Funchal: Parque de Santa Catarina

This lovely park, which overlooks the Bay of Funchal from its hillside perch, covers some 36,000 m2. Alas, we didn’t have time to explore all of it today. No time, certainly, to check out the aviaries, and we only saw two of the sculptures dotted around the park.

Contrary to the article I had read, however, the Santa Catarina Chapel, which resembles a cottage more than it does a place of worship, was open. As there were people in prayer inside, I was satisfied with just a quick look-see from the door.

Our stroll did take us to the small pond where fountains were gushing. Swans were a-swimmin’ as well … until a soccer ball landed in the water and they decided it was safer to hide amongst the bushes when the young kids began throwing stones in the pond in their attempts to retrieve the ball.

Not a quiet park on this spring afternoon … plenty of people of all ages out to make the best of the nice day … young parents with strollers … young lovers in nooks and crannies … elderly locals resting on the benches overlooking the pond … kids playing ball. Nonetheless, our time in the park was a nice “green end” to our day amidst the narrow cobble streets of Funchal.Read more