Funchal East Area
To the east, Funchal Old Town begins. Streets are narrower, and smaller commercial shops, traditional restaurants and some top attractions.
- Coordenadas: 32.651301, -16.903900
One of these is the Henrique e Francisco Franco Museum, dedicated to the work of the two brothers – both remarkable.
Henrique was a painter. Francisco, younger, was a sculptor. Between 1910 and 1930, the Franco brothers joined the pioneering group of modernist art in Portugal.
We wonder if the American actors James Franco (and David Franco) are related to them…After all, Franco’s father is of Portuguese (Madeira) descent.
Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmer’s Market)
- Coordenadas: 32.648642,-16.903881
500 meters away is the Mercado dos Lavradores, which vibrates with a colourful variety of exotic fruits and local handicrafts.
Designed by Edmundo Tavares (1930), part of its charm lies in the theatrical arcades.
Santa Maria Street
- Coordenadas: 32.648077, -16.904110
Mercado dos Lavradores marks the beginning of the old part of Funchal: atmospheric streets, namely Santa Maria street. Adorned with urban art in the doors.
Largo do Corpo Santo
- Coordenadas: 32.647678, -16.900137
We soon pass close to Largo do Corpo Santo, a central point with flowering mimosa trees.
Some houses date to the 15th century (only the commoner lived here).
In the square, we see the small Corpo Santo Chapel, one of the oldest (16th century) – dedicated to Saint Peter, the fishers’s patron.
São Tiago Fort
- Coordenadas: 32.646633,-16.898609
Continuing west, we arrive at São Tiago Fort on a small rocky outcrop.
Built in 1614, it kept pirates away from the city. It now has a restaurant and a museum with a collection of weapons.
São Tiago Beach
- Coordenadas: 32.646586, -16.899027
Nearby lies the rocky São Tiago beach. A small seasonal café-kiosk serves cold beers.
100 meters away is the Church of Santa Maria Maior (18th century) on top of an older chapel.
- Coordenadas: 32.646991, -16.897704
There is a procession on the 1st of May. It honours the patron saint of Funchal (James the Less) and the victims of an outbreak of the plague (16th century).
Nearby, we rest at the Barreirinha Bathing Complex.
Complexo Balnear Barreirinha
- Coordenadas: 32.646634, -16.897413
