Funchal - Madeira's Capital

Quinta das Cruzes Museum - 16th August 2010

 

Fort Pico - 1st April 2010

The Fort Pico in Funchal offers an excellent tourist diversion for a lazy hour or two.

With no admittance fee, tourist friendly opening hours and simply wonderful views over Madeira's capital city and bay, it should be high up on anyone's holiday agenda.

Although the fortification is more than three hundred and fifty years old, this is certainly not a dilapidated ruin.

Indeed, today, the complex is a working building, housing the primary communications centre for the present day Funchal Navy.

So, if you want a picnic spot with wonderful views or simply wish to sample one aspect of the island's history, the Fort Pico makes a worthwhile destination more. . .

 

Funil Restaurant - 26th Mar 2010

The Funil Restaurant in Funchal offers a friendly and fast service, providing an excellent option if you want to eat out in Funchal.

We have been going to the Funil now for seven years and the fact that we keep on going back must say something about the quality of their meals.

Another good sign is that the restaurant is patronised by many locals as well - and if they can't identify good traditional Maderian cooking, then nobody can.

There are plenty of regional speciality dishes on the menu. Our particular favourite is the Espada fish with fried banana.

In Madeira, the local fruit and vegetables are grown without the aid of chemicals and the fish are caught daily. So, you can be assured of a meal comprising of fresh, tasty and healthy ingredients from almost any local restaurant.

What makes the Funil stand out for us is it's value-for-money menu more. . .

 

The British Cemetery - 23rd Mar 2010

The British Cemetery can date its origin from 1770.

Prior to that date, the laws of Madeira dictated that those deceased who were not Roman Catholic by faith were not to be buried on the island. Usually the corpses were consigned to the sea off the Garajau headland.

However, from 1772 onward, British interests secured a burial ground for those of the Protestant faith on the outskirts of Funchal.

The cemetery still exists today, although its outer extent has shifted and supplemented over the years.

Many graves are crowded into the grounds. But, the headstones and memorial plaques do not reflect just those of British nationality. It has long been the custom to welcome the deceased of other national communities residing in Madeira.

The tranquillity and beauty of the grounds are a gentle reflection of Madeira's history more. . .

 

Funchal Promenade - 4th Mar 2010

One of the delights of Funchal is that, although it is a bustling working city, it has a lovely, tree-lined promenade.

What better way is there to spend a hot, sunny day than to stroll along the seafront of Madeira's capital city?

The marina draws tourists with its various boat trips and helicopter tours.

There are also numerous restaurants and cafés - many specialising in seafood.

However, you do not need to spend any money in order to enjoy the outlook across the blue Atlantic.

There is also a couple of monuments of historical interest along with many other, more modern sights to see.

So, enjoy the gentle pace of life beneath the palm trees and take your time to soak up the holiday atmosphere more. . .

 

Walk into Funchal - 25th Feb 2010

If you visit Madeira, chances are you will end up in a hotel in the Lido suburb of Funchal.

The district is full of popular hotels and restaurants. It also boasts a Lido and a pleasant public park.

Many hotels run a courtesy bus service to the city centre.

Other tourists make for the taxi rank whenever they wish to make their way into Funchal.

However, the walk into Funchal City Centre is a nice stroll and you can spot many interesting features along the way - as long as you know what you are looking for!

Our tourist guide to the walk into town provides you with all the information you need to know.

And, as an added bonus, unlike most walks in Madeira, this one is almost entirely on the flat more. . .

 

Funchal's Old City Gate - 30th Jan 2010

The Old City Gate was originally constructed in 1689 as part of Funchal's fortifications.

That Funchal needed protection from pirates and foreign aggression was in little doubt.

The city was often attacked by marauding forces from passing ships.

Finally, the fortification became largely redundant in the late nineteenth century and the gate Varadouro was eventually dismantled in 1911.

Fortunately, key aspects of the gate and its design were preserved.

Then, in 2004, to contribute to the city's 500th anniversary celebrations, the gate was rebuilt in its original location.

Today, many tourist pass by without realising the significance of the structure and the part it played in Funchal's development more. . .

 

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