Funchal Portugal

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By Hannah Rollmaker

In the country of Portugal you will find the city of Funchal. This city is located in the Madeira Islands off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. You will find this island a pleasant place to visit as there are many wonderful places that you can visit. These places will include the natural beauties that you will on Madeira Island as well as the many amenities which are available. This cosmopolitan city is located in an amphitheater shaped bowl.

Rising from the harbor of Funchal, the slopes of the "amphitheater" first rise gently to a height of 1200 meters. It was due to this shape and the natural protection which could be found here that the first settlers choose to build a city here. The name of this city is derived from the profusion of fennel which could be found growing there. Along with the scenic beauty that you will find a city that is filled shops, gorgeous parks and hotels to suit every budget.

While you may want to start exploring the city of Funchal straight away you will find it best if you take the time to see where the different sights of the city are located. This will make your sightseeing time here more enjoyable. Of the numerous places that you might like to visit while you are in Funchal is that of the Madeira Botanical Gardens which is locally called Jardins Botanicos da Madeira. You will be able to find these gardens about 3 kilometers from downtown Funchal. As you walk around the botanical gardens you will find there are more than 2000 different species of plants which can be seen growing all over the gardens. The Madeira Botanical Gardens are considered to be one of the major attractions you will find in the entire island of Madeira.

Another place that you might like to visit while you are in Funchal is that of the Santa Clara Convent or as it is called in Spanish the Convento da Santa Clara. This convent was built sometime towards the end of the 15th century. It was founded by Joao Gonçalves da Câmara. Today this convent is considered to be a national monument. As you explore the convent you should take a look at the azulejo tiles which are quite remarkable. Once you finish exploring this convent you might want to head over to the Se Cathedral. The cathedral which was built between 1493 and 1517 was by King Dom Manuel I. The ceiling of this cathedral was made from locally cut wood and the entire cathedral is a sight to behold.

With your sightseeing done for the moment you might like to head over to Porto Santo which is a small island just north-east of Madeira Island. The island of Porto Santo can be reached by plane or boat. While you are here explore the island and see the house of Christopher Columbus or take a stroll along the long beach of Porto Santo. You can enjoy a sumptuous meal at one of the many small restaurants which grace this island.

As the evening winds down into the night you can start planning where you will head to visit the next day. Your time here in Funchal will provide you with a wonderful amount of holiday memories to enjoy time and time again even when you are far from Funchal.

For accommodation in Funchal check this list of Funchal hotels.

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