Hotels in Funchal - Madeira
What to see by foot: Funchal - Madeira
 
Madeira's capital, Funchal, is an enchanting town set on a glittering bay against
a background of soaring green mountains. Winding cobblestone streets meander
between elegant colonial-style buildings that nestle into the shelter of the
verdant hillside.
Largo do Monte is the real centre of this neighbourhood. At its heart lies
Monte Municipal Park and its beautiful gardens. Wander through the gardens to
the Babosas panoramic view point, stopping along the way at the famous Monte
Church where the last Austrian-Hungarian emperor, Karl I, lies buried.
Madeira's famous basket chair ride starts at the bottom of the flight of steps
leading up to Monte Church. Here the 'carros de cesto' await their passengers
for the sometimes hair-raising ride down to Funchal.
Funchal's historic core, overlooking the harbour and featuring some fine government
buildings and stately 18th century mansions is easily explored on foot. The
simple whitewashed Se Cathedral was built between 1486 and 1514. Its main interior
features are the magnificent Mudejar ceiling of Madeira cedar wood and the voluptuous
Baroque carving of the golden Sacramento chapel to the right of the main altar.
Now a museum, the Quinta das Cruzes on Calcada do Pico is the house where the
island's discoverer, Joao Goncalves Zarco, once lived. Next door is the pretty
16th century church of Santa Clara where he lies buried.
The Botanical Gardens nearby house a fantastic collection of flowers, trees
and bushes, all displayed on various levels rising to 300 metres above sea level.
- Visitors here can also enjoy wonderful views over Funchal Bay.
Selection of hotels in this region:
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full list of hotels and online booking
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