We made it from the small port straight to the hotel – with the rest of day at leisure. I made it immediately out for a walk along the beach to the the South-Western most point of the island – Ponta da Calheta. From here it was back and on to Vila Baleira, the island’s capital for a walk around town.
Category Archives: _Europe_
Ferry to Porto Santo
By now we had explored Madeira quiet a bit – it was about time for a change. That change was to come – by ferry.
We left Calheta in the early morning, to make our way back to Funchal and to the Porto Santo ferry – for the 2.5 hour / ~80km trip to Porto Santo.
The way out was a bit of a review of some parts of the trip so far – Funchal, the Christ statue, the airport and of course Ponta de São Lourenço (now from a different angle).
West Coast Impressions
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The sun was out today and the sky blue – a perfect day for another hike. A short drive got us from Calheta to Prazeres, where we started our hike along the Levada Faja. The hike here was an easy … Continue reading
A wet Day …
Today we left Santana and Madeira’s North-East behind and made our way South-West. After a quick stop at a supermarket, we made it up to the Western highlands and to the trailhead for the Levada das 25 Fontes hike
That hike is often referred to as the most popular hike on Madeira – and despite November being off-season (at least in normal years) the trail turned out quiet busy with several bigger groups being squeezed through.
The weather was not on our side today – we started in light drizzle, with the rain getting worse over time – until we eventually got to a constant stream of steady rain.
At one point I decided, to put all gear into my backpack (which is now proven to be waterproof) – this included camera and phone (so only few photos here). The decision turned out a wise one, as I eventually was drenched to the underwear (as were most people in the group).
The hike itself – to me – felt pretty pointless … but then I was cold, wet and felt miserable – plus, the trail was super-busy and it all just took too long. Well – in fairness, I can understand, why this is a popular hike – I am sure, there are some fantastic views to be had here – and the waterfall and pond are probably nice places to be as well …
Needless to say, I was happy, when we were back on the bus and making our way down to the coast and the town of Calheta for a nice hot shower – and a change into dry clothes.
São Lourenço Hike
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Today we were heading out for Madeira’s Far East – to the Ponta de São Lourenço (Saint Lawrence Point) – and into a world very different from the green and lush Madeira, we had experienced so far. The terrain here … Continue reading
Around Central Madeira
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Today was an all-day excursion day – with (in retrospect – and in my humble oppionion) a rather strange combination of activities and visits. From Santana we made it to the Miradouro do Guindaste, for a coastal view, before continuing … Continue reading
On Top of Madeira – Pico Ruivo
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After staying close to the coast for the last few days, we made it towards the center of the island today and the mountainous interior. By bus we were heading up and up and up – until we eventually hit … Continue reading
Santana
On arrival to Santana we made it straight for a quick glimpse, of what Santana is known best for – the traditional Santana Houses, immediately recognizable by their triangular shape and straw-covered roofs.
From here it was to the hotel – with time left for some exploration around the small town center, including a glimpse around the church.
Road to Santana
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Today was a transfer day, to cover the 45km trip to Santana – a trip that could be done in about an hour … for us though, it was a day full of activities and sightseeing. The first stop – … Continue reading
Introducing Levadas – the Levada da Ribeira da Janela
We already had spent a bit of time walking along a levada in Funchal – this however now would be our first true levada hiking experience.
Levadas are irrigation channels diverting water from the wet Northern side of the island to the drier South. Madeira has a whole system or network of levadas – some going back centuries. They typical come with a very moderate slope, with just a few meters of elevation loss over distances of kilometers. Today the levadas – or rather the maintenance paths next to them – are popular with hikers, as they make perfect, near-even trails with often amazing views.
Today our bus got us from sea level up to about 430m – to start our hike along the Levada da Ribeira da Janela – featuring views of Ribeira da Janela. We walked a good 5km until we reached a tunnel, to then – after (for the brave ones) checking the other side of the tunnel – make the same way back.
