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The name of the town Funchal comes from the Portugese word Funcho which means fennel. Fennel is a unique herb that was discovered in large amounts in the town by the Portuguese naval leaders, Tristao Vaz Teixeira and Joao Goncalves Zarco when they landed here in 1418. You can reach Funchal by air as it has an airport. There are regular flights to Funchal from many international airports. Funchal contains the castle, the old town, numerous museums, cathedrals, a cable car right up till the Monte Gardens and palace, a great place to shop, bars, cafes and restaurants. As you progress more towards the west, further from the port you will land right inside the famous Santa Catarina Park.

Santa Catarina Park is situated towards the outskirts of Funchal, close to the harbor. Rotunda do Infante is another landmark to recognize the location of the Park. The Park consists of open grasslands that stretch upward in a slight slope leading to a pond. The Park consists of a refreshments area and many recreation facilities. If you look up from the park you will also be able to locate the Presidents official residence which is a sober pink building.

Santa Catarina spans for over 36,000 sq. m. and has central formal lawn area. Surrounding the lawn are zig zag pathways that allow you to pass through the numerous bright flower beds. The park boasts of several Tropical and sub tropical trees, flowers and shrubs accumulated from several parts of the world. Some of them were just brought in form of bulbs and planted in the park. Such flowers have grown beautifully in the park.

The timings of the park are from 7:30 in the morning to 9:00 at night. The beautiful collection of flowers here includes the bright red Poinsettias scientifically known as Euphorbia pulcherrima and the orange Lions tail named Leonotis leonorus. You will also find pretty Hibiscus flowers and Bougainville in several appealing colors. The Jacaranda trees which are in full bloom during the springtime are found not just in the park but all over Funchal. Palm trees are also quite notable here.

As you wander lazily from the top of the park and turn right, you may be able to get a glimpse of coastline. From this spot you can locate the Garajau headland, Funchal Harbor and the seafront. Its an amazing and a complete view of major landmarks of Funchal.