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Madeira is one of two autonomous regions of Portugal (the other being the Azores), located roughly 500 kilometers from the African coast. Madeira is actually an archipelago, also containing the islands of Porto Santo, the Desertas, and the Savage Islands. The island, and more specifically, the capital city of Funchal (where half of the population lives), is the birthplace of Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s most famous footballer. The airport is even named after him! What an honor!

Check out my drone video of the island of Madeira below!

Madeira is believed to be first referenced in 72 BC by Plutarch. Furthermore, there is certain archeological evidence that shows Vikings visiting the island between 900 and 1030. It was described in many medieval manuscripts before it was eventually settled in 1418 by two Portuguese captains who were blown off course by a storm.

In this blog post, I will cover the town of Funchal on the island of Madeira. A Google Map of these places I will talk about can be seen at the end of this article. You can see all my Madeira related blog posts below:

• Funchal (Blog Post: What to see in Funchal on the island of Madeira)

• Madeira (Blog Post: Madeira: One of Portugal's Most Beautiful Islands)

Funchal is the largest city in Madeira with a population of over 100,000 which makes it the 6th largest in all of Portugal. It is a popular port for cruise ships and summer destination due to its abundant sunshine. It was settled back in 1424 and was named Funchal since the first settlers noticed the wild fennel that grew on the island, which in portuguese translated to ‘Funcho’, and the suffix ‘al’ added to that means a fennel plantation. The most popular person to come out of this island (and Funchal) has to be the Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.

If you like some of my photos that you have come across, just know that I have many prints showcasing a variety of landscapes, including Madeira, available for purchase below! (Sold as Posters, Canvas, or in Metal-Frames and Wooden-Frames).

CR7 Museum

The Cristiano Ronaldo Museum or more known as Museu CR7 is decided to the Portuguese footballer and is essentially a glorified trophy room. I’m not a big football fan but his accolades and accomplishments are still nonetheless, impressive. Above the museum is a hotel as well.

Forte de Sao Tiago

This fortress was built in the 1500s to protect the coastline from piracy on the order of Philip I of Portugal. It has since been a military garrison throughout armed conflicts and a haven for natural disasters for survivors such as those impacted by major flooding of the island in 1803. Between 1992 and 2014, it was the Contemporary Art Museum of Funchal.

Present day it doesn’t appear to be open to tourists. However that doesn’t stop many tourists and locals alike from taking in the sun on its perimeter. There are a few places to enter the water just near the fort, but use caution as there are plenty of volcanic rocks and strong waves that can give you trouble.

Funchal Teleférico

One of the first things you may notice about Funchal, and Madeira as a whole, is how everything seems to be built on a hill. As you go from the airport to Funchal, you will see meandering pathways with ever changing elevation with the roads you will take. So perhaps one of the best ways to get around is to take the Teleferico, or Funchal cable car, so no walking up any major hills is needed.

Since Funchal is seen as a Garden City, it is one of the best places to see by air. The cable car takes care of this in spades. Located near the waterfront in Funchal, the Teleferico is one of the main attractions of the city. Each car can fit about 6 people and is about 18 euros round trip for an adult. The trip to the top takes you to the small parish of Monte.

Botanical Garden Cable Car

There is another cable car station even beyond Monte that takes visitors to Teleférico Jardim Botânico. This is Madeira’s most popular botanical garden and is aptly named Loiro Park. The 8 hectare garden includes an amphitheater and a large collection of trees, shrubs, and even orchids.

Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Monte (Church of Our Lady of the Mount)

This is the main church in the parish of Monte and can best be accessed by the Madeira Teleférico. A chapel was first built on this site back in 1470 by actually the first man ever born on Madiera, Adão Gonçalves Ferreira. Just a few months after completion, an earthquake severely damaged the structure which was subsequently rebuild centuries later in 1818.

The view from the small church courtyard shows all of Funchal. We stopped at one of the small cafes nearby for an afternoon tea before heading back down into Funchal.

Reid Palace

Speaking of afternoon tea, this was precisely what we did at Reid Palace in Funchal. On our last vacation day, we took advantage of this and dressed smartly, and made our way to the venue. The dress is in fact smart casual for afternoon tea and seems to be adequately enforced. Upon arrival, we were greeted by nearly every member of the stuff in such a cordial way. We then picked our desired tea and were given a selection of sandwiches. Once we finished them, we were asked if we wanted more and it then dawned on us that…the sandwiches were unlimited! This is also true with the spread of cookies and scones they serve up afterwards too. Come hungry and order a glass of champagne to augment the experience (glass of champagne not included in the price of the afternoon tea).

Funchal Cathedral

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption (Portuguese: Sé Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Assunção) is located in the middle of Funchal, built in the late 1400s. The amazing thing is is that this structure has survived centuries of natural disasters and war time conquests without significant damage. The patron of the cathedral is Our Lady of the Assumption (Portuguese: Nossa Senhora da Assunção).

Praia Formosa

The Praia Formosa area is located on the western part of Funchal in the Funchaland fashion district. It is known for its night clubs and beach resorts. In fact there are four beach areas within Praia Formosa: Praia Formosa, Praia dos Namorados, Praia do Areeiro, and Praia Nova. You can indulge in water sports here as well as take part in the vibrant night life.

Santa Catarina Park

On our walk towards Reid Palace for afternoon tea, we stumbled across Santa Catarina Park. Located between Avenida do Infante and Avenida Sá Carneiro, it overlooks Funchal port and is one of the largest green spaces in the city. It was created in 1966 and features statues of Prince Henry the Navigator and Christopher Columbus. It is widely decorated with flowerbeds, trees, herbs, and shrubs from all over the world.

Fortaleza de São João Baptista do Pico

The Fortress of São João Baptista do Pico, is also known as Fortaleza do Pico, is located in the parish of São Pedro. It was built as part of the defensive fortifications in Funchal to protect against pirate attacks which were frequent in Madeira during the Philippine Dynasty. Aside from the impressive construction of the fortress, it also gives some of the best panoramic views of Funchal.

Although this is not a comprehensive list of what to see in Funchal, it certainly covers some highlights of what to expect. I would recommend making your home base in Funchal and renting a car to see other parts of Madeira. Furthermore, I would also say that 3 days around Funchal is plenty for seeing and experience it to the fullest.

If you’re keen on seeing more of Portugal, plan your trips by checking out my blog posts below from the Portuguese mainland:

• Lisbon (Blog Post: Sightseeing in Lisbon? Learn how to surf too!)

• Sintra (Blog Post: Do not go to Lisbon without seeing Sintra: a day trip guide)

And the Azores, the other autonomous region owned by Portugal:

• Ponta Delgada (Blog Post: A Trip to the Azores: Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island)

• São Miguel Island (Blog Post: A Trip to the Azores: São Miguel Island)

• Horta (Blog Post: A Trip to the Azores: Horta on Faial Island)

• Faial Island (Blog Post: A Trip to the Azores: Faial Island)

• Madalena (Blog Post: A Trip to the Azores: Madalena on Pico Island)

• Pico Island (Blog Post: A Trip to the Azores: Pico Island)

• Summary (Blog Post: A Trip to the Azores: A Summary)

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