Funchal (Madeira) Portugal

Funchal, Madeira’s capital is one of Europe’s prettiest ports. There are flowers everywhere and flowering trees. We saw many Jackuranda (sp) trees. Funchal is named for one of the most fragrant native plants–funcho (fennel) that grows all over the coastal area. The colorful flowers along with the spectacular waterfalls and perfect climate encourages tourist trade.

Our approach to Madeira presented a stunning picture as the colorful and majestic Madeiran peaks suddenly appeared from the blue mist. We docked at 8:00 a.m and we were anxious to get out into the perfect sunny weather. We walked toward the town which is about a mile, but weren’t sure where to make a turn so we walked back and took the shuttle. The shuttle dropped us off in the center of town and from there we walked to find the cable cars.

Riding in the cable cars, we were rewarded with sweeping views of the city and Funchal harbor. The cable ride took approximately ten minutes. The system has 40 cars each with capacity for up to 8 passengers so we didn’t have to wait long even though there were 3 cruise ships docked at the port.

We reached the town of Monte that is only 4 miles from Funchal, but nearly 2,000 feet high, it seems almost like heaven. There were many fine gardens and a church that required walking up 68 steps. We wanted to embark on the sleigh-ride from Monte back but found we didn’t have enough Euros. After much searching and finding interesting new places including a restaurant where we could buy a fridge magnet, some cards and a cold drink, we found “a card box” which is what the natives called the ATM. We then embarked on the exciting trip down the steep and narrow street on a sleigh that is steered by by two people. (See picture) The only problem was they only took us half way. There were taxis there but we thought we could walk . It turned out to be 6 kilometers or 3.6 miles of very steep streets and we suffered the next day from sore muscles.

After reaching the bottom of the mountain we rested with a gelato and continued walking and shopping then back to the bus stop for the shuttle. The ship sailed away at 6:00 p.m. for 5 days at sea and then Bermuda.