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Funchal

Description: Funchal, population approximately 140,000, is the capital of the Madeira Islands of Portugal. Funchal is also the ... more

Funchal ... largest city on the islands. It was founded by João Gonçalves Zarco in 1421 and was elevated to city status by King Manuel I in 1508.

Newest Review: ... The main tourists who visit the island these days are Portuguese, Germans and English. A tour of the city. ************** Funchal was named because fennel grew wild on the island and the Portuguese word for fennel is funcho. The city itself is interesting and pleasing to the eye. The focal point is the harbour and then the city spreads out rising over 1200 metres high forming the shape of ... more

... an ampitheatre. The hillsides are filled with luxury villas, narrow, winding roads, estates filled with exotic and luscious plants. The cente is a mixture of the old and the new and a lot of the buildings are still art deco in style which overa...more

Read Reviews for Funchal

Fireworks in Funchal! (2775 words)
by - written on 12/07/08 (Very useful, 143 readings)
Rating:

When somebody mentions Madeira what do you think about or what immediately comes into your head? I think of crusie ships, humidity, primeval vegetation, exotic flowers, sub-tropical plants, Portuguese people and their language, Funchal and Madeira wine. Out of that list, I am going to write abut one subject only but include all the other things as well. My review today is about Funchal, the capital city of Madeira. I have been to Funchal several times before but the last time was three days before New Year with my family. It was a four day stay in the capital to see the firework carnival as so many people had told me how amazing a spectacle it was and I wanted ... Read the complete review