Santa Maria Street

Here you are on one of Funchal’s absolute must-see streets—Rua de Santa Maria! It’s one of the oldest in the city, right in the heart of Funchal’s very first neighborhood. This narrow, cobbled street stretches for over 600 meters and is full of charm, with its colorful little houses, cozy restaurants, quirky shops, and art galleries. But what really makes it special is its amazing painted doors. While it’s always been a historic main road since the 15th century, Rua de Santa Maria has also become a hub of creativity thanks to a project called “The Art of Open Doors.” Launched in 2010, it invited local artists to brighten up the street by painting the doors and façades of buildings, turning them into eye-catching works of art. So as you stroll along, keep your eyes peeled—some of these doors are truly spectacular!