back to the city after hiking. There are no trash bins located deep inside the forest trails. Even organic waste like banana peels can harm the natural balance. Keeping the trails clean ensures that others enjoy them too.