Funchal Facts
by sandysmith
Madeira is not a huge island and almost half of its population lives in its capital Funchal. The city is divided into3 main zones:
the hotel zone on the outskirts of the city,
the eastern sector of the old town with its many restaurants
thirdly the commercial centre itself with the shops and harbour.
The 'Rocky' Road
by 36waterfalls
Ladies beware! Funchal's narrow streets and steep roads are not for the faint-hearted. Don't try those high heels here. Stick to the comfort zone and keep it flat. Most definitely when it rains! Rubber soles might be best.
And about that rain; the weather can change from one minute to the other, so bring an umbrella as well. One of those lightweight, handbagsize will do...
For a stroll through Funchal see Travelogues!
The Old Town
by salinhopt
The old neighbourhood of Santa Maria is where the settlement of the island started more than five centuries ago, in the area today known as the Old Town. Its narrow streets are paved with cobblestones and lined with the ancient facades of the picturesque houses.
Great for cakes!!
by Quillinglady about Boutique Lido
Boutique Lido...well one word describes this one "delicious". It is located on Estrada Monumental in the Lido area. They open from about 8 am to 10 pm. There is a small seating area or you can take away (if you take cakes away then they are sealed individually (slices) in a box, but you don't get plastic cutlery so choose carefully what you wish to take away!!!). They have a very extensive range of cakes/gateaux, also do toasted sandwiches. You can have coffee too (if you like expresso, maybe you should try Bica!), but if you want something more drinkable and less strong have a capucino. You can to get rather a large piece of cake so if you want a small piece do tell them! The cake is weighed. I partiuclarly like the Maracuja (passion fruit) cake.pudding, also their sponge topped with mangue (mango), their sponges tend to be very light. Traditional cake here is pastel de nata (similar in a way to the custard tart in England, but the topping is kind of caramalised). I am sure you will have your favourites.
MERCADO DOS LAVRADORES - WORKERS' MARKET
by Nina-Maarit
This is absolutely a must see! Friday and Saturday mornings are the best to visit, as farmers from all over the island come to sell their products then. A huge variety of vegetables and exotic fruits! And the fish market is at least as interesting: espada, tuna, squid, and many more - and very fresh!
Open: Monday to Friday 7 am to 8 pm, Saturday 7 am to 2 pm