At any time of year, Funchal, with its mild climate, is the ideal destination for a mini-vacation. There are many places to visit in this city with over 500 years of existence and some aren't to be missed.
The best way to visit Funchal historic city center is by foot. The tour begins in the Sé, with a gothic structure built in the 16th century. As we enter, we must look up to admire the precious alfarge roof made of Mudejar cedar wood.
Also to visit is the College Church, with its sober façade hiding a lush interior rich in gilded woodwork, 17th century altarpieces and tile panels.
Funchal Cathedral
College Church
Opposite Largo do Municipio, in the former Episcopal Palace, is the Museum of Sacred Art, whose collection highlights the core of Flemish art from the 15th-16th centuries, testimony to commercial contacts with Flanders, where sugarcane was sold. sugar cane grown on the island.
To taste this and other local flavors at the Farmers Market, we will have plenty to occupy the senses: from exotic fruits to traditional delights like honey cake, not to mention handicraft shops, dress-up flower sellers and lively ones. Fish stalls.
We continue through the old town, to São Tiago Fort, where the Museum of Contemporary Art is installed. We can know the most appreciated products of the region in the Embroidery and Wine Museums. This is where we learn all about the beautiful pieces of delicate embroidery, and the liqueur wine that gained fame in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, being much appreciated in European courts.
São Tiago Fort
Beach of São Tiago
Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport had a dreaded runway, but with the new runway 2000 all planes land easily. From Lisbon to Madeira, non-stop, it is 1h45min. from Porto 2 hours. To Porto Santo by plane it takes about 25 minutes from the island of Madeira.
Madeira Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport
Tourists in Funchal also gather to enjoy activities such as diving in the crystal clear waters, boat trips, swimming with dolphins, spending the day at sea watching whales, taking excursions along the coast and through the eucalyptus-scented mountain woods, go paragliding on the coast, enjoy excellent golfing on the island's famous courses or simply enjoy a snack in the numerous street cafes or garden terraces.
Of course Funchal has not lost its famous charm, as tourists (beach and night) live peacefully with each other. Not only does the island strive to take care of the more mature tourists who enjoy long walks in the sun, enjoy the scenery and the alfresco dinners, it is also an increasingly appealing destination for young modern Europeans, many of them from the world. mainland to the island on weekends just to enjoy the parties and nightlife.
