Sit under a tree or on the green verdant grass and look up at the swollen clouds lazily drifting across a perfect forget-me-not sky. Feel the sun shine while it pours over the exposed lake painting magnificent shimmery reflections of the trees on the water. Listen to melodious chorus of birds chirping, seemingly never repeating notes. Just relax and enjoy yourself in the Santa Catarina Park.

With a total area of 36,000square metres, this park offers an enchanting view of Funchal and its marina and the wide surrounding hills. There are huge lawns surrounded by flower beds and lined by numerous trees and shrubs and plants from all over the world. Salvias and Birds of Paradise, an unusual flower thrives at the park.

The paved pathways provide benches to sit and look at the lake with its fountain or gaze in the distance and watch the boats go in and out of the harbour. In that lake there is a small island where birds nest and swans thrive. The pathways have rock lizards fleeting across, perfectly camouflaged by the rocky background. The only way to notice them is when they drink from the flower heads. There are ornamental birds in aviaries which is an added attraction.

A playground providing all sorts of activities for children is available along with a snack bar. You can even hike along the many trails paved out in the park. Nearby you will find objects of historical value, such as a steamroller used for the roads and a machine used to squash grapes in days gone by.

Another feature of the parks is that it has sculptures dedicated to several historical characters such as Prince Henry, Christopher Columbus, Gago Coutinho and Sacadura.

The garden hosts free jazz concerts at a particular time of the year.  These concerts are very well organised and a charming attraction.

• Use the cafe which overlooks the lake because it serves excellent coffee, sandwiches and ice cream.
• Very clean and well maintained park.

• Beerhouse
• House Jazz
• Restaurante Chega de Saudade No Funchal
• Marina Terrace Restaurant
• O Celeiro
• Mercearia Dona Mecia

Love this? Explore the entire list of places to visit in Funchal before you plan your trip.

Fancy a good night's sleep after a tiring day? Check out where to stay in Funchal and book an accommodation of your choice.