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Travel // Going Around // Europe // Funchal, Madeira
Travel // Going Around // Europe // Funchal, Madeira
Funchal is the capital and main city, of the autonomous region of Madeira, on the island of Madeira, situated in the south between Santa Cruz and Camara de Lobos cities. The city's name comes from the abundance of fennel (funcho) found on the island. It was an important shipping
center during the 15th-17th centuries. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal.
Going Around
The city centre is small enough to explore on foot. Orange city buses can take you around and up to Monte (lines 20, 21). Buy a giro card from the office for 2,20€, it is already preloaded with two journeys and can be topped up with additional journeys for 1,50€ a piece. At the bus driver you pay 1,80€ for a ride. Most city buses start from the waterfront area. If you are lucky you can acquire a bus timetable for the local and regional busses starting in Funchal at the tourist information. Timetables and a map are also available.
What To Buy
Flowers & fruit (check with the airline/ship if they can be brought abroad). The island is world-famous for its wines. Several stores offer varying selections.
Gastronomy
Funchal has an abundance of good, if not necessarily cheap, eating places. Most places serve traditional Madeiran and Portuguese food, which is well-prepared and well-tasting, but not terribly exciting. One of the most typical dishes and served almost everywhere, is espada com banana, scabbard fish with banana. It is usually served with fresh salad and potatoes. A bit more expensive, bacalhau (dried, salted codfish) is served in many restaurants. One of the more common, and best, varieties is "bacalhau com natas", codfish in cream sauce.
Excerpted from Wiki Travel
