Information about Funchal

Funchal is the capital of the island of Madeira, one of the autonomous regions of the Portuguese Republic.
The city of Funchal is also the largest urban center on the island. Funchal is the most prominent city in insular Portugal.

Funchal is the largest tourist, commercial and cultural center in the entire Madeira archipelago. The city offers a wide range of leisure activities, from visits to museums and monuments, to walks through its fantastic gardens, going through the Funchal Marina full of boats, shopping and going out at night in bars and discos.

History of Funchal

Founded by João Gonçalves Zarco in 1421, Álvaro Fernandes was one of its first governors. King Manuel I of Portugal granted the settlement the rank of city in 1508.

In the 16th century, Funchal became an important port on the route between the colonies of the European countries, quickly transforming into a prosperous city. As a port dedicated to supplying the ships that made the transatlantic route, it took the opportunity to trade with all the sugar and wine production of the island.