Funchal is a major city in Madeira Island, Portugal. It is the capital city of the Autonomous Region of Madeira. This city is uniquely situated in the Madeira Island area because its geological features resemble an “amphitheater” that surrounds the city. This amphitheater form starts from the city’s harbor and rises about 1,200 meters high on its gentle slopes. It has a population of 100,526. It is also the biggest city among the islands of Madeira. Learn more about Funchal
Funchal is the biggest city among its neighboring municipalities which include Santa Cruz, Camara de Lobos, Ribeira Brava, and Machico. This city is also considered as the most populated city in Portugal as well as within the outskirts of mainland Portugal. The urban cosmopolitan area of Funchal includes cities such as Canico, Santa Cruz, Camara de Lobos, and Funchal itself.
The city’s geographical formation and location make it a natural habitat. This is also the main reason why this location attracted so many settlers. The city is considered as a panoramic and cosmopolitan city. There are numerous parks, hotels and luxury properties in this part of Portugal. It is also a main tourist attraction. Moreover, this city had been the capital city of Madeira for centuries.
The name “Funchal” was given to this city due to the abundance of “funcho” or fennel in the area. Fennel is an aromatic herb and numerous varieties of it thrive in the area. The city of Funchal is also surrounded by many attractions and spectacular settings. The locals are very kind and hospitable while the climate is humid and great during the summer.
The municipality of Funchal includes Ilhas Selvagens or the Savage Islands. This set of islands is a natural reserve, which lies approximately 160 kilometers or 100 miles to the south of the city. The city harbor is perhaps the busiest area in Madeira. This harbor lies within the municipality and city of Funchal. It is a major tourist spot for yachts, boats, and cruise ships because the city harbor is their main port.
History
In the year 1421, a man named Joao Goncalves Zarco founded this area. After more than a century, King Manuel I of Portugal elevated Funchal into city status. During the early fifteenth century, the commander of Funchal was Alvaro Fernandes.
It was not until the sixteenth century when this city became a popular stopover between the New World and the Indies. Because of this, Funchal was also a very popular wealthy area during the sixteenth century. In addition, Funchal was also a wine and sugar port in Madeira during this century.
Airports near Funchal
There is only one airport near Funchal. This airport is called Madeira Airport. This airport is also referred to as the Santa Catarina Airport or Funchal Airport. The Madeira Airport lies in the eastern portion of Madeira particularly in the Santa Cruz municipality.
Freguesias or Parishes
Funchal is a city and a municipality at the same time. The urban section of this area starts from the harbor in the Atlantic Ocean up to the hills and mountains. There are 10 paroquias or parishes in Funchal and they are listed below.
- Monte
- Santa Maria Maior
- Santa Luzia
- Imaculado Coracao de Maria
- Santo Antonio
- Sao or San Pedro
- Sao or San Goncalo
- Sao or San Roque
- Se – This parish is the location of the old and historical cathedral, which is located within the old city center.
- Sao or San Martino – This is the most populous parish in Funchal
Tourism
As stated above, Funchal is a major tourist destination for it has numerous hotels and attractions. It also has an important port as well as an international airport, which is why a lot of tourists visit this city. Tourist destinations in Funchal include Curral das Freiras, Santana, Ribeira Brava, and the UNESCO natural site of Laurisilva Forest.
Beaches within and near Funchal
The beaches in Funchal are the most popular tourist spots in the city. Beaches within and near Funchal are as follows:
- Praia Formosa
- Doca do Caracas
- Calhua da Lapa
The Praia Formosa Beach is located in Funchal. From the city center, this beach is just a 10-minute drive. Praia Formosa provides its visitors three small and sandy beaches as well as a big-pebbled beach, which is especially for adventurous tourists and locals.
During the summer, Praia Formosa attracts different kinds of beach and sea lovers. Praia Formosa offers different sports activities, a vibrant nightlife, and contests. Facilities in this beach include a medical center, changing rooms, a kindergarten for kids aged 12 and below, and snack bars as well as a car park and a sports practice center.
This location has a bathing complex that consists of pools. It provides a direct access to the beach. Doca do Caracas also provides little service to its guests though it has all the basic facilities that any tourist or vacationer will need in order to experience a nice and comfortable stay at the beach. The facilities in this beach include a WC, a shower, two changing rooms, restaurants, bars, and surveillance in the area.
This beach is usually crowded especially during summer. There is a tunnel that links Praia Formosa to this area. Doca do Caracas is an enclosed area that lies on a small cliff.
Calhua da Lapa means “Limpet Stone”. It guarantees visitors the clearest and cleanest waters in the entire island of Madeira, as well as a soothing tranquility that refreshes one’s mind and body. This beach is situated in Campanario. It lies hidden at the base of a slope. Visitors are advised to wear the right hiking shoes when coming to Calhua da Lapa. The path towards this beach is divided into two. The first path is a dirt track while the other is paved. The landscape in this area is generally dry.
Trivia
The Protestant Cemetery or British Cemetery in Funchal lies near the Holy Trinity Church. A lot of famous people are buried in this cemetery inluding Paul Langerhans, the discoverer of islets that produce insulin in the pancreas.
On New Year’s eve of 2006, Madeira achieved the record for the “Largest Fireworks Display”.