Funchal is the capital city of Madeira and has a rich and diverse history. Funchal received an award in 2000 for 'European Flowering City 2000'. Madeira lives up to its nickname of the floating garden. For the best shopping on Madeira you should spend a day in Funchal, where you will find a big selection of shops, malls and a department store. It is all very modern and offers a good choice of things to buy along with some trendy cafes and restaurants.

Madeira is well known for its wicker products so you will find an abundance of wicker souvenirs. The department store in Funchal is a delight in itself with its charm and atmosphere, making you feel like you've gone back in time.

The harbour at Madeira is large and you might see some large cruise liners docking. You can walk around the harbour, or stop off in one of its trendy cafes to watch the world go by.

Funchal has stunning views of the hills behind it and we must not forget to mention the Laurissilva forest, which still remains as the most well preserved prehistoric woodland area in Europe.

There are plenty of things to see and do at Funchal besides the shopping: you can enjoy one of its landscaped parks, the botanical gardens.

For evening entertainment you can enjoy a cabaret which takes place at the town's casino.