We were a party of four so took a taxi into town centre at less than shuttle bus cost. We had found a "free" (tips only) walking tour on the internet and spent 3 hours in company of a very entertaining local guide with a stop for custard tars and aperitifs. Late lunch and then back to ship.

Ship is is in the old city harbour so everything was very close. Tourist office has leaflet with walks where you just follow a coloured line on the pavement to see much of the town. Do not miss the tower with the camera obscura. Also saw a free archeological site in the new theatre building (need to book but only on the day)

Cannot see Gib is worth more than the half day we had. If you are homesick for English pubs or want a lot of duty free shopping then maybe but the fixed price taxi tour of the high rock was all that attracted us. This takes two hours and is well worth the price especially if you get a good driver when you can learn a lot about local life and attitudes.

Super place, ship moored close in, walk into town, lots of Roman ruins well presented and great tapas for lunch

Took another free walking tour with a local- great day- much better than expected. Yes there was a strike on by bin men but we accepted this and there was nothing dire!! We are planning to go back as we had eliminated this area as tacky tourist resort but we were wrong.

We had been to Funchal for a week a few years ago so we hired a car for 40 Euros (all in no excess) from a local car hire firm 10/20 minutes walk from the ship. Went to far end of island, had a great lunch in a cafe overlooking the sea, in bright sun, being serenaded by classical guitarist. Fabulous island- do not miss the glass floored balcony over the second highest cliff in the world!