Explore Funchal, the historic capital of Madeira
Funchal is the main city and capital of the island of Madeira. Its historic heart is full of bars, restaurants and shops, but, for a bit of originality, you have to take the cable car to access the magnificent panorama of the Gulf of Funchal. Once at the top, the visit Monte Palace Gardens forces himself. In addition to the collection of unique stones in the world, a walk in these gardens full of “idiots” is a pleasure. The building at the center of this seven-hectare park has long been a luxury hotel frequented by local aristocrats and wealthy visitors. It is easy to imagine around the lake and in the middle of the typical plants of Laurisilva forest, endemic to Madeira and among the UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites.
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The most original means of transportation to get back to the city is also a thing of the past. “carreiros do monte:» These are wooden sleds with a wicker seat, in which you sit down two kilometers of asphalt, accompanied by two strong friends who pull or push the turns. “carreirosare unique in the world and a must for any stay in Funchal. A way to give yourself a little adrenaline rush before visiting the museum dedicated to Funchal’s most famous native, Cristiano Ronaldo…
Experience the magic of carnival in a subtropical atmosphere
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If the whole winter season is pleasant in Madeira, where the temperature varies between 14 and 18 degrees and the subtropical climate, the December period is even more fantastic thanks to the magical illuminations in all the cities. Madeirans celebrate the end of the year in style, setting up giant and sometimes very creative nativity scenes in the smallest village. But it is in Funchal that this love of Christmas decoration takes on an unparalleled scale. The streets of the historic center are illuminated by thousands of electric garlands, which can also be found as many rivers of fire dripping from the streets and alleys descending from the surrounding hills. It is estimated that 60 kilometers of garlands and more than a million lamps are used to illuminate Funchal and its surroundings.
At night, the view is captivating, giving the impression that the entire city is lit up. A Christmas market, decorated fir trees and glittering cherubs also light up the squares and the seafront, giving the city a unique festive feel. On December 31, XXL fireworks are organized in sixty locations around the land and sea. The entire population then rushes to the hills to watch the spectacle that lights up the Bay of Funchal. Fireworks have been repeatedly recognized as the largest and most spectacular in the world. Finally, know that the February Carnival is one of the other winter events during which Funchal, like all the cities of Madeira, comes alive and celebrates…
Watch whales and swim in natural pools
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The Atlantic waters around the island are rich in many fish and marine mammals such as the seal, which is an endangered species. Several companies offer cruises to meet different species of dolphins and whales. Boats depart from the south shore and within minutes you are guaranteed to be cruising with peaceful and curious aquatic companions.
Ocean lovers will be delighted to find several pebble or volcanic black sand beaches where you can cool off and swim. But for safe swimming, it is best to immerse yourself in the natural pools formed in the volcanic rocks. They are found, for example, in villages Sexual and: Porto Moniz. Then we swim in the sea water, of course a little cool in winter, but completely safe, in very photogenic lagoons. Finally, Madeira is also a destination for surfers. the cities of Paul de Mar and: Marie ParkFor example, focus on the young population who meet to surf beautiful waves in a friendly hippie atmosphere…
Hikes for all levels
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When the first Portuguese sailors discovered Madeira in 1420, the island was covered with trees. Hence its name means “forested island” in Portuguese. No people and not many animals lived in these isolated lands. Therefore, the fauna and flora that we encounter today have been introduced over the centuries. The primary forest consisted of laurels, which are still widely present. On the other hand, the banana trees, sugar cane and grape vines that cover the smallest agricultural plots have been planted by man. Like the many flowers, birds of paradise, agapanthus, orchids or proteas that grow everywhere along the roads and paths.
If spring is the most beautiful time to enjoy flowers, then winter is not left out. With the help of the subtropical climate, you are sure to find colorful plantations there, such as the tree-bearing aloes, which here are called “Christmas Fireworks” for their red flowers that bloom in December. We appreciate this vegetation better while hiking. The island of Madeira is known for its wide variety of hikes for all levels. Many walk along the levadas. There are more than 2,000 kilometers of canals that distribute water from the mountains and forests through the terraced farms. Walking while listening to the gurgling of fresh water is in Madeira and nowhere else.
Take time to taste the local gastronomy
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Madeira has many good restaurants. Some are at the level of trendy tables in London, Berlin or Paris, such as the chef’s delicious Kampo and Akua. Julio Pereira where you are served fish and meat cooked in very creative ways. It’s even more luxurious Nin design center restaurant that the decorator and architect Nini Andrade Silva opened in the old fortress of the port of Funchal. Exquisite cuisine and trendy atmosphere await you. A small restaurant for surfers in the northwest of the island Maktub Paul do Mar Treats you to delicious fish dishes accompanied by a caipirinha in total relaxation.
that funchal market full of vegetables, fruits and fish, which we buy after a stop there Fabrica Santo Antonio. Since 1893, candies have been produced here using plants and fruits from the island, such as fennel (which in Portuguese gave its name to the city of Funchal), ginger or tangerine. You can also buy “bolo mel“, a common Christmas cake that is eaten all winter long. Kind of a very comforting gingerbread with cane molasses.
After all, in addition to the world-famous fortified wines of Madeira, it is the local rum that is consumed when drinking.Poncha“. A punch that combines fruits (lemon, orange, passion fruit…), rum agricole and honey. Everything is mixed with a very ingenious wooden stick. Madeira’s indispensable aperitif to be savored in small characteristic bistros such as A venda do André On a scenic drive outside Funchal…
Practice
ADDRESS BOOK
Monte Palace Gardens (Jardim Tropical de Monte), Caminho do Monte 174, 9050-288 Funchal, Portugal. Such. +351 291 780 800.
Kampo from Chef Julio Pereira, R. do Sabão 6, 9000-058 Funchal, Portugal. Such. +351 924 438 080.
Design Center Nini Andrade Silva, Estrada da Pontinha, Forte de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, 9000-726 Funchal, Portugal. Such. +351 291 648 780.
Maktub Pub, Avenida dos pescadores paulenses nº 160, 9370-545 Paúl do Mar, Portugal. Such. +351 915 860 898.
Fábrica Santo Antonio, Tv. do Forno 27-29 9000-079, 9000-077 Funchal, Portugal. Such. +351 291 220 255.
In Venda Do André, Estr. João Gonçalves Zarco, Quinta Grande, Portugal. Such. +351 924 433 308.
GO
The Portuguese national carrier TAP offers daily flights from Paris Orly to Funchal from €91 one way.
Transavia offers flights from Paris Orly, Lyon and Nantes to Funchal. A daily round trip from Paris Orly costs €73 one way.
Flight duration
The flight to Madeira takes about 3.5 hours. The outward or return flight may sometimes be shorter due to favorable winds.
Passport and visa
You need a valid passport or ID card.
Time zone
GMT +0 (summer time +1).
Change
The currency in Madeira is the Euro (EUR).
Practical information from the Madeira Tourist Office : visitmadeira.pt:
[Initialement publié le 29 décembre 2021, cet article a fait l’objet d’une mise à jour.]
Source: Le Figaro
I’m Ashley Mark, a news website author for Buna Times. I specialize in writing articles about current trends and breaking news stories. With my passion for uncovering the truth behind every story, I strive to bring readers the most up-to-date information available.