Alto Lido Funchal

... definite return visit in our book. Although a little pricey the actual meal was less than what we would have paid for a buffet at our hotel. The steak with Madeira sauce was excellent, but best of all the steak was perfect. The imagination ran out when it came to the vegetables but it did not detract from the dining experience. The also do a set meal which is of the same quality but slightly cheaper. (GPS Location 32°38'39.05"N 16°55'8.79"W)

... be stress free and relaxing, not reminiscent of a Benidorm special with attached waterfront drinking hole and jive club.

Having survived 7 nights of this hotel none of which have been particularly comfortable and or restful, had we known of the managements plans to serenade us till midnight three nights running, then to throw a gala event at the pool area overlooked by most rooms which resulted in the current racket outside, we would have selected alternate ...

... for a few yards and then take the path up to the old ice house.

For those of you who are tall be wary of the next section as at a point the path is cut into the mountain side and the overhang is just about 5' 6" which would be of no import, except that it is precisely where you are concentrating on the 1’ wide path with the near vertical 500’ drop to the left.

Just over half way the path folks just after what looks ...

... are few taxis that will go out there on the off chance of picking up a fare.

Finding the starting point is easy and following the route is simple. There are a number of offshoots to the way and most of them are worth the detour.

About an hour into the walk you reach a folk in the trail from here on there is a circular route including a fairly steep ascent, (N 32.74489° W 16.68618°). Check ...

... road.

The town was not what was expected, an old hamlet charming in the mountains but rather a removed suburb with some updated buildings.

All in the entire walk and its spectacular setting was good and satisfactory.

Start
Time : 12:54:14
Altitude 3287 ft
Location N 32.70417° W 16.95435°
End
Time 15:06:24
Altitude 2083 ft
Location N 32.72039° W 16.96506°

... Guitar Player César Abrantes

Fado-Sempre


MADEIRA GUIDES

Madeira Island - a guide to Madeira

I will go to Guide

Madeira Online - a directory for Madeira and Porto Santo Islands

... perusing the "embarkation photos" revealed an 8x10 glossy black and white of Terry and Carolyn--I had conveniently been cropped out! Lesson learned: Never assume! Day 2: April 26, 2009 At Sea Great night's sleep even with losing an hour (will lose an hour each night of cruise till we get to Europe) Set the alarm for 0715 with great aspirations of going to 0730 aerobics class--instead, woke Carolyn up at 0800 and met on Lido Deck for coffee and light breakfast. Eight ...

... with Christmas lights and decorations. We were welcomed this time by the many floral displays and the Flower Festival which was just wrapping up. We spent the day wandering along the streets - taking photos at the market - having coffee (and beer) at a sidewalk café - shopping for Madeira wines and just enjoying the beautiful flower displays and weather. Since we have been here before I will save you the history lesson - we hope that you enjoy the photos.

On Friday morning, April 10, I flew to Madeira to visit Maria Susanna Marques. Madeira is a small Portuguese island in the Atlantic, just over one-hour flying time, southwest of Portugal. Madeira is a very clean island with an amazing number of new houses and highways. I was surprised by the great amount of recent construction on the island. Susanna lives in an older suburb near the main city, Funchal. Getting to her home was by itself an ...

... foliage and small shops selling the famous Madiera wine. Since we were visiting Madiera and its wine has been famous since the 1700s, we tried it. I'm glad we experienced it but neither of us finished our glasses---the taste was just too mediciney and alcoholic for us.