Funchal

Trip preparation

General Information Funchal is the capital of the autonomous region of Madeira. Its name comes from "Funcho", fennel, very abundant in the region, which gives the city its characteristic odour.

Best travel time

Like the whole of Madeira it has a sub-tropical climate. The average maximum temperature is 20 º C and minimum 15 º C. Most rainfall occurs between November and January.

History

According to mythology, Neptune created the island with a mixture of lava and of salt, but no remains were found in volcanoes. Other legends say that Madeira was part of the continent of Lemuria and remained as testimony to their existence after sinking into the sea or that the first inhabitants of the island were a loving couple, Robert Machin and Anne Efert noble, shipwrecked after being banished from England. What we do know for sure is that the official discoverer of the island (and founder of the city of Funchal) was the explorer João Gonçalves Zarco, in 1421. Funchal acquired city status in 1508 from King Manuel I. In the sixteenth century it became a major port on the route between the colonies of European countries, and the city prospered. Funchal has been the place chosen by number of historical figures to stay there for a period of calm and relaxation, including Captain Kidd, the sailor James Cook, the Empress Sissi, Charles, Archduke of Austria, and Winston Churchill.

By plane

Funchal Airport (FNC) is located in the city of Santa Cruz, and is one of the most dangerous in the world due to limited landing space by the proximity of the mountains. The port of Funchal receives the most traffic in Madeira and the second most in Portugal.

Experience and enjoy

Holidays in Funchal can be spent in a relaxing way, however there are lots of recreational options available like water sports, golf, fishing and paragliding. There are many historic buildings and sight located here noted for their architecture and beauty, including: Some other interesting places to visit are: • The Cathedral, XVI century • The Fortress of Santiago, the sixteenth century • The Quinta das Cruzes Museum, archaeological • Blandy's Garden, on the outskirts of the city • The Museum of Sacred Art • The Quinta das Cruzes Museum • Santa Catarina Park • The Regional Government Palace (late XVII) • The Regional Assembly • The City Hall of Funchal (Palacio del Conde Carvalhal)