The road climbing up from the church, Igreja de São Pedro is called “Calçada de Santa Clara”, and has some of the best museums of Funchal – Museu de Francisco Franco, Quinta das Cruzes, the ancient convent of Santa Clara and the Museu das Memorias. The Museu das Memorias also has one of my favourite tea rooms which may be visited independently of the museum. The little tea room offers a haven from the busyness of Funchal. Tables and chairs are set out in the garden around a little pond with an adorable cherub statue and goldfish, and one can enjoy afternoon tea here in the middle of the city and still feel “far from the madding crowd”. There is also indoor seating should the weather not be favourable.
Dainty cups and saucers are provided for the tea. My friend and I had a little cake each which the waitress assured us were gluten free (the only food left, so I recommend you come early).
