Stopping over in Madeira’s capital? Meera Dattani provides a taster of the many experiences it has to offer
1. Mercado dos Lavradores
Flower sellers in traditional dress, glorious tiles and murals, plus Madeira-grown fruit and vegetables make this farmers’ market a special experience.
Wander through the art deco hall and taste chocolate from award-winning Uau Cacau; pick up cured meats, souvenirs and dried fruit; see more varieties of passion fruit than you thought existed; and enjoy a poncha fruit cocktail or coffee from a bar or lunch on the terrace.
2. Monte
The 15-minute cable car ride up through the João Gomes Valley to Monte is a stunning way to see Funchal from above. Visit the Nossa Senhora do Monte church and Monte Palace Botanical Gardens. Return to Funchal harbour via cable car, bus or Monte’s quirky toboggans.
3. Zona Velha and Rua de Santa Maria
For places to eat and drink, interesting shops and beautiful architecture, head to the revitalised Zona Velha (Old Town). Its hub, Rua de Santa Maria, is lined with restaurants, bars and colourful door art (Art of Open Doors). The area is excellent for local crafts: try the Saturday craft market, the Caravel Art Centre Art Shop and the Armazém do Mercado pop-up space.
At the eastern end of the street is the 17th-century Fortazela de São Tiago fortress with its distinct ochre-coloured walls.
4. Whale and dolphin-watching
You can take to the Atlantic Ocean on a whale and dolphin expedition from Funchal’s harbour. Highly recommended is trip provider Rota dos Cetaceos. Of course, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, but bottlenose dolphins, false killer whales, pilot whales, sperm whales and common dolphins are frequently sighted off the coast here.
5. A Madieran wine lodge experience
Madeira’s wine is renowned for its complex, interesting flavour – the result of adding brandy and repeated heating. The many historic wine lodges in Funchal (and elsewhere on the island) offer a chance to learn more – and sample them. The most famous is Blandy’s in Funchal’s Cathedral Quarter, with its shady courtyard set in a 17-century friary.
PICTURES: Francisco Correia photos; Digitaltravelcouple/Isle De Groot
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