Funchal’s drinking scene offers three standout tours worth your time and money.
The 4-hour Craft Beer Tour brings you straight to the source, with stops at quality local breweries where you’ll taste everything from crisp pale ales to robust stouts.
I especially love the Bar Hopping experience through the historic Zona Velha district – it’s authentic and gives you a real slice of local nightlife.
The 3-hour Pub Crawl combines good drinks with fascinating stories about Funchal’s past, making it my top pick for curious travelers who want context with their cocktails.
Let’s look at my favorite drinking tours in detail…
Good To Know
- Madeira’s craft beer tour offers a 4-hour exploration of local breweries, allowing visitors to sample diverse craft beers.
- The Madeira bar hopping tour provides a 4-hour guided experience through Funchal’s vibrant nightlife in the Zona Velha district.
- The Funchal pub crawl is a 3-hour immersive journey through the city’s best pubs, with cultural and historical context.
- All tours include hotel/cruise transfers and at least one drink per stop, catering to adult participants.
- Private group options are available for the Madeira craft beer tour and bar hopping tour for a more personalized experience.
Madeira: Craft Beer Tour
The Madeira Craft Beer Tour is a 4-hour activity that takes participants to local breweries on the island. Priced from $52.05 per person, the tour is conducted in English with a live guide. Guests can enjoy a private group option and choose from various starting times, though availability may vary.
Pickup and drop-off locations include Funchal and Canicão. During the tour, visitors will sample an array of craft beers, learning about the history and brewing techniques at each stop. The experience promises a laid-back atmosphere where beer enthusiasts can mingle.
Guests can expect to try pale ales, stouts, IPAs, and other distinctive brews with unique ingredients. The tour includes hotel/cruise transfers, reserved seating, and at least one beer per bar. However, it’s not suitable for pregnant women or children under 18.
Booking is easy, with the option to reserve a spot without upfront payment and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. This allows for flexible travel plans.
Read our full review: Madeira: Craft Beer Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Madeira: Bar Hopping
A 4-hour Madeira: Bar Hopping tour takes guests through Funchal’s vibrant nightlife district, Zona Velha. At $47.81 per person, this likely-to-sell-out activity includes visits to top bars, at least one drink per stop, and hotel/cruise transfers.
The tour, led by a live English-speaking guide, picks up and drops off at Funchal, Câmara De Lobos, and Caniço. While the itinerary is subject to change, participants can expect reserved seating and the opportunity to purchase additional drinks.
This tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or children under 18. However, private group experiences are available.
With a 5/5 rating from one review praising the “lots of facts about the island and the hikes,” the Madeira: Bar Hopping tour caters to couples, groups of friends, solo travelers, and families seeking an immersive nightlife experience in Funchal.
Read our full review: Madeira: Bar Hopping Review
Book now: Check availability
Funchal: Pub Crawl
Funchal’s vibrant nightlife takes center stage with the Funchal Pub Crawl, an immersive 3-hour journey through the city’s best watering holes. Priced from $58.43 per person, this small-group tour is limited to 8 participants and features a live English-speaking guide.
Convenience is key, with pickup and drop-off included in the 9-seater van’s itinerary. Travelers can reserve their spot with no upfront payment and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The itinerary may vary, but the experience promises visits to Funchal’s top pubs, allowing participants to savor favorite drinks from home. Local guides provide cultural and historical context, enhancing the overall experience.
However, this tour isn’t suitable for everyone. Pregnant women, those with mobility issues, children under 18, and individuals with certain medical conditions are advised to refrain.
Alcoholic beverages are included, and extra drinks, meals, or snacks can be purchased as optional extras.
Read our full review: Funchal: Pub Crawl Review
Book now: Check availability
Questions About Staying Here
Is It Safe to Drink and Drive in Funchal?
Drinking and driving is illegal and highly dangerous in Funchal, as in most places. It puts lives at risk and can result in severe penalties. The safest option is to avoid driving altogether after consuming alcohol.
What Are the Drinking Age Requirements in Madeira?
The legal drinking age in Madeira is 18 years old. Visitors should be aware of this requirement and refrain from underage drinking. It’s important to consume alcohol responsibly and avoid driving under the influence to ensure safety on the island.
Do All Bars in Funchal Accept Credit Cards?
Most bars in Funchal accept credit cards, but it’s always wise to check with individual establishments. Some smaller or more traditional venues may only accept cash, so it’s a good idea to have some local currency on hand.
Can I Bring My Own Alcohol on the Tours?
It depends on the specific tour company’s policies. Some may allow bringing your own alcohol, while others may prohibit it to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants. It’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand.
What Are the Public Intoxication Laws in Funchal?
In Funchal, public intoxication is generally prohibited. Individuals who are visibly intoxicated in public may face fines or other penalties. It’s important to be mindful of one’s alcohol consumption and to avoid disruptive or unsafe behavior while out in public.
Worth The Stay
Madeira’s craft beer tour, bar hopping, and Funchal’s pub crawl offer visitors a chance to experience the island’s vibrant nightlife. These tours provide a guided exploration of local watering holes, showcasing the diversity of Madeira’s drinking culture. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or simply looking to soak up the lively atmosphere, these experiences promise an unforgettable taste of the island’s social scene.