Funchal

A view of Funchal, taken from Pico do Cruz (261m), looking towards the east and neighboring municipality of Santa Cruz

 

Funchal (Portuguese pronunciation: [fũˈʃaɫ]) is the largest city, the municipal seat and the capital of Portugal's Autonomous Region of Madeira. The city has a population of 112,015and has been the capital of Madeira for more than five centuries.

 Harbour of Funchal

Climate

Funchal has a Mediterranean climate with mild temperatures all year round. The climate can be separated into two seasons: the rainier and slightly cooler winter with daily high temperatures averaging 20ºC (68F) and a dryer and warmer summer season with daily high temperatures averaging 25ºC (77F). Humidity levels remain constant at about 70%. Sea temperatures range from 18ºC (64F) in Winter up to 24ºC (75F) during Summer.

 Cathedral of Funchal (Sé Cathedral), constructed under the orders of D. Manuel, Duke of Beja, dating back to the 15th Century

Since the city rises from the sea up to altitudes of 800 meters on its northern slopes, it is quite common to experience cloudiness, fog and rain on those northern suburbs while clear skies remain nearer to the sea. Temperatures also tend to be slightly lower at the higher altitudes.

Early Summer, specially June, tends to be quite infamous due to a phenomena where persistent cloudiness covers the entire bay area of Funchal, locally nicknamed "Funchal's helmet".

 Penha de França, western zone of Funchal

Transportation

The harbour of Funchal is the busiest in Madeira. Cruise ships, boats and yachts call there, as it has been for many years, being also the second busiest one in Portugal, after Lisbon.

A highway provides access to Câmara de Lobos and Ribeira Brava to the west, and Santa Cruz and Machico to the east.

Madeira Airport, often known as Funchal Airport/Madeira/Santa Catarina Airport (code: FNC), is located east of the city, in the municipality of Santa Cruz. The airport was one of the most dangerous airports in the world due to the limited flat space in close proximity to cliffs, but the extension of the runway on concrete pillars in the sea has improved safety.

 Copacabana disco club

Tourism

Today Funchal is a major tourist town, with hotels, port, and an international airport Funchal Airport (FNC), located in the nearby municipality of Santa Cruz.

Besides the city of Funchal, tourist destinations include: Ribeira Brava, Curral das Freiras, Porto Moniz, Santana, the Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO Natural Site, in the center of Madeira Island and the beaches in Porto Santo island. There is also a passenger gondola lift (Funchal Passenger Ropeway), that transports people from the lower section of the city to the suburb of Monte.

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Write by: AN - Monday, October 13, 2014