Funchal is the capital of Madeira and is the preferred destination for most tourists. It is a modern westernised city, with many restaurants, coffee bars and art galleries. There are many beautifully kept parks with colourful flowers in abundance. There is a cable car, which will take you to one of the higher points around Funchal, from which most of the southern part of the island can be seen. There is a balloon that will sweep you aloft and a helicopter that will fly you over the island. Pleasure boats leave from Funchal Harbour on a regular basis, with Whale and Dolphin watching being extremely popular. There are many public swimming pools including the well-known Lido center (see the picture gallery).

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