Funchal, the bright capital of Madeira.
Funchal is the capital of the Madeira archipelago, located in Portugal. Founded in 1421 in the southeastern area of the main island.
Its population can count more than 110,000 inhabitants, and the surface covers an area of approximately 72 km². The city is divided into 10 districts, but in large lines it could be divided into three main areas; The area of the real city, which includes the area that goes more or less from the casino to the old town,
Where you can live a little more the spirit of the city, having always at your fingertips whatever services, the monuments to visit and the local cafes, restaurants and a beautiful beach. Then there is the most tourist area like São Martinh where you will find more modern buildings and tourist sites almost exclusively touristic. If you book a house on the north side of this area, or in the San Martinh area, prepare to walk uphill and downhill.
The third part is the upstream area, a little harder to walk, but you can get there thanks to a convenient cable car that starts from the old town.
– Climate in Funchal.
Weather in Funchal is mild throughout the year, a real eternal spring.
The minimum temperatures range from 13 ° for the colder months to 20 ° for warmer months; instead, average maximum temperatures range from 20 degrees for the winter months to 26 degrees in the summer months.
The rains are moderate intensity in the months between October and March, while they are very low in the remaining periods of the year.
To see the weather in Madeira in detail or to know the weather in Funchal at this precise moment, please visit this page: Climate in Madeira.
– What to see in Funchal?
There are many attractions and places to visit in the capital of Madeira, below I will outline a list of the most notable attractions in the city.
Contents – The old city of Funchal and the beach.One of the most fascinating places in Funchal is the old town, “Zona Velha“, where you can find a wide variety of local cuisines, the Madeira Story Center, the Capela Do Corpo Santo and a beautiful beach. Towards the beach area you will enjoy a unique panorama, sunbathing on the ocean, strolling through parks and ancient monuments, or returning to one of the many bars or restaurants in the neighborhood. You will also find a cable car which takes you to Monte Palace Tropical Garden.
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– The Monastery of Santa Clara.Another interesting place to visit is the monastery of Santa Clara, which was built in the 16th century for the clergy nuns. You will definitely find it during your relaxing walks to the center of Funchal. You can find it open from Monday to Saturday at these times: 10:00 – 12:00 – 15:00 – 17:00. The cost of the 30 minute tour for the monastery is 2 euros per person, with this visit you will seem to make a real dive in the past.
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– Church of San Pedro, Funchal.Works for the construction of this church were started in the 15th century, but they were finished only in the 18th; which makes it a very complete church both from the varied use of different architectural styles and from the care of the details. The church is small, but inside it is richly decorated, a warm and friendly place where you can spend some time in peace and have some inner reflection.. The church is located in the old part of the city, it opened in the morning and closes at 12.00 and then reopens at 15:00.
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– Monte Palace Tropical Garden.It is a fantastic botanic garden that extends for about 70,000 square feet, and is located in the northeast of the city, one of the most visited tourist attractions. Nature in this place is amazing, and you will have the opportunity to admire a varied flower show of all colors and all sorts from all over the world! All accompanied by a specially designed background music. Also, in the same area you can visit a museum with two floors dedicated to African sculptures and a third floor where a varied number of minerals are exposed.
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– Wine Museum in MadeiraThe Blandy’s Wine Lodge is a stopover that cannot be missed on a complete Madeira tour, with only 4 euros you can take a guided tour of the wineries with a good final tasting of 3 excellent Madeira wines of different vintages. During the wine festival you can also watch musical performances and the beating of grapes by barefoot tourists.
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– Funchal Market “Mercado dos Lavradores”Funchal is also famous for its markets, where you can find fish and fresh fruit for everyone, an explosive mix of colors and perfumes. The most important and famous is the “Mercado dos Lavradores”, at the entrance you will see a wide variety of flowers, plants, and colorful compositions that emanate unique scents. Next, where fish, fruit and vegetables of all kinds are displayed, simple or processed. You will find plenty of juicy exotic fruits, both fresh and dried, freshly picked vegetables and fresh fish for all tastes. A little advice, just pay attention to the prices before buying 😉
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Other interesting churches are Igreja de San Pedro, Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte and Se Cathedral.
As for the museums, you could opt for a visit of the Home Museum of Frederico de Freitas, an important Portuguese composer and Madeira Story Center, where you’ll discover the origins of the city and of the entire island.
If you have time, you can’t miss a trip at Pico de Arieiro, a 5,965 ft-high mountain which ensures amazing views.
Not so far from the harbor there is the cost where you can do a relaxing walk while drinking “chinesa”, a traditional coffee served by several Bar among La Marina.
