Funchal is the capital of the Atlantic island of Madeira and is situated in a natural, picturesque bay, surrounded by steep mountain slopes. With churches, palaces, mansions, museums and magnificent gardens, it is a city of both character and history.

The Palacio De São Lourenço is the town’s oldest fort and was one of the defences that surrounded Funchal from the seventeenth to the nineteenth century. Pirates repeatedly attacked the growing town thus its inhabitants were forced to protect it as best they could.

Madeira is famous for its wine which has been exported around the world for hundreds of years and in the old rooms of a former monastery, it is pressed, stored and celebrated.

The upper town is considered to be the most vibrant part of the city. The adjoining monastery church is in fine Mudejar style. Its walls are colorfully tiled from top to bottom, which emphasizes the oriental nature of the building.

The Jardim Botanico is located on a hillside above Funchal and once belonged to the Reid Family. With more than two thousand exotic plants from all over the world it is a garden of earthly pleasures.

Not surprisingly, stunning beauty, pulsating life and the serenity of its charming people have continued to make Funchal a major tourist destination.