Funchal Madeira

Funchal Madeira is one of the first cities on the island. Its name comes from the Portuguese "funcho", which means "fennel", and it was given to the place thanks to the abundance of wild fennel that existed there when the first people arrived. The city was founded by Joao Goncalvez Zarco and soon became the most important centre of industry in Madeira. The islands, and Funchal specifically, were vulnerable to privateer and pirate attacks. Today you can still see the old walls of the city fortress, Pico Fortress, which was used as protection. Sao Tiago Fort also gave important protection against the pirates.

Funchal Madeira Port

Funchal is located on the south coast of Madeira and is the sunniest, which makes its weather the best on the island. Even though the city had to fight a flood in February 2010, Funchal has surprisingly recovered in just a few weeks, not wanting to lose its touristic potential. The stunning bay surrounded by mountains and banana plantations makes Funchal one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal, although new buildings and five-star hotels have detracted from its beauty lately. Try walking in the old part of the city if you prefer to get in touch with the traditional Funchal Madeira. There you will get a better idea of what the city looked like in the old days.

Experience the Culture

Funchal Madeira has also been on of the Atlantic Cruise Ships' main port for many years now. The location of the port, right in the middle of the city, offers a nice view for visitors. You can just lie back having coffee or lunch in the restaurants near the port, admiring the cruise ships as they keep coming and going. You can explore the marina with its fine seafood restaurants before admiring the city's impressive Se cathedral with its beautiful architecture and artworks, or you can wander and lose yourself in the old town with its quaint cobblestones, craft shops and pavement cafes. Also, if you want to eat in Funchal, you should try the old part of the city - it is full of restaurants and the food offer is very diverse. Go there in the evening to enjoy a night of live fado music, if you didn't get the chance to do it elsewhere in mainland Portugal. Although you may have the opportunity to meet some very good singers of fado, the experience itself is touristy, as locals don't usually go to these places. 

Gardens

If you prefer walking, go to the Botanical Gardens to view the dazzling presentations of orchids, cactus and dragon trees or try the parks and wonderful gardens in Funchal Madeira, Municipal Garden and Santa Catarina Park. They are a true spectacle of nature's most beautiful plants and trees.

For the Active

Funchal is also the place where you can attend the famous festivals and celebrations on the island. From the Flower Festival, where all the streets are covered with flower motives, to the Carnival, when thousands of people are dancing and singing, the Wine Festival and the Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations, you can find in the capital all the events and surely you won't get bored. If you want even more activity, try the nightlife. Even though most tourists over 50 years old, Funchal enjoys some clubs and student bars for the young and young at heart. Depending on your mood and travel style, in Funchal Madeira you may experience everything a tourist should from the Maideiran culture.