Things to do in Santa Maria Maior

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Madeira Botanical Garden which includes flowers
Madeira Island showing a city
Botanical Garden which includes flowers
Photo by Sienna Kim
Photo by Sienna Kim
Photo by M Mullen
Photo by M Mullen
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Most popular activities in Santa Maria Maior

Tours & day trips

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City Sightseeing Funchal Madeira Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Bookable Extras

City Sightseeing Funchal Madeira Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Bookable Extras

Activity duration is 1 day
7.8 out of 10 with 23 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $29 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 225 activities
Madeira: Half-Day Pico Areeiro Jeep Tour

Madeira: Half-Day Pico Areeiro Jeep Tour

Activity duration is 4 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $47 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Valley of the Nuns Full Day Tour

Valley of the Nuns Full Day Tour

Activity duration is 8 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $288 per traveler*
Valley of the Nuns Full Day TourOpens in new tab

Wildlife & nature

See all 102 activities
Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Funchal: Dolphin and Whale Watching Catamaran Cruise

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 20 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $41 per adult
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Classes & workshops

See all 19 activities
Funchal: Madeira Island Group Surf Lesson

Funchal: Madeira Island Group Surf Lesson

Activity duration is 4 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $100 per adult
Funchal: Madeira Island Group Surf LessonOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Santa Maria Maior

Number of things to do
563
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Madeira: A Self-Guided Island Journey: $5
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Santa Maria Maior

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Santa Maria Maior? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Santa Maria Maior

Bronze Statue outside museum

CR7 Museum

You can spend time studying the exhibits at CR7 Museum in Sé. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the shops in this family-friendly area.

CR7 Museum
Looking down

Funchal Farmers Market

During your trip to Santa Maria Maior, you can do some window-shopping at Funchal Farmers Market. Stroll along the area's seaside, or simply savor its top-notch restaurants.

Funchal Farmers Market
Botanical Garden which includes flowers

Madeira Botanical Garden

One of Madeira’s most famous attractions is known for its scenic views and fascinating display of colorful flowers.

Madeira Botanical Garden
Town Square showing street scenes and a small town or village

Town Square

Defined by its striking black-and-white tiling, Funchal’s main square is surrounded by some of the city’s most interesting historic attractions.

Town Square
Monte Palace Gardens which includes a garden

Monte Palace Gardens

More than just a striking floral display, this beautiful garden is also home to an impressive collection of art.

Monte Palace Gardens
The Forum Shopping Mall in Funchal

Centro Comercial Forum Madeira

You can enjoy retail therapy at Centro Comercial Forum Madeira during your trip to São Martinho. Amble around this relaxing area's picturesque gardens and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Centro Comercial Forum Madeira
The view from the top of the church in Monte overlooking Funchal 😁

Funchal Cable Car - Monte Station

You can take time to visit Funchal Cable Car - Monte Station during your travels to Monte. Amble around this relaxing area's picturesque gardens and enjoy its lively bars.

Funchal Cable Car - Monte Station
Public garden on the island of flowers #lifeatexpedia

Funchal Municipal Garden

Explore the great outdoors at Funchal Municipal Garden, a lovely green space in Sé. Visit the area's shops or amble around its picturesque gardens.

Funchal Municipal Garden
Palheiro Gardens featuring outdoor art

Palheiro Gardens

Go for a stroll in these charming gardens, known for their rare and unique design, to see indigenous plants mingled with exotic species.

Palheiro Gardens

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Santa Maria Maior

Santa Cruz Beach featuring a pebble beach and a coastal town as well as a small group of people

Santa Cruz

Madeira

Funchal

Palheiro Gardens featuring a garden

Sao Goncalo

Madeira

Sé

Monte Palace Gardens which includes a pond

Monte

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Maria Maior worth visiting?
Whether you're here to enjoy the cultural attractions and local charm or try regional foods and go on outdoor adventures, there's no shortage of things to do in Santa Maria Maior.
How do I spend a day in Santa Maria Maior?
Start your day with a visit to CR7 Museum. Then, explore different areas of Santa Maria Maior for local restaurants and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Maria Maior?
The top tourist attraction near Santa Maria Maior is CR7 Museum, so don't forget to add it to your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Maria Maior?
Three days in Santa Maria Maior is plenty of time to tour the nearby attractions. Many travelers recommend CR7 Museum and Lido Bathing Complex, so why not add them to your agenda while you're in the area?
Is Santa Maria Maior a walkable neighborhood?
That depends on what you'd like to experience in and around Santa Maria Maior. Several top attractions, such as CR7 Museum and Lido Bathing Complex are accessible on foot. Up for a stroll through some other neighborhoods nearby? Sé is 1 mile from Santa Maria Maior, while Sé is 2 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Santa Maria Maior with kids?
Whether you're traveling with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, a fun-filled itinerary is the key to a stress-free getaway. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Santa Maria Maior with kids.

What to do in Santa Maria Maior for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or adventure seeker, there are plenty of things to do in Santa Maria Maior for adults including Museu da Madeira Wine Company.
Are there free things to do in Santa Maria Maior?
It's easy to find free things to do in Santa Maria Maior. Just ask a local tour guide and they'll point you toward attractions and places you can experience without spending a cent. An excellent free option for your itinerary is Se Cathedral.