Madeira’s capital Funchal is the gateway to the rest of the island, a natural port, it clings to terraced hillsides overlooking the bay, where the deep blue of the sea contrasts with a green mountain backdrop.

Funchal is a vibrant city, with an eclectic blend of architectural styles, cobbled streets, attractive squares, fragrant gardens and bustling, colourful markets, where fisherman and farmers from all over the island display and sell their produce.

As a holiday destination the Quintas on the island are unsurpassed in their classic style. The designation 'Quinta', as a spacious living house surrounded by gardens started to diversify during the 18th century. It was usually a two-storey house with spacious rooms, quarters for servants, store rooms and barns for the animals. Each 'Quinta' is completely unique with different plants, different gardens, paths and even different interiors. There were areas for fruit trees, exotic trees and vegetable gardens too, as each was meant to be self sufficient.

Funchal as a district probably takes its name from the plentiful wild fennel that grows there (Funcho in Portuguese). Today Funchal is a truly modern city, located in a unique area; the natural geological features form an "amphitheatre" surrounding the city, which begins at the harbour and rises almost 1200 metres high on gentle slopes. This provides a natural shelter and was what attracted the first settlers back in 1420. Perhaps Cristiano Ronaldo (footballer), who was born here, would know more.

Worth visiting are Monte via the Gondola cable car, although the most popular feature of Monte for the visitor is the optional returning toboggan run. This enables visitors to be transported downhill through the streets at fairly high speeds in large wicker baskets, conducted by two drivers wearing the traditional white uniform with straw boater hat. The capital has a surprisingly large amount of interesting museums, including one dedicated to madeira wine, anoither to sugar, another to a revered nun and the largest photographic museum in Portugal. Naturally, there are also a number of small pretty catholic churches, an even smaller protestant community and a casino, where more people are likely to be praying at any given moment!

Click for more information about villas and hotels in Madeira