Welcome to the green island Madeira and its capital Funchal, located in the south of the Portuguese Island. Funchal means fennel, and it was named this because the explorers that first discovered Madeira found the island covered in fennel plants. To this date the southern coastal region is the biggest agrarian area on the island.
The northern part is slightly colder and more humid whereas the center is mountainous and volcanic and therefore in parts only accessible by foot.
Funchal has a large harbor from where the island exports sugar and wine, as it did centuries ago. The more picturesque Aviendo do Mar yacht marina is surrounded by restaurants and a promenade. This is the perfect spot to sit on the marina wall and enjoy the ocean view.
Funchal is not only the administrational, cultural and social center of Madeira. Historical buildings, restaurants, shops, and hotels provide all the infrastructure that tourists hope for.
The city is divided into three parts. The western district is the tourist area where you will find most hotels. The Old Town, Zone Velha, is located in the eastern district. This historical core of Funchal has small fishing houses as well as impressive town homes from the 18th century, laid out around cozy court yards with black iron gates. Because of a striking resemblance Funchal is often called Little Lisbon.
The capital’s central district is the commercial downtown area, where modern architecture mixes with historical buildings.
All three districts are connected by the Avendia do Mar harbor promenade.
The city’s most famous sight is the Largo de Se Cathedral, built in 1514. The building is one of only a few that have remained untouched since the colonization. The intricate ceiling paintings and the choir are unique examples for sacral architecture.
The Museu de Arte Sacra displays statues and clothes of the wealthy Madeira traders that made money with sugarcane trade. The exhibition includes hundreds of items and is located in the former bishop’s palace.
A rental car will take you to Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro, the most beautiful flower park in all of Madeira.
The gardens were created by a French garden architect in the 17th century, by order of the Count of Carvalhal. The romantic flair of the gardens is only enhanced by the manor-house and the small baroque chapel. Keep a lookout for exotic animals that are more than comfortable in the tropical wildness of the park.
Another great destination for a day trip is Jardim Botanico, the botanical gardens, created in 1960. The local dracaenas grow next to South African proteas, exotic orchids, and desert cacti. The flower beds are particularly colorful and charming.
You do not have to leave Funchal to spend a nice day, though. The Mercado dos Lavradores, for example, is a popular place among locals as well as tourists. The market hall spreads out over three floors and perfectly represents Portuguese lifestyle. Monday thru Saturday market traders and local producers offer delicacies that will make your mouth water, local crafts like woven baskets, and flowers from all over the island.
Wine lovers will be very happy in the Adegas de Sao Francisco winery from the 17th century. The cobbled court yard carries the smell of old wood and Madeira, the local wine. You are more than welcome to sample a few drops and take a tour of the production facilities. Guides explain the unique boiling process during which Madeira is produced. Some of the barrels contain 150 year-old liquor.
If you want to check out one of the Funchal Museums, we recommend the Fortaleza de Sao Tiago, the museum of contemporary art. It is located in an old fortress, making the exhibition a true maze of great art.
A rental car will help you discover the island without being dependent on local public transport.
