Funchal Old Town: Painted Doors and Poncha

Funchal’s Old Town (Zona Velha) is the most atmospheric part of Madeira’s capital: cobbled lanes of fishermen’s houses whose doors have been turned into an open-air art gallery, packed with restaurants, bars and poncha stalls. Here’s how to explore it.

Quick answer: walk Rua de Santa Maria to see the painted doors, visit the yellow Fort of São Tiago by the sea, browse the nearby Mercado dos Lavradores, and stay for dinner and a poncha. The cable car to Monte leaves from the edge of the Old Town.

Things to do

• The painted doors: an art project transformed the old doors of Rua de Santa Maria into colourful artworks.
• Fort of São Tiago: a 17th-century fort on the seafront.
• Mercado dos Lavradores: the colourful market with exotic fruit, flowers and fish, a short walk away.
• The seafront: a small beach and swimming spots below the fort.
• Restaurants and bars: espetada, black scabbardfish and poncha.
• The cable car to Monte. See the Monte toboggan.

Tips

• Evenings are lively, especially at weekends.
• Restaurant touts: some lanes have them. Be polite and choose for yourself.
• Stay nearby: see where to stay in Madeira.

More: things to do in Funchal, 3 days in Madeira and Funchal’s cruise port.

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