Madeira Musings: Fun in Funchal

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I recently arrived in the glorious Portuguese island of Madeira, and here are a few of my opening thoughts…

First off, this is my first time here and I was quite keen to come. It never quite happened and I thought I'd be towards the other side of Europe at this time. As it turned out, it made a lot of sense for me to go from Valencia to Lisbon, and once in the Portugal web, it was an obvious choice to now make this trip.

It's pretty much how I expected it to be, which isn't always the case with places. That's sometimes a good or bad thing, but in this instance I had an idea of Madeira, and so far it hits that spot more or less. 

I haven't done all that much so far, so my experiences are limited but I have had a good walk around my local area and the capital Funchal, so have a good picture of what we're dealing with. 

Near Lido, looking in the opposite direction of Funchal

Local tipple

There's a really convenient Aerobus service (although that depends on whether you're staying outside the area it operates). 5 euros for a trip and numbered stops to make it easy which the bus driver will ask as you get on, then makes sure he stops at those needed. They're numbered to 26… I'm staying in Lido, so number 15 somewhere in the middle. I think it was around 40 minutes or so. 

I'll tell you one thing (not to complain, but…): there's been some dodgy weather on some of my travels this year. I've enjoyed the majority of it but there does seem to be a lean towards the wetter and murkier side in a lot of places where you'd expect to be more reliably good. 

Lisbon had a couple of dodgy days although I managed to miss the worst of it. And here in Madeira we had a good week of thunderstorms off and on. It does seem like there's always a mixed bag in the forecast, as all weathers seem to be possible here, so you're always on the edge of everything. No matter, it's looking good now - 23 degrees and sunshine!

Funchal marina from the gardens

The main thing I have done is take a good walk in each direction. One side is about 30 minutes into central Funchal, which would be where there's most hustle and bustle. A quite laid back place as you'd expect, plenty of tourism and locals going about their day. Very pretty place to enjoy. 

Just up from there is a nice park with a small lake, plenty of places to sit and relax along with great views out to the sea and the hill full of houses across the way. 

In the other direction I got as far as Praia Formosa beach. I discovered this was a rock/pebble type scenario rather than sand as I was expecting. No biggie for me, just a surprise, but I think that's common around the island. I think there are sand beaches but it's not so much a beachy type place. They exist of course but a different kind of vibe overall. 

There is a slightly 'older crowd' here compared with say the Canaries or parts of the Balearics. Plenty of ways to party as ever if that's what you want, it's just it has that more 'mature' feel. 

A view in the gardens, looking towards Funchal

It's also great for action sports and the like, along with plenty of nature. Running, cycling, watersports, training of various kinds. A mecca for sport and fitness enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a more green and rugged island.  

I plan to do a few excursions soon to explore a bit more fully, whether that be the organised ones or just venture further afield off my own back. I'd like to take in some of the rest of the island plus delve a bit deeper into that I've seen so far. There will be plenty that I can't do but may be able to focus on if and when I return.

Being Portugal, you have all the classic pastries and confectionary you know and love from the mainland plus some of its own culinary delights. Plenty of Pastel de natas but no Poncha as yet ;)

I'm sure I'll do a couple more posts in due course. Have you been? Give me a shout if you have some tips!

Adam
@adambarratt
www.AdamBarratt.com

Images my own

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