The Funchal city is a modern, cosmopolitan, rejuvenated city, well known for its many top-class restaurants, lavish hotels, and warm all year round climate, incomparable natural beauty. But you will have probably heard of it as the birthplace of the world-class footballer Cristiano Ronaldo. The city's name comes from the abundance of fennel found on the island.
The city itself is nestled in a great natural amphitheater, facing the Atlantic with a backdrop of dramatic mountains. Located in the stunning south of Madeira, on its sunniest coast, it is an extremely lush, green, and relaxed city by day and you will find plenty of things to do. Funchal has a vibrant and varied nightlife scene that will cater to every taste.
The city has also been famous as one of the Atlantic cruise-ships' main ports of call; with the liner harbor right in the middle of the city and it has often been compared to Rio de Janeiro in terms of beauty. Today it is a tradition that most European liners, on their maiden voyage, call here. The cafés, restaurants, and history that mark this famed capital are just a stroll away.
No doubt, Funchal is one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal.
Madeira is just a short trip from Europe, standing in the middle of the Atlantic and is an autonomous archipelago region of Portugal. It is the ideal destination to combine holidays by the sea, in the verdant mountains or in an urban environment. Its mild climate makes spring last all year round reinforced by a very original irrigation patent, called “the levadas”, which is a system of stone- and concrete-lined watercourses distributing water from the rainy north to the dry south, which keeps flowers and crops flourishing all year round. Due to this fact, the island took the name Garden in the Atlantic. The pathways for these water canals have created wonderful trails for hiking in the mountains and through a colorful landscape.
Madeira’s capital and main city is Funchal situated in the south between the cities of Santa Cruz and Camara de Lobos. The city served as an important shipping center during the 15th-17th centuries and today it is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal.
Madeira Islands are a gem of natural beauty blessed with exotic colors of the flowers, the azure sea, and the emerald green vegetation; it is an archipelago where two thirds are a protected area and where the largest Laurisilva forest in the world is found. Thanks to the mild climate, Madeira offers open air activities; it offers excellent conditions for leisure boating and scuba diving. The nearby island of Porto Santo will offer a stress-free environment where its visitors can have the rejuvenating experience of a thalassotherapy program or just a beach holiday combined with golf.
Madeira definitely likes to feast and party; Carnival parades, the Flower Festival, the Atlantic Festival and, above all, the end-of-year fireworks display will sample to its visitors the traditions of this beautiful place.
Portugal has it all, historic cities, renowned cuisine, natural landscapes and some of the most over the top beaches. It has a pleasant climate, affordable travel costs, and exceptional attractions. Its dramatic landscapes and turquoise beaches provoke you to extend your holidays, while the numerous castles, palaces, and beautiful narrow streets invite you to visit them. Don’t forget the whale watching, visit the natural springs and the famous chapel made of human skeletons. Everyone is going to Portugal. Portugal experience can be many things; history, food and idyllic scenery are only some.
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