Green forests, tropical scenery, tunnels and luxuriants gardens. On foot or by car, Madeira is a box of surprises, where the natural beauty embrace us generously.
What you need to Know:
When to go – all times of the year are good. Besides the peaks of the end-of-year and Carnival, the spring is particularly appreciated by lovers of plants and nature. September, month of vintage, it also attracts many visitors.
What to bring – clothes and comfortable shoes, mountain boots, waterproof, coat, lantern, hat and sunscreen.
Climate – The island of Madeira not has only one weather, but several. In Funchal the temperatures are pleasant, the weather is humid and sunny most days. In winter, remains in the 16 degrees, but in the mountains the low temperatures are accentuated and are sufficient to register negative temperatures and even snowfall in Pico Arieiro or in Pico Ruivo.
How to move – The best way to see the island is to rent a car and alternate the tours by car with walking. Travel agents also offer various tours by land and sea. Who have no experience in walking in the mountains, should contact an agency or branch of Tourism (at Avenida Arriaga) and ask for a mountain guide.
See:
By Car - Up to Eira do Serrado to see the famous valley of Curral Freiras (see video); go to Cabo Girão (video), where exist one cable car to descend to Fajã. Up until Encumeada (video) and go to the beautiful São Vicente by the old road in the seaside of the north coast, admiring the coast, the waterfalls, the locations on top of rocks, as Seixal, Praia da Laje (with sand), the tone of the tasty sea, until reach the natural pools in the rocks of Porto Moniz (video). Then continue the same road until Achadas da Cruz (video) and follow for Ponta do Pargo, Fajã de Ovelha, Paul do Mar, Jardim do Mar, Calheta, Ponta do Sol and Ribeira Brava, up to Funchal.
In the east side, go up to Ribeiro Frio, Santana (with the typical houses of stem – video), Porto da Cruz (with a beach of sand and overlooking the rock of the Penha d´Águia – video), Portela, Caniçal to Ponta de São Lourenço where there is a viewpoint that shows the end of the island with a landscape completely different from the rest (video).
Funchal - It is difficult to choose among the many gardens, but I choose the Monte Palace (video), the Jardim Botânico (Botanical Garden – video – accessible by cable car) or the Palheiro Ferreiro (Blandy’s Garden), take bus 36A are essential. Among the many museums in Funchal, I highlight the Instituto do Vinho da Madeira Museum (address: R. Outubro 5), and the Photographia-Museu “Vicentes” (address: R. da Carreira, 43), the oldest existing photo studio in Portugal, founded in 1848. Yet the Museum of Quinta das Cruzes (address: Calçada do Pico nº1), a farm devoted to Madeiran decorative arts, and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Fortaleza de São Tiago.
Eat:
The Madeiran cuisine is more than the famous brochette with stick of laurel. Some restaurants, such as Quinta da Casa Branca, a Funchal reference, already use creativity with the local specialties,like fillets of sword fish or a delicious ice cream with honey cake. The tuna steak, the fried corn, bread with sweet potato is also attractive, as poncha, a drink made with brandy, honey cane and lemon juice, to drink and cry for more.
Some of the best places to eat well and/or drink:
Café do Museu – Located in Praça do Município (City Square), this restaurant offers creative meals with good price and quality.
Restaurante do Miranda – Very popular, serves good traditional food at affordable prices (near the Botanical Garden and Choupana Hills).
Golden Gate Grand Café – Historic coffee of Funchal, also has restaurant and a pleasant terrace (address: Av. Arriaga, 29)
Café do Teatro – One space always in fashion, that works at night as bar (address: Av. Arriaga)
Chega de Saudade – Warm Restaurant and coffee during the day, at night works as jazz bar (address: R. dos Aranhas, 20, 1º).
O Abrigo do Pastor – Highlander restaurant, between Poiso and Camacha, specialized in mountain and grilled dishes.
O Fio – Has a superb view over the ocean. Between lunch and dinner, operates as a tearoom. (address: Sítio do Salão de Baixo – Calheta)
Where to Sleep:
Choupana Hills – The exotic bungalows of this creative hotel make the difference. In the hillside of Choupana you get a good view of Funchal, when the time allows. Xôpana restaurant is also a temptation, as the Spa.
Quinta da Casa Branca – An architectural pearl in the middle of exuberant gardens. The Spa and the restaurant are other strengths.
Quinta da Bela Vista – A awarded classic hotel in a quiet area of Funchal. The quality of service and collection of antiques distinguishes it from others.
Quinta das Vinhas – In this farm of vineyards, there are houses for rural tourism very comfortable. The main building is from century XVII.
July 27th, 2009 at 1:31 am
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