Poço do Barral

The Poço Barral neighborhood zona is a peaceful residential area forming the northern border of the São Martinho parish of Funchal, positioned outside the main, bustling tourist zones. Most locals wouldn't even know the zona by name although would recognize it as a thoroughfare to Madeira Shopping Center or an exit off the freeway.

Poço means "water well" in Portuguese which was how the zona got its name, harking back to an old well that once served the area, a typical way for Madeirans to name areas is almost always with a nod to its roots and landmarks. Over time, it’s grown beyond a village well into a a zone that shares both industrial and residential properties, a mix of older homes and newer developments hinting at slow but steady development.

It’s a quieter zona than the those active areas like Lido or the Funchal center with pockets of industrial building giving it a county line vibe with a little more open space. However as with most areas on the island, there are always views to be had —from homes to parking lots because no matter where you are on the island, the ocean is just downhill, reminding you that you're in lovely Madeira. You'll also still find traditional banana farms ("bananeiras") and country homes scattered around the area.

Affordability and convenience are the best features of Poço Barral's. It's a convenient alternative to the urban center's housing prices offering residents a a quick 10-15 minute drive to Funchal’s heart. As the city center expands these are things to keep in mind if you look for an investment property that will hold its value in close proximity to all the action.