The Best of Madeira - An Introduction to Funchal

duarteolim@solucoesnet.com

By Robert P James

Funchal is the capital of Madeira. It is also where most tourists to the Island find themselves staying. Apart from entertaining its visitors, Funchal is a typical working city. As such it has all the hustle and bustle that any other capital city has. But, do not be dismayed, there are plenty of relaxing things to do and see.

In this article, I will look at just a couple of ideas to make your stay enjoyable. So, if you've never had the opportunity to visit the wonderful island of Madeira, read on. You'll then know what to expect on your first holiday there.

Funchal Seafront Promenade - Enjoy a lazy hour or two.

If you're feeling lazy and just want to let an hour or two slip effortlessly by, you could enjoy a gentle stroll along Funchal seafront promenade.

Starting at the western end of the promenade is the harbour where the luxury cruise liners offload their cargo of passengers.

If you are lucky, a prestigious liner will be docked here. The QE2 has visited on more than one occasion. If not, no worries, just pass along to the marina and have a wander amongst the yachts. Here, the marina side-wall has become a graffiti mural where captains leave a reminder of their visit. Can you spot a logo from your home town?

If you fancy something to eat, there are plenty of specialist seafood restaurants opposite the marina. The aroma of freshly cooked fish fills the air here and often tempts me in to sample the menu.

Walking on, you will pass the Vagrant; a tall-masted schooner once owned by the Beatles, but now serving as a waterfront restaurant. If you dine here, a medley of Beatles' songs will entertain you as you eat. Children of the Sixties will surely love the nostalgia.

Further on you will reach Funchal Old town, the Zona Velha. This area was formally a slum district but it has now been transformed to offer the tourist a number of restaurants in quaint surrounds.

The Fortaleza de Sao Tiago is located beyond the restaurants in the Zona Velha district. This is a yellow-painted fort that formally protected Funchal from attack by pirates. Today, it houses a museum of contemporary art and an upmarket restaurant.

Blandy's Wine Lodge - A taste of Madeira.

"To drink Madeira is to sip history with every glass." Those are the words of Sir Winston Churchill, Britain's war time Prime Minister and a frequent visitor to Madeira island.

And, Madeira wine does indeed have an interesting history.

During the sixteenth century traders from Madeira would set sail for India, China and Japan. Their ships carrying a cargo of wine in huge mahogany or oak barrels.

On one journey, some of the cargo was unsold and returned to Funchal. Assuming the goods were spoilt, the captain of the ship ordered the wine to be tipped overboard. Legend has it that one sailor, thinking that rather a waste, decided to sample some of the liquid before disposing of it. To his surprise, he found it to be of particularly good quality.

Hence, the unique reputation of Madeira wine was born.

For many years, it was believed that the rocking motion of the ships, as they transported their cargo, was responsible for creating this superior wine. Thus, for decades, barrels of wine were sent on a return sea voyage out from Funchal, across the equator and then back again to Funchal Port in order to aid the maturing process. However, this belief, that gently rocking the wine in its wooden cask improved its quality, was found to be false in the late eighteenth century. But, why exactly did transporting the wine by sea considerably improve its quality?

Blandy's Old Wine Lodge has it's premises in the centre of Funchal. You can book to go on a 40 minute guided tour around the lodge. Of course, along with many interesting items to view, there will be ample chance to sample some of the produce.

The tours are conducting in various languages and are by appointment only. So, visit the Old Blandy's Wine Lodge and book your tour place early and discover for yourself the real reason behind Madeira wine's unique quality.

Whatever your taste, Funchal has something to accommodate them. So, start planning that holiday now.

Robert James B.Sc (Hons) is the editor of http://www.love-madeira.com the independent Madeira travel guide. He has been a freelance writer for over 30 years and has had many articles published in the trade press.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_P_James

10 Useful Portuguese Phrases

Below are a few useful Portuguese phrases with their English translations which may prove very useful for travellers

Holidays in Madeira Mean Unmatchable Aquatic Adventure

Madeira is a significant tourist spot in Portugal. Every year millions of people plan Madeira holidays especially to get drenched in excitement of beach activities. You can indulge in numerous aquatic activities while vacationing at the beach.

What to do in Madeira?

Madeira holidays are quickly becoming some of the most popular trips to take if you are looking to explore the world and enjoy yourself. This Portuguese peninsula is a beautiful archipelago that will allow you to enjoy a luxury vacation at a budget price.

Cheap Holidays to Madeira and Unlimited Fun and Excitement

Numerous adventure cravers plan cheap holidays to Madeira as this is area where there is no dearth of aquatic and land based activities. Scuba diving is among the most popular activities that can be enjoyed in the waters surrounding Madeira. There are several things that make this area an incredible place to enjoy the sport. Its climate that remains same all through the year offers great conditions to dive into the waters and explore the exuberant underwater beauty.

Madeira – the Best All Round Climate in Europe?

With a summer maximum of 29° centigrade (OK, occasionally there have been exceptions), and a winter low of around 17° centigrade, where else can you find such bearable temperatures. Even the sea only wavers a degree or two above and below the 20° centigrade mark all year around.

Explore Typical Madeira Markets in Madeira Holidays

Many markets were set up for selling flowers but with the time they are expanded into complete markets and you can buy many other things from here. Now you can find agriculture products and local food specialties from here such as grilled chicken‘bolo de caco' bread and wheat soup which can be consumed right there or take away.

Best Churches to Explore in Madeira Holidays

Madeira Holidays gives the opportunity to explore best religious places of the town. You can visit popular churches of this attractive tourist destination. Madeira is best known for different museums and art galleries due to the rich culture of this place. But if you are searching for historical and religious holidays you can plan your cheap holidays in Madeira to see best churches.

Madeira Portugal Pearl of the Atlantic

Madeira volcanic soil, plants and flowers blaze as creating a palette with a Tahitian Gauguin. The island grows a variety of colors - this zhakaranda, weight bougainvilleas, orchids, geraniums, puansettii, Cannes, wisteria. Scrub apples, avocados, mangoes and bananas grow on the island. Scents such as vanilla and wild fennel, mixed with the smells of the sea breath, get into the valley and create a unique charm of the island.

Explore Natural Richness of Madeira with Funchal Holidays

Nature lovers from around the world visit Funchal especially to visit gardens in Madeira Island. Some of the travel writes have referred Madeira as the "Floating Garden in the Atlantic." This is one of the most notable attractions in the city. While strolling around this city, you would come across variety of gardens. Some of these gardens are natural whereas others are maintained very carefully so that they don't lack even an ounce of the natural feel.

Funchal Holidays – Experience the Real Excitement of Visiting Portugal

Are you planning to spend your next vacation in Portugal? Yes! If you don't want to lose even a single aspect of Portugal, look out for Funchal holiday packages. Funchal is the city that summarizes the country. Visit the city to experience different colors of Portugal.