Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

When you get to Funchal you are amazed by its immensity. Houses and more houses rise up from the sea covering the entire natural amphitheatre which is Funchal. It is the major commercial, tourist and cultural centre of the island of Madeira. La Zona Velha, the city’s old town, still maintains a vibrant local life of its own and it is the trendiest place on the island. To stroll through the narrow cobbled streets with some intriguing little museums, shops and cafes and a salty old port area is a real delight. At night the neighbourhood comes alive. The restaurants are packed to the gills and St. Mary Street becomes the meeting point for young people ready to have a good time. To enjoy the island’s wonderful flora, you don’t need to leave Funchal. In the outskirts of the city we find some glorious gardens such as the Jardim Botânico, Quinta da Boa Vista, Palheiro Gardens and Monte Palace Tropical Gardens, reached by cable car from Funchal centre. Some other interesting things to do and visit are: The Mercado dos Lavradores, a very colourful market of fresh products and handicrafts; the 15th-century cathedral; Quinta das Cruzes and the Adegas São Francisco wine cellars. There are lots of reasons to like the bustling port city, that despite being tiny, it has a lot to offer.