MADEIRA 2025 – short recap

We finally arrive in Madeira after many years having it on our bucket list. We decided to make Funchal our home base and book an apartment on the main street close to the water on airbnb and booked day trips with local organisations. Our first one was to the west and south west of the island with Nature connections which was a jeep tour with maximum of 4 people. That works well for us.

Our guide is great, local and very knowledgeable. We discover that this island was discovered and colonized by Portuguese. There were no people living here before.

We were very happy that we were not driving ourselves!

THE WEST AND SOUTHWEST

Cabo de Giroa – Camara de Lobo glass viewpoint. We had the bad luck to arrive at the same time as the buses from the cruises. The guide tells us that it is really becoming a problem here as they invade for a few hours but do not really spend here or contribute to the economy. Because we are on a small tour, we have the luxury to wait until they leave and then I convinced Chuck to walk on the glass floor. He is becoming very brave. The view is beautiful!

We then make our way through the forest basically on dirt road. It is very crazy!

to Seixal and the natural Pool and black sand beach – reminiscing of Maui’s black beach but much softer sand.

Off road in the forest with Ricardo and his antique 4×4 popemobile – the eucalyptus trees that are taking over the forest. Huge trees!
We also drive on small roads with a big cliff on one side and through waterfall!

We finally reach the magical and mystical Fanal forest where star wars was filmed. The fog is very dense and the trees really magical.

Porto Moniz and its natural pools – beautiful intricate rocks formation.

Ponta del sol: “coup de cœur” – beautiful small town with and arch bridge and a gorgeous beach and view to the sea.

His comments about how the cruises are negative to to the island were interesting. Massive boats come and takes over the island and do not contribute to the economy. They don’t eat or stay or spend anything other than on trinkets.

FUNCHAL

We enjoyed a nice dinner and Chuck chose those popular meet on stand up skewers.

The next day, we take the cable car up to the midway.

We visit the tropical garden with the history of important people told with tiles and walk by the Charles Murray’s fountain!

Then down the street in the wicker basket which recreates how people used to bring produces and materials up and down those big hills.

Walked 10km up and down hills in the town from Monde to the Lido promenade and treat ourselves to a nice lunch at The Ritz outdoor terrace.

We do a lot of walking in Funchal to discover the city and also visit the famous market where farmers and fishmonger sell their wares.