About Location
The starting point of the TURIM Santa Maria hotel, through Praça do Carmo, down to Largo do Phelps and the Rua Dr. Fernão de Ornelas are actually in the Sé parish of Funchal, but, as the start point offers a view point across Santa Maria Maior, and the subsequent walk brings us to Santa Maria Maior and the Zona Velha, it makes sense to me to include them here.
Personal noteExploring Santa Maria Maior on foot is a rewarding experience—the intimate streets and open plazas invite you to pause, explore, and fully absorb the blend of old-world charm and modern creativity.
indulge in Madeiran dishes like “espetada” (grilled meat skewers), “bolo do caco” (traditional garlic bread), and sample local wines, turning every meal into a celebration of local life.
Old Town (Zona Velha): Wander along its narrow, cobbled streets and discover pastel buildings, centuries-old churches, and hidden corners that tell the story of the city’s evolution. Many of these old doorways have been transformed into canvases for vibrant street art, making every turn a surprise.
Mercado dos Lavradores: Experience the sights, sounds, and scents of this bustling farmers’ market where vendors offer fresh produce, exotic fruits, and local crafts. It’s an ideal spot to mingle with locals and sample Madeiran specialties.
References
Text generated by Microsoft CoPilot
- 1. komoot.com
- 2. The Flaspacker
- 3. visitmadeira
- 4. Trip Adviosr: Zona Velha
- 5. Trip Advisor: Old Funchal Walking Tour
