First impressions of FUNCHAL, the iconic capital of MADEIRA
Hi everyone! In this video, I explore the capital of Madeira, namely Funchal. In a recent poll, I asked which of Madeira or Malta I should visit, and most of you voted for Madeira! So, I listened to you, packed my bags and boarded a flight to this part of the world. This is my first visit to this fascinating part of the world and, as the title suggests, contains my first impressions of Funchal in particular and Madeira in general.
Madeira (officially the Autonomous Region of Madeira) is an autonomous region of Portugal, nicknamed the 'Pearl of the Atlantic'. The name 'Madeira' means 'wood', whilst 'Funchal' means 'fennel plantation'. There are about 250,000 people who live in Madeira, of which roughly 105,000 people live in Funchal.
The vlog starts off with me giving you a tour of my accommodation in Funchal, as well as giving some key information about the island with the help of my tourist map. I also highlight the key point that Madeira is actually an archipelago, rather than an island - in fact, Madeira Island, Porto Santo and the Desertas form part of the archipelago of Madeira! After some more geography facts, I head out to the city to explore!
I immediately notice the busy traffic and also pass a shopping mall which I intend to visit later in the vlog. I then notice the interesting pavements and tree-lined streets, including trees decorated with lights. It is also clear that the city is getting ready for Christmas with several decorations already in place.
I then pass the Municipal Gardens and The Ritz, and notice the interesting tiles highlighting scenes from Madeira's past. I also talk about the history of the island, as well as the roles of João Gonçalves Zarco, Tristão Vaz Teixeira and Bartolomeu Perestrello. I also highlight the connection Christopher Columbus has with Madeira - quite interesting! I also pass one of the key landmarks of Funchal, namely the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption (or Sé Catedral).
Next it is time to admire the Instagram hotspot of the city - the Madeira sign. I also talk about the pronunciation of the name 'Madeira' and also notice several interesting monuments, stands and features along the seafront.
I then give more information about the history of the island, which includes periods where grain farming, sugar production and wine production all contributed to the island's economy and which showcases the adaptability of the Madeiran people. I also mention the why the levadas were constructed and the key role that Madeiran wine played in a monumental moment in the history of the United States. I also stumble across a street seller that sells African art, and explain more about the geography of Madeira.
I also notice the impressive Palace and give a brief tour of the interior, before heading back to the seafront area to explain more about the flag of Madeira. Afterwards, I walk towards and ultimately visit the Cristiano Ronaldo museum (called CR7 museum).
After visting the CR7 museum, I head back to the city center and drift in the streets of Rua da Carreira, frequent a small shopping mall, explore more of the Municipal Gardens and visit a beautiful church.
Finally, I visit the famous La Vie Funchal Shopping Center, where I also have something to eat, before buying and ultimately sampling the iconic Madeiran soft drink Brisa.
I hope you enjoy this tour of Funchal and that it gives you an idea of the Madeiran way of life as well as the atmosphere in the city. I am very conscious that I have skipped or missed a few other interesting things and sights in the city, but I hope to visit some of the markets in another vlog (as I was told it is better to visit those on a Saturday).
Also, please remember to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE if you haven't already - your support is greatly appreciated!
Happy exploring!
Willie
Пікірлер: 41
I understand that your first impressions are positive; it looks superb 👍👍
@willieexplore
8 ай бұрын
Definitely a great place to visit! Appreciate you taking the time to watch my content :)
It’s very nice. The Island where I was born, there are many things to explore all around the Island. Not only Funchal. This is only a little bite that you are showing.
@willieexplore
2 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching! Yes, this is only Funchal. But I still enjoyed my visit!
I'm only half-way thru your video, but feel compelled to say, you have done an absolutely fabulous job in your review!! We were in Madeira with accommodations in Old Town (Santa Maria Minor) for 3 weeks in September and feel your first impressions match ours! Thanks for taking the time to learn so much about the history etc to inform your impressions... I hope you'll have the opportunity to see more of Madeira and Porto Santo too next time you visit. Great job!! I have subscribed and look forward to what else you have to offer.
@willieexplore
7 ай бұрын
Hi there! Thank you so much for your kind words, I really appreciate it! I definitely hope to be back in due course - Porto Santo sounds like a wonderful place to visit!
Great video as always Willie Explore! Thanks for taking us along on your travels.
@willieexplore
8 ай бұрын
Thank you very much!
Always a fun and interesting walkalong! Thanks again for sharing your adventures ... really pretty place!
@willieexplore
8 ай бұрын
Thank you Jim! Always a pleasure having to along!
