When we have days where we aren't out adventuring with the car we find lots of great things to do around Funchal. Here are a few of our favorites:
Rua de Santa Maria
We love to wander this old part of town with it's narrow cobblestone streets lined with gobs of restaurants and a few shops. It's just wide enough that we can walk in between the outside tables (and get invited to stop and eat) and enjoy the bright painted doors which is what it's most known for. It's very popular and a place to avoid if there are multiple cruise ships, but if we can catch it when it's quieter it is so fun! We've had some yummy & beautiful food here. We also discovered our favorite spot for live lunch music at Apazua.
Sit on a Pier
There's lots of these to choose from and you really can't go wrong. We enjoy facing out to the water for a bit and then turning to see the gorgeous city view of the colorful buildings as they dot the sides of the mountains.
Wander Streets & Eat Yummy Food
Other times we find places to walk, duck into small fun eateries, gawk at amazing fruit stands and look for things to sketch. I always love watching Kim create art and in these beautiful settings it's even more special. If you're an artist there are plenty of places for inspiration.
The streets are getting more and more decorated every time we are out as they prepare for the Christmas festivities. It's just amazing how much effort they are putting into hanging different themed lights on these narrow streets. We can't wait for them to light them!
If you're here during a sporting even it's really fun to join in the festivities like we did during the world cup (especially when Portugal plays).
Enjoy a rooftop terrace
Evenings mean golden hour lighting on the mountains that light everything up and rooftop views like these from the terrace bar at Sé Boutique Hotel.
November 2022
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