An August 2006 trip to Funchal by ArthurN
Quote: We shared our first holiday alone for 18 years on the beautiful island of Madeira, with its mountainous landscape, beautiful caostline, historical capital city of Funchal, brilliant food, and small, interesting villages and communities.
Overview
You will visit some of the popular tourist points but this does not detract from the impression that for much of the day you are well off the tourist track. Be prepared to be bounced around, don't try this trip if you enjoy travelling first class. Off road in this case means exactly what it says, but hold on tight, have your camera ready and enjoy a day in the country with a traditional lunch along the way all for under 50 euros.
Buses are regular, punctual and cheap. You buy tickets either at the bus station or on the bus, you can get all over the island by public transport. Levada walking is popular, either independently or in organised groups with a guide. They range from easy to difficult and really let you get into the countryside. Levadas are irrigation channels built all over the island with footpaths along side.
Try the cable car to Monte and the toboggan run back.
Hotel | "Pestan Village"
Member Rating 5 out of 5 on September 1, 2006
Pestana Village ESTRADA MONUMENTAL 194 Funchal, Portugal 351-291-701-600
ArthurN Walsall, United Kingdom