Madeira

The capital of Madeira, located in a well sheltered bay in the south-east, Funchal recalls Portugal while also evoking the ambience of an island far away. This city of around 100,000 residents offers a great quality of life in the countryside. Against a background of mountains to the north, Funchal gazes out to the Atlantic in the South. The traditional mosaics made from black and white paving stones adorn the streets just as they did in the past, while local merchants sell bouquets of estrelicias in front of the cathedral. Pleasant and vibrant in any season, Funchal is particularly busy during the holiday season at the end of the year, the carnival and the Flower Festival held in April. The streets are home to floral floats, processions and other various performances. But thanks to the mild climate, the welcome is warm in every season. Funchal is a charming destination to linger about and to enjoy its unique combination of history, cuisine and conviviality. The historic centre of Funchal deserves a sightseeing tour of at least a day. It is best to start by going to the Mercado dos Lavradores in the morning, the famous market on three levels that surrounds a paved black and white checkerboard patio. Another key trip in Funchal: a stop at a Madeira wine factory to conduct a tasting of various vintage, sercial, verdelho, bual and malmsey wines. The best addresses are located along the Avenida Arriaga 28, two streets away from the seafront.