Funchal - Welcoming The Youthful Tourist

Some feel it is the lack of extremes in the temperature. Other people assert it is a direct consequence of the scarcity of golden sand beaches. Whilst still others suppose it is a corollary of the strongly held principles of the local Roman Catholic residents. Whichever one, or amalgamation, of these reasons is responsible, it is undoubtedly true that the island of Madeira is habitually considered as the sole preserve of the aged holidaymaker.

Funchal, despite being Madeira's principal city, cannot avoid laboring under a matching reputation.
Well, if you ever sought an exception that proved the rule, look no further than Funchal.

Madeira's main city displays a distinctly laid back attitude.

Possibly, it could be attributed to the year long mildness - the temperature barely dips below 17 degrees Celsius. Or, it could be that, being a mountainous volcanic island, the flow of fresh ideas and innovations from mainland Europe have often been severely restricted by Funchal's geographic circumstance. Or, and this is many people's favourite supposition, the local populace have just been too comfortable with their luscious surroundings that they have not been conducive to any changes to their way of life.

Irrespective of the rationalization, Funchal always seems reluctant to adopt the scientific breakthroughs of the 20th century.

Demonstrably, one aspect that illustrates Funchal's opposition to keeping up with the times was its former principal mode of transport.

Whilst the motor car was expeditiously gaining in popularity throughout Europe and North America following World War II, Funchal steadfastly rebuffed the new technology.

But, how did the rich in Madeira's capital journey in style?

A uniquely Madeiran, bullock pulled, wheel-less wooden cart with something akin to ski runners was the solution.

A pair of attendants, decked out with white straw hats, walked at the side of these "carro de bois" vehicles. One attendant was required to steer the bullocks. The second attendant held a greasy cloth which was repeatedly placed under the sled runners to curtail the friction between the wooden runners and the street's surface. Both attendants would fan the flies away from the bullocks and, when it was dark, the first attendant displayed a candle lantern to light the way and let their advance be known to others.

The carriages ordinarily had white linen curtains that hung from the roof. Often these would be pulled closed to afford the passengers relief from the direct heat of the intense sunshine.

Often, in the early 1950s, reports regularly circulated that Funchal's constrained, twisting, steep, cobbled streets would never succumb to the automobile. The sneaking suspicion behind this doctrine being that engine driven, wheeled transport were an inferior choice when compared with the perfectly designed bullock carriages.

Opposition, ultimately, proved futile. As has occurred throughout the world, Funchal has had to consent to the advent of the motoring age.

However, it was not until the start of the 21st century that Madeira addressed the problems that its terrain presented to motoring. The Autonomous Regional Government finally building the Rapida - a fast highway linking all the major population centres in the south of the island.

The Rapida is unlike any other motorway you are likely to drive along. Many tunnels and pillar supported bridges overcome the difficulties of Madeira's mountainous topography and precipitous ravines. It may not surprise you to learn that Madeira boasts more road tunnels for every kilometre of roadway than any other region on earth.

Presently, Madeira has actively sought to encourage a more youthful clientele to the archipelago. Today, the island, and Funchal in particular, is a cosmopolitan, open-minded society readily inviting the twenty-first century and taking constructive steps to become a pioneer in the sphere of up-to-date innovations.

Hence, do not be mislead, certainly you will still cross the path of numerous 40+ and retired tourists in Madeira, however the youthful visitor will discover much to keep them happy and interested.