This gallery contains 24 photos.
Today was the last day of the trip – a day at leisure and for own explorations around Funchal. I left the hotel (in the hotel zone) and made my way to port and on to the Forte de São … Continue reading
This gallery contains 20 photos.
We started the day with a visit of a vegetable and fruit farm in the Eastern part of Funchal – from here we made it on to an orchid nursery, to get an introduction to the plants and a tour … Continue reading
We left Porto Santo on the evening ferry, leaving shortly before sunset – with the arrival to Madeira obviously in the dark – and some good nighttime views of Funchal.
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).
This gallery contains 20 photos.
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
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.
This gallery contains 20 photos.
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
This gallery contains 15 photos.
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
This gallery contains 24 photos.
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
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.
