Jardins Do Palheiro
The Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro Park is a typical example of a manor in British colonial style. While the manor itself is private and can't be visited, you can enjoy the public park. On first sight it looks like an English park, old Platanes form a long alley from the main gate to the gardens. But when you look closer you see all the tropical plants that build the basis, completed by hundreds of plants from al over the world. So around the year there ar always some plants blooming. The main part of the park is formed by several gardens, e.g. a French Garden, a Sunken Garden, the Ladies Garden, a Rose Garden and some more. On the opposite of the main gate is a Tea House, which is connected to the golf course. The serve some good tea, cakes, pastries, snacks and small lunches. The way back to the main gate is formed by the Camellia Avenue, a flourish firework between end October and March. The park is situated on 500m altitude. Between 9 - 11:30 the park is often crowded by bus tourists, choose the afternoon for a more laid-back visit. Entrance fee 10,50⬠Public busses frequently connect Funchal with the park: line 36 or, if you have strong nervs, line 37 for a more spectacular ride. Palheiro Gardens
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Madeira Botanical Gardens
The more than 2000 plants of these hillside gardens, plus the view of Funchal make this one of the major attractions of the whole island. The gardens also feature a collection of parakeets and parrots.
Market - Mercado Dos Lavradores
The historic building with an open patio offers on two levels the fresh fruits and vegetables from all over the island. On lower level is also a seperate hall for the fish vendors selling the fresh caught fishes to everybody. Eat and buy local fruits like the small Madeiran mangos, bananas, philodendres and plenty kinds of maracujas. Taste the offers from vendors. But be carefull, they sometimes try to rip you off and selling you over-ripe fruits or some heavy mangos for the expensive price of light maracujas. There are also some nice pastelarias and coffee bars in and around the buliding. Often crowded while rain and when large cruise ships are on the pier.
Monte Palace Hotel Gardens
The gardens of this defunct hotel include a Chinese garden, artwork, a small lake, and a variety of flora and fauna.
Santa Clara Convent
Dating from the end of the 15th century, this convent, now a national monument, was founded by João Gonçalves da Câmara. The azulejo tiles are especially notable.
São Lourenço Palace
Half fortress and half palace, this construction is a good example of mannerist architecture. Highlights include the Noble Salon Salão Nobre, the Green Room Sala Verde, the Audience Hall Sala de Audiências, and the gardens.
Sé Cathedral
The central point in Funchal, and its most-visited monument. Commissioned by the king Dom Manuel I through Portuguese explorer Gil Eanes, the cathedral was built between 1493 and 1517. The ceiling is made from local wood.
Colegio Church
This Jesuit temple, completed in 1647, is a striking building with a stunning interior. Today it is part of Madeira University.