Madeira is a Portuguese island situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, southwest of Portugal.
Exploring the Tranquility of Funchal City on the Island of Madeira in Portugal
Funchal is the place to visit if you are traveling to the Island of Madeira in Portugal as it is the largest city and has so much to offer to visitors. The enchanting town of Funchal offers everything that travelers are looking for from an island city: quiet life, warm and hospitable inhabitants, historical sites, and museums, all in combination with pleasant activities that will fill every day you spend on the island with your family. Although with a population that does not exceed 100,000 inhabitants, this city has a lot to offer you if you are willing to take the time to get to know it. Besides, it is not possible to visit the famous island of Madeira and miss the quality of Funchal. This cordial city is waiting for you as long as you know how to “unlock” its secrets. So let's get started!
Funchal Cathedral
Funchal Cathedral
Funchal Cathedral
Arriving in the city center, you will notice the Funchal Cathedral standing majestically, displaying the grandeur and prosperity that prevailed during its construction in the early 16th century. Passing its gothic gate, you will come in contact with the interior of the cathedral, which is decorated with cedar wood produced on the island and with a stunning roof that follows the rules of Mudejar decoration.
The Old Town of Funchal
The old town of Funchal is full of life and action of its inhabitants. In this area you can find the majority of its shops and restaurants, with well-known shopping streets such as Rua do Aljube and Rua da Carreira, which you can wander through doing your usual travel shopping. The city comes to life, even more, when tourists arrive on the island with boats that dock at the port. But despite the traffic on the island's shopping streets and the crowded local restaurants, the city retains this “local” and unique character.
The Street Art of Rua da Santa Maria
Rua da Santa Maria is one of the oldest streets in all of Funchal, dating back to 1430. As you may have guessed it got its name because this cobbled street leads to Santa Maria Maior Church, full of various restaurants and cafes on your left and right. After the successful attempt of the local council in 2014 to renovate the previously damaged and desolate area, the street was turned into a vast outdoor “gallery” with beautiful designs painted on the old doors of the houses by local artists—definitely a special journey for all of you Instagrammers.
Monte Civil Parish
The urban parish of Monte has been considered for many years one of the top (if not the top) destination of the city of Funchal, located a few miles east of the town. There are several ways to visit this place, but one of the most ideal is by car. If you do not have your own vehicle with you, you could be led to the solution of a rental car. Enjoy Travel provides you with rental cars in Funchal, where you can choose from dozens of car options and offers that meet your personal needs. So drive to the suburb of Monte, explore the Botanical Gardens of Madeira, with the beautiful red and green motifs that adorn its gardens, and walk the stairs that lead to the Church of “Our Lady of Monte” for a walk that will offer you peace and comfort.
Of course, there are other options that the picturesque city of Funchal offers you, but we referred to your main options, in case your trip to Funchal and Madeira, in general, does not last long enough. In any case, make sure that your trip to Funchal contains exquisite experiences knowing its local history, appreciating its excellent food, interacting with its inhabitants, and enjoying its overall beauty.
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