Parque de Santa Catarina

The Parque de Santa Catarina is a large urban park with views over the Bay of Funchal. It is named after the Chapel it surrounds (Capela de Santa Catarina) - the first religious building constructed in Madeira and dating from 1425.

The land was first acquired by the local authority in 1837 for use as a cemetery and was later transformed into a park once its functions had been transferred to the large cemetery in the parish of São Martinho.

With its attractive planting, lake, large lawns and distant views and its proximity to the centre of Funchal, the park is popular not only for relaxation but as a venue for gatherings and open-air concerts.

Getting there

The park lies to the south of the Avenida do Infante to the immediate west of the centre of Funchal and a short walk from the Avenida Arriaga. HF buses 1, 2, 4, 8 and 24 (among others) serve the stop immediately outside the park (stop number 8) heading into Funchal. Heading west out of Funchal, the nearest stop is at the roundabout at the bottom of the Avenida do Infante (stop number 33A, RJ Dias Leite Rotunda) served by the same buses (other routes may operate from the stop on the ramp up from the Avenida do Mar).