Funchal

Funchal is the capital of Madeira and is the preferred destination for most tourists. It is a modern westernised city, with many restaurants, coffee bars and art galleries. There are many beautifully kept parks with colourful flowers in abundance. There is a cable car, which will take you to one of the higher points around Funchal, from which most of the southern part of the island can be seen.

There is a balloon that will sweep you aloft and a helicopter that will fly you over the island. Pleasure boats leave from Funchal Harbour on a regular basis, with Whale and Dolphin watching being extremely popular. There are many public swimming pools including the well-known Lido center.
Once a year there is a carnival, which lasts for several days. It is organised by local people, including schools. There are a large number of colourful floats and a good-natured carnival atmosphere.
There is a massive firework display at Christmas, which can only be described as incredible. You will find events taking place throughout the year, most of which are free. At Christmas time the city is decorated with lights; these lights are put up around the middle of November and it is probably one of the best displays in the world.
Within the precincts of Funchal, but high up in the hills there is an area called Monte.
It can be reached by cable car or it is possible to take a bus or a taxi. At Monte it is possible to walk for miles in a virtually unspoilt countryside. There are also gardens (one of which is free), cafes, churches and restaurants.

It is also possible to see parts of Funchal on a WebCam, which is provided by an organisation called Strawberry World. Strawberry World also provides, amongst other things, tours of the island. Just click on the website cam link.

WebCam link.

Cruise
ship in the
harbour
and
firework
display

Funchal
carniva
and
the
Jardim
Botanical
Park

Lido
swimming
pool
and the
Jardim
Park