Funchal

The steep green mountains behind Funchal form the perfect backdrop for the enchanting capital of Madeira. The volcanic soil and the mild climate are credited for the abundance of lush and multicolored vegetation, giving Madeira the name "Island of Eternal Spring". Funchal, the island's capital, boasts an array of hotels, restaurants and shops, plus on its outskirts a Botanical Garden with an impressive collection of some 2,000 plants from around the world. Don’t miss visiting one of the wine lodges to sample Madeira’s most famous product.

Activities

• Quinta das Cruzes - Madeira’s discoverer, Zarco, is believed to have lived in this house. Now a museum, it displays furniture and paintings and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. The museum is closed from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.


• Sé Cathedral - The cathedral was constructed by the Knights of the Order of Christ in 15th-century Manueline style. The stunning design features white stucco with contrasting black basalt and red tufa rock; the ceiling is inlaid with ivory.


• Museum of Sacred Art - Located near the Town Hall, the museum contains art from the island, including a group of 15th- and 16th-century paintings of Portuguese and Flemish schools. The museum is closed from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.


• Botanical Garden - The gardens are Madeira’s best example of lavishly landscaped grounds. Situated on the estate of a former private residence, the gardens are host to a profusion of plants and flowers from all parts of the world, which thrive in the island’s temperate climate.

Shopping

Madeira’s most obvious souvenir is the wine that bears its name. Embroidery, wickerwork and ceramics are equally popular buys. Many shops observe lunch time between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Food

An abundance of fresh fruit, vegetables and fish make for healthy and tasty meals. Fish is the mainstay of the local diet, with espada (scabbard fish) considered the best. Afternoon tea at Reid's Hotel is still a fashionable thing to do. Taste the famous Madeira wine that comes in four varieties: Sercial, golden and dry; Verdelho, slightly sweeter; Boal, a semisweet dessert wine; and Malvasia (Malmsey), a sweet after-dinner drink.

Currency

The Euro (EUR), the currency of the European Union, is the official currency of Portugal.

Cruise Lines	Nov	Dec	2009 Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct
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