Funchal — Old Town & Harbor

Funchal (from "funcho," Portuguese for fennel — the first settlers found wild fennel plants here) is Madeira's capital and home to over 100,000 people. The city lies in a natural bay on the south coast, protected from the north winds, and stretches amphitheater-like up the steep slopes — a panorama that is breathtaking, especially at night when the city's lights climb over the hills.

The Zona Velha (Old Town) is the historic heart: narrow cobblestone streets, colorful doors (project "Arte Portas Abertas" — local artists painted over 200 doors), fish restaurants, Fado bars, and Funchal's oldest street, the Rua de Santa Maria (1430). In the evening, Zona Velha transforms into a lively district with live music, Poncha bars, and the island's best restaurant scene.

The harbor and the Avenida do Mar are Funchal's promenade: wide walkways, palm trees, views of the cruise ships, and — at the eastern end — the Fortaleza de São Tiago (1614), a yellow fortress that today houses a museum of contemporary art. At the western end lies the Marina de Funchal, the starting point for whale and dolphin watching tours.

Other highlights: The Cathedral Sé (1514, Mudéjar ceiling made of cedar wood), the Town Hall with its beautiful courtyard, the Praça do Município (black-and-white cobblestone mosaic), and the Jardim Municipal — a small tropical park in the middle of the city. At the harbor, you can book whale watching tours (from €35, 2–3 hours) — Madeira's waters are home to over 20 whale species, including sperm whales, Bryde's whales, and various dolphin species.