Funchal, Portugal

Full Transcript

Intro

Welcome aboard the TSJ CruisePod – your journey beyond the waves.

I’m your host, Thomas Sebastian Jensen.

Today, we’re sailing to one of the most beautiful islands in the Atlantic – Funchal, Portugal, the capital of Madeira, often called “The Island of Eternal Spring”.

City Overview

Funchal lies about one thousand kilometers southwest of mainland Portugal, nestled in a natural bay surrounded by steep mountains.

Thanks to its mild climate and lush vegetation, Madeira has long been a favorite destination for travelers seeking sun, flowers, and ocean views year-round.

The city’s name, Funchal, comes from the Portuguese word funcho, meaning fennel, which grew here in abundance when settlers arrived in the fifteenth century.

Today, Funchal is home to around one hundred five thousand people and uses the euro as its currency.

Its narrow alleys, historic churches, and colorful gardens create a picture-perfect blend of culture and nature.

Our Day in Port

After docking early in the morning, we decided to explore on our own.

A short taxi ride took us to our first stop – the CR7 Museum, dedicated to Madeira’s most famous son, Cristiano Ronaldo.

In front of the building stands the well-known bronze statue where visitors line up for photos – a must, whether or not you’re a football fan.

Inside, trophies, jerseys, and personal memorabilia tell the story of his incredible career and the pride Madeira feels for its hometown hero.

Unfortunately, the rain started, and the queue grew longer than expected, so we moved on sooner than planned.

Next, the taxi carried us up the steep hills above the city to Monte, home of the island’s legendary Carros de Cesto, or wicker toboggans.

This unique tradition dates back to the nineteenth century.

Passengers sit in hand-woven sledges steered by two men dressed in white, wearing straw hats and rubber-soled boots, gliding downhill along winding streets at surprising speed.

We didn’t take the ride ourselves this time, but watching the sledges whisk past was pure fun – a mix of thrill, laughter, and local heritage all in one moment.

Back in the city center, we visited the Sé Cathedral of Funchal, a late-Gothic masterpiece from the fifteenth century.

Its ornate cedar-wood ceiling and detailed side chapels were stunning reminders of the island’s early prosperity.

Afterward, we stopped at a café for a short break before strolling through the charming downtown.

Many of the old façades are decorated with blue-and-white tiles that tell stories from centuries past.

Soon after, our taxi brought us back to the ship – just as the rain began again, as if Madeira itself was bidding us farewell.

This was not our first time in Funchal.

During the 2023 world cruise, we joined an organized excursion that took us to the coastal village of Ribeira Brava, where I tried Poncha, a traditional drink made from sugarcane brandy, honey, and lemon juice.

We continued to Cabo Girão, Europe’s highest sea cliff, offering breathtaking views over the Atlantic, and finished at Pico de Torre, overlooking Funchal’s red rooftops and harbor.

Two visits – two different experiences – yet both unforgettable in their own way.

Travel Tips

The cruise pier forms a U-shaped basin, and the walk to the main road can be quite long.

Taking a taxi from the pier is the easiest option to reach the city center.

From downtown, you can buy a cable-car ticket to Monte, where the toboggan rides begin.

Whether you take the ride or just watch, it’s a unique memory to bring home.

Funchal’s old town is perfect for walking.

Stop at the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum, browse the souvenir shops, or simply relax in one of the many cafés.

For a taste of Madeira’s famous nature, visit the Botanical Garden or Jardim Municipal, both showcasing the island’s exotic plants and flowers.

Shoppers will enjoy the Mercado dos Lavradores, the city’s vibrant market full of colorful fruit, flowers, fish, and crafts.

Typical souvenirs include Poncha, Madeira wine, and Bolo de Mel, a sweet honey cake that’s perfect to take home.

If you’d like a different perspective, consider a boat excursion.

Dolphin- and whale-watching trips leave right from the harbor, and with some luck, playful dolphins might swim alongside your boat.

For those who love the outdoors, short hikes along Madeira’s historic levadas – the irrigation channels that wind through the green hills – offer a peaceful taste of the island’s natural beauty without needing to venture far.

Outro

That’s all for today’s episode of the TSJ CruisePod.

I hope you enjoyed our visit to Funchal, Portugal – a city that truly lives up to its name as the Island of Eternal Spring.

Join me next time as we continue our cruise to another inspiring destination.

Until then – stay curious, and keep your heart open to the sea.