Santa Catarina Park

Santa Catarina Park is one of the few large green spaces close to the centre of Funchal, a lawn-and-garden park laid out on the slope above the harbour, between the Avenida do Infante and the Avenida Sá Carneiro. It was opened in the 1960s and covers a little over three hectares, and for locals it is a place to walk, sit and meet, away from the traffic of the seafront. For visitors, it is a pleasant pause between sights and a good spot for a view.

The site has an older story. The first chapel of Funchal was built here in the 15th century, founded, according to tradition, by Constança Rodrigues, wife of João Gonçalves Zarco, the navigator who explored Madeira for the Portuguese crown. The little chapel of Santa Catarina still stands in the park, rebuilt over the centuries, and it is among the oldest religious buildings in the city, a quiet white building with a simple interior. Its presence gives the park a historical anchor that is easy to miss if you come only for the lawns.

The planting is varied, as befits an island with a long botanical tradition. Wide lawns are edged by flowerbeds, and trees and shrubs from different parts of the world give shade, including palms, dragon trees, jacarandas, hibiscus and other species that thrive in Madeira's mild climate. A pond with a small island is home to ducks, geese and other water birds, and paths wind around it, making it a favourite place for families with small children. There is a playground, benches and a cafe, and a series of statues and monuments recall figures linked with the island's discovery and the age of exploration, including Christopher Columbus, who is said to have visited Madeira.

The park's position gives it fine views. From the upper lawns, you look across the bay of Funchal, over the harbour with its cruise ships and ferries, toward the headland of Ponta do Garajau to the east, where a statue of Christ stands on the cliff. In the evening, the light is warm, and the lights of the city begin to come on. Next to the park lies the Quinta Vigia, the official residence of the regional president, with its own garden, which is also open to the public.

The park is free to enter and open during daylight and evening hours. Because it lies close to the main hotel zone and the marina, it is easy to reach on foot from the centre, and a short walk leads to the Avenida Arriaga and the old town. It suits families, picnickers and anyone looking for a calm green break in the middle of a busy day of sightseeing.