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Cruise Guide > Europe > Portugal > Funchal | |
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Funchal Time Zone GMT (GMT + 1 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October). Currency Euro (¬) = 100 cents or Esc200. Language Portuguese. Sightseeing Funchal is recognised as the flower city of Europe. The town’s main attractions include the Mercado dos Lavradores (the lively flower and vegetable market), the Sé (the 15th-century cathedral), the Quinta das Cruzes and the Museu de Arte Sacra (Museum of Sacred Art), a large villa containing many European works of art. A visit to the wine lodge is recommended; there one may taste and buy various Madeira wines. Much of Madeira’s appeal comes from the fact that it is a spectacularly beautiful island, lush with woods, vineyards and rich farmland, pitted with valleys and with a coastline consisting mainly of sheer cliffs. It is described by the locals as a ‘floating garden’, reflecting the efforts of centuries of intensive cultivation. There are beautiful walks following the routes on the levadas (irrigation channels) which cover the island. As well as travelling around the island to see the countryside, one should visit the Botanical Gardens in Funchal, beautifully laid out in the grounds of an old country house. There are extravagant terraces of tropical flowers and other more delicate varieties grown in greenhouses. Open from 1000-1700, admission to the gardens is free; there is also a superb view across the harbour. Shopping In Funchal, there is a wide variety of shops selling everyday goods, as well as many souvenirs. Special purchases include Madeira folk art, such as embroidery, tapestry and wickerwork. Madeira wine is a popular gift. Eating Out Regional dishes include sopa de tomate e cebola (tomato and onion soup), caldeirada (fish soup), bife de atum e milho frito (tuna steak and fried maize), carne em vinha d’alho (pickled pork and garlic), espada (fresh black scabbard fish), espetada (beef grilled on laurel wood skewers over an open fire) and bolo de mel (Madeira honey cake). Popular wines of Madeira are malmsey (Malvasia), a sweet dessert wine, bual and the dry serceal. Wines, spirits and beers imported from mainland Portugal and Europe are also available. Galão, a glass of milky coffee and bica, a small cup of black coffee, are also popular. Country Portugal Region Europe and Mediterranean |