As we had joined tours to different parts of the island on previous visits, this break was to be a leisurely discovery of places we had previously neglected: like Funchal Old Town.
Bolt taxi
We discovered a great way for our outings using Bolt taxi. The taxi came to get us at the hotel within minutes, the driver knew exactly where we’re going and it was all paid for whatever the traffic conditions!
Praça do Municipal (Municipal Square)
We set aside a day to explore the Old Town as we had only been to the streets with all the murals and the farmers’ market previously. Our Bolt taxi dropped us off near Praça do Municipal
We were amazed at how we managed to miss this striking square with all those impressive historic buildings around it on our previous visits! The pedestrianised square paved with tiles in a striking pattern is an artwork in itself! And there was no litter!
Câmara Municipal do Funchal (Funchal City Hall)
The lady at the reception desk told us that the City Hall was built in 1758 and remodelled in 1940. The blue tiles that adorned the entrance were the first produced in Madeira rather than on the Portuguese mainland. Unfortunately, we were unable to access the tower due to refurbishment
Igreja do Colégio Sao Joao Evangelista (Church of Saint John the Evangelist)
This 17th century church does not only look imposing outside, but its interiors are absolutely exquisite!
Museu de Arte Sacra (Museum of Sacred Art )
This museum is housed in the 16th century Episcopal Palace right opposite Church of Saint John the Evangelist across Municipal Square. Somewhere to visit in the future, perhaps?
Sé Catedral do Funchal (Funchal Cathedral)
The cathedral is a short walk away from Municipal Square. For me, after visiting Church of Saint John the Evangelist it looked rather plain. My first impression on entering was that it looked rather dark, probably because there were a lot of people milling around, so I gave up taking even a photo
Streets in Funchal Old Town
Away from Rue de Santa Maria with painted walls and doors that attract tourists in drones, there’s a more subtle street art form in the Old Town that’s taken for granted – the beautiful and intricate patterns of stone paving in unique Portuguese style known as calçada (pavement)
Banco de Portugal & Avenida Arriaga
How could I have missed this impressive building previously? In fact I managed to miss the whole of Avenida Arriaga with “The Ritz” of its own and the impressive Teatro Municipal Baltazar Dias!
D’Oliveiras Madeira Wine
Apparently one of the top attractions for visitors to the island is to do with the history and making of Madeira Wine. So we visited 2. The first one was D’Oliveiras Madeira Wine on Rua Dos Ferreiros. The building is one of the oldest in Funchal, dating back to the 17th Century
Blandy’s Wine Lodge
The second one was Blandy’s Wine Lodge. It’s formerly a Franciscan monastery, now part of Arcadas São Francisco Shopping Centre.
Although I’m not vegetarian, I had the most amazing pumpkin and ginger soup at Fala Fala Vege Food Restaurant!
Parque de Santa Catarina
This vast park (36,000 square metres in area) is popular with locals and tourists alike. On the western side it overlooks the bay of Funchal where cruise ships are moored and the marina is next to Pestana CR7 Hotel.
It was an exhausting and exhilarating day after we revisited the farmers’ market. After our well-earned refreshment at Pestana CR7 Hotel, we just got a taxi back to the hotel from the taxi rank across the road. No waiting at all! It beat joining a tour or hop-on hop-off bus!
My souvenirs of the great day…
