Funchal, one of Portugal's most important tourist destinations, received its name from the Portuguese word "a plantation of fennel." The settlement of Funchal started approximately in 1424 by João Gonçalves Zarco. It soon became an important port that attracted new residents due to the productiveness of the land, which allowed it to grow much faster than other similar locations. Because of its historical maritime importance, today, Funchal is one of Portugal's leading cruise ship docking ports.

As the capital of Madeira, Funchal is the administrative heart of the island, but it is also known for its artistic and cultural events. The most important of these is the "ArT of opEN doors project in Rua de Santa Maria," in which many artists took over deteriorated areas, doors, and shops to express their art with their paintings. The result was a marked sensitization of the population toward the importance of arts in their everyday lives.

Funchal is the birthplace of a very large number of notable personalities, including world-famous football player Cristiano Ronaldo, who was born there in 1985. Funchal is also home to a wide variety of museums dedicated to a number of different subjects, including the world-renowned Madeira Wine Museum, which contains some of the oldest wine cellars on the island, dating as far back as the 17th century. The museum is open to the public and even has a wine tasting area for those who care to indulge. Because of its natural beauty, interesting architecture, gorgeous beaches, and much more, a visit to Madeira should definitely include a stay in Funchal!