Funchal - In August...

Enjoy walking in thte city center

Funchal

“Funchal means “fennel” and the city`s name is said to derive from the abundance of fennel plants that Zarco, the island`s discoverer, found growing here when he arrived in 1420. Zarco chose this spot to found the future capital because of its sheltered natural harbour, which today is filled with every kind of vessel, from rusty container ships to luxurious cruise liners.” (pg. 31)

“Essential Madeira” (2001), Hampshire: AA Publishing

Be Delighted..........

Funchal.........

Far from being the provincial island backwater you might expect from its remote location, Madeira`s capital is a bustling city of 100.000 people (a third of the island`s population). Visitors from mainland Portugal frequently refer to Funchal as “little Lisbon” because of its elegant architecture, fashionable shops and lively cafés. Again like Lisbon, the city streets twist and tumble up and down the steep hillside that rises from the harbour.

Only in the city centre are the streets level, and here the main avenues and squares are elegantly paved with black and white stone forming mosaic work patterns based on heraldic flowers or arabesques. Flowering trees provide shade from the sun, while the heady scent of jasmine betrays the presence of one of Funchal`s many hidden patios and courtyard gardens.” (pg. 30)

“Travellers Madeira” (2001), Hampshire: AA Publishing