Funchal

Funchal is the Capital of the Madeiran archipelago and is located on the South coast of the island. Surrounded by valleys and picturesque mountains, there lies a magnificent bay, sweetly kissed by the Atlantic Ocean.

Its name originates from a woodland plant, with an agreeable sweet smell, the “funcho” (fennel) or “Foeniculum Vulgare” that was found in abundance at the time of the colonisation of the island.

Elevated to the status of “city” by the royal charter of D. Manuel l on the 15th August 1508, it is one of the main municipalities of the region, and is made up of 10 parishes.

With a population that exceeds one hundred thousand inhabitants, Funchal is the cultural, commercial and artistic centre of the Archipelago.