Howzit Willie, amazing videos as always. However, although Madeira won the vote, I hope you do still visit Malta. The entire island is packed with ancient history, especially Valletta, Birgu, Popeye's Village, Filfla, Rabat (same name as the capital of Morocco) etc. Daars hy!
@willieexplore
Ай бұрын
Hi Thomas! Thanks for watching and commenting, I really appreciate it! Yes, Malta is definitely a good place to visit. I went in 2013 but it was one of those all inclusive holidays, so I hardly saw anything of the island. I spent one day taking the hop-on-hop-off bus and was mad at myself for not exploring more. So I guess I'm saying I have unfinished business in Malta! Lekker
Hello Willie, you should have gone to Santa Catarina park. It is a normally calm and relaxing place and it has some goose I believe. And I loved your video and also said portuguese words better than some people 🤣
@willieexplore
8 ай бұрын
Hallo Matilde! Thanks for watching and commenting, it is much appreciated. I am sure there are many parts of Funchal that I missed. However, I have more videos of the city coming soon, so watch out for those! Glad to hear my pronunciation is ok haha!
Love the video!
@willieexplore
8 ай бұрын
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!
Brilliant video Willie thanks for showing this opportunity to very beautiful inspired interesting place but which continents is this island situated in thanks Willie thumbs up and more locations soon!
@willieexplore
8 ай бұрын
Thank you Simon! That is a good question - it is closer to Africa geographically but it is part of the political structures of Europe, so...
Great video Willie mate, looks like a good place to visit especially at this time of year. Very impressive how you can remember so many historical facts! Didn't know that about Madeira Cake. Had that all the time as a kid. Knew that about Ronaldo/Ronald Reagan...because you told me 😂 nice vlog mate!
@willieexplore
8 ай бұрын
Cheers mate! Definitely a good few days away, especially if you want to up your Vitamin D game this time of the year. Haha well I studied a bit of economic history & global history back in the day, but also try to read up as much as I can before each trip. Adds to the experience, especially if you are new to a destination. I have actually never tried the cake!
I love it that you speak to pigeons haha :) nice town, I wana visit
@willieexplore
6 ай бұрын
Haha Ellie! The funny thing is, they talk back to me but you cant' hear it! ;)
@ellieengel1980
6 ай бұрын
@@willieexplore u are the best
Hi Willie, glad you made it to Madeira😊. What a beautiful place. Love the Jersey connection, we have met several people working there from Madeira on our visits. Hope the flight was ok!
@willieexplore
8 ай бұрын
Hi Sheila! Flight was great, what a beautiful setting for an airport! Shame I had the middle seat but I still saw a bit of the runway. A strong connection with Jersey and with South Africa too!
@sheilam4525
8 ай бұрын
@@willieexplorewhat a shame, a window seat would have been ideal for this particular airport!
@willieexplore
8 ай бұрын
@@sheilam4525 oh no trust me, I had a very good view! :)
Willie nog n uitstekende program! Ek geniet dit was nog nooit daar nie lyk great!
@willieexplore
8 ай бұрын
Dankie Tosca! Ook my eerste keer hier, nogals 'n belewenis! Groete daar
@toscabrutus1781
8 ай бұрын
Ja ek sal op my to do list moet sit!@@willieexplore
Hey Willie I'm glad you made it to Madeira safely first impressions it looks spotless clean what a gorgeous place wow I'm blown away by it's beauty I did well by voting Madeira over Malta Man for some reason I've always had Madeira on my travel bucket list by the way you did a fantastic job breaking down the history of the island I can't wait for more Madeira content stay safe brother and keep up the good work 🔥🔥🔥👊👍
@willieexplore
8 ай бұрын
Cheers my friend, much appreciated! I love reading up about the history of a place before I go, it makes for such a better experience if you know a bit about its past. More Madeira content coming soon!
@gohardorgohome7687
8 ай бұрын
@@willieexploreAwesome stuff my man keep it up Are you able to communicate with the locals do they speak english ?
@willieexplore
8 ай бұрын
@@gohardorgohome7687 no issues whatsoever. They rely a lot on tourism here and most if not everyone I came across speak English. I even met some Madeirans who worked and lived in South Africa and can speak a bit of Afrikaans!
@gohardorgohome7687
8 ай бұрын
It's awesome that can speak good english Man i would love to move to Madeira 🙂👍👍
@willieexplore
8 ай бұрын
@@gohardorgohome7687 many would love to! You should definitely check it out though!
I love brisa too.
@willieexplore
2 ай бұрын
One of the best, if not the best soft drinks I've ever tasted!
10:46 .... Beautiful Sidewalks
@willieexplore
8 ай бұрын
For sure, Michael! Thanks for watching :)