Sao Goncalo: Panoramas, Chapels and Palheiro Golf

Sao Goncalo brings together several very different travel interests: views over Funchal Bay and Madeira’s south coast, sacred art, historic sites and golf. The miradouros add scenic highlights, while the chapel and parish church point to religious art and history. Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro and the Jardins do Palheiro Ferreiro also add historical and nature-related themes. For your stay, it is therefore worth considering which of these aspects appeals to you most.

Views with Different Vistas

The Miradouro do Pináculo is located in the Freguesia of São Gonçalo at an elevation of 283 metres. From there, the view stretches across Funchal Bay and Madeira’s south coast. This brings coastal and bay scenery together in a single vista. The Miradouro Largo Padre Pita Ferreira offers a different perspective: it lies below the parish church of São Gonçalo and opens up a panorama over the western part of Funchal. When comparing the viewpoints, the direction of the view is the clear distinction: from Pináculo, the vista takes in the bay and south coast, while Largo Padre Pita Ferreira looks out over western Funchal.

Chapels, Church and Artistic Heritage

The Capela de Nossa Senhora das Neves in Sítio das Neves is considered one of the oldest chapels in the diocese. São Gonçalo’s parish church offers another way to explore the area’s heritage: it houses an image of Nossa Senhora, carved by Francisco Franco in 1914. The name of the Miradouro Largo Padre Pita Ferreira also offers a glimpse into cultural history. The viewpoint is named after a parish priest who worked tirelessly to preserve Madeira’s artistic heritage. The chapel, the image and the name each reveal different aspects of religious and artistic history.

Quinta, Gardens and Natural Monument

Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro was built in the early 19th century by the first Count of Carvalhal. The Jardins do Palheiro Ferreiro are located in the Freguesia of São Gonçalo and are described as a natural monument of Madeira. Two distinct themes therefore sit side by side: the architectural history of the Quinta and the gardens’ designation as a natural monument.

Golf as a Distinct Travel Interest

Palheiro Golf was designed in 1993 by architect Cabell B. Robinson and integrated into the parkland of Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro. The Quinta’s construction period and the golf course’s design year mark distinct historical chapters. Palheiro Golf offers a challenge for both beginners and experienced players. The Miradouro do Palheiro Golf is also integrated into the extensive grounds of Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro. Bus route 033 is a useful guide for getting there; check current service details before setting out.

Choose a Holiday Apartment to Match Your Travel Interests

When looking for a holiday apartment in Sao Goncalo, you can start with the kind of trip you have in mind. If you are mainly looking for views, you can distinguish between the two panoramas by what they overlook; if sacred art or history matters more to you, there are different subjects to explore.

Discover more destinations: Campo De Cima, Câmara De Lobos, Quinta Grande, Fajã Da Ovelha, Seixal, Lombada Velha, Ponta Delgada, Camacha

For the broader travel overview: Madeira.