Funchal

Funchal is the capital of the Madeira archipelago in Portugal, Western Europe. Funchal was declared a city in the 1500s, and became an important point between the old and new worlds. The laid-back city owes much of its historical prominence to "white gold" - Madeiran sugar. Today Funchal is known for its appealing temperatures, wine and crafts. When visiting Funchal, we would recommend you to take nice and easy. Funchal is a small interesting city that you may explore by foot in seemingly aimless fashion, and to enjoy all of its beauty in full in several day's walks. The city centre is even smaller, and its narrow cobbled streets host a splendid market, some intriguing little museums, shops and cafes, a picturesque old port area, and can easily be covered on foot. There are fine gardens to enjoy, even in the town centre, but a several minutes taxi ride will take you to the island's finest estates and gardens Top spots to visit include the Mercado dos Lavradores (Worker's Market), a very colourful market of fresh produce and handicrafts; the 15th-century catedral; Quinta das Cruzes; the Adegas São Francisco wine cellars and the Sacred Art Museum. Glorious Gardens on the outskirts of Funchal include Jardim Botânico, Quinta da Boa Vista, Palheiro (Blandy) Gardens and Monte Palace Tropical Gardens (reached by cable car from Funchal centre) Friendly locals, walkable streets and cheap taxis make the city easy to get around. And don't forget - there are tons more of attractions, activities and interesting places to see in Funchal, visit them and write here at HolidayStreets.com about their beauty and mystery!