The sun is just coming up as the Captain starts his approach into Funchal harbor, Madeira. This is the first stop on our 16 day cruise from Barelona, Spain to Port Canaveral, Florida, USA. There's an uninhabited island near the port which we peer at through our cabin window. I decide to go up top for a better view while William shaves and showers.
Off the starboard side I am greeted by the island of Madeira and it's mostly white buildings. Walking portside one of the other passengers points out a school of porpoise who are jumping to entertain us. During our breakfast the bridge has maneuvered the ship into the dock. And by 9 am the announcement is made that passengers are allowed to go ashore.
The main park just across the harbor looks close, but turns out to be a 30 -40 minute walk. The sun is peeking between clouds and the temperature is around 72F (22 C) so the walk is pleasant. We buy tickets and board the red Hop-On Hop-Off bus for the combined red and green line tour. The route takes us along the marina/port, to the starting point of the funicular, and through the city center. Then the bus climbs through the streets to Pico dos Barcelos. At 335 meters it is a good overlook of the city and the harbor so we hop-off to enjoy the view and take some photo's.
Off the starboard side I am greeted by the island of Madeira and it's mostly white buildings. Walking portside one of the other passengers points out a school of porpoise who are jumping to entertain us. During our breakfast the bridge has maneuvered the ship into the dock. And by 9 am the announcement is made that passengers are allowed to go ashore.
The main park just across the harbor looks close, but turns out to be a 30 -40 minute walk. The sun is peeking between clouds and the temperature is around 72F (22 C) so the walk is pleasant. We buy tickets and board the red Hop-On Hop-Off bus for the combined red and green line tour. The route takes us along the marina/port, to the starting point of the funicular, and through the city center. Then the bus climbs through the streets to Pico dos Barcelos. At 335 meters it is a good overlook of the city and the harbor so we hop-off to enjoy the view and take some photo's.
Thirty minutes later we've hopped back on the bus to continue the route. Along the way we see many banana plants and learn that the island has three main crops: bananas at the lower elevations, grapes are grown at mid-elevations and cherries at the high elevations. Bananas are the second largest export, while Madeira wine is the first.
The bus continues on toward another city, Câmara de Lobos, and during the ride we see the tall cliffs bordering this part of the island. Câmara de Lobo was a favorite location for Sir Winston Churchill and he complete several paintings while visiting.
The bus continues on toward another city, Câmara de Lobos, and during the ride we see the tall cliffs bordering this part of the island. Câmara de Lobo was a favorite location for Sir Winston Churchill and he complete several paintings while visiting.
When we have completed the red and green route we hop onto a blue route bus which takes us on a more eastern route and climbs up to Monte, at 550 meters. The route provides more scenic views of the harbor and the city of Funchal.
When the bus returns into the city center we hop-off to stroll through the narrow streets. We were warned in advance that on Sundays only a small number of stores will be open, which proves to be true. So, we decide to enjoy a late lunch at a local restaurant. After finishing a very good slice of quiche I explain to our waiter that I have never had Madeira wine. He explains that there are four types of Madeira wine ranging from very sweet digestive to very dry which some people might drink as an aperitif or with food. I opt for the very dry. The glass he brings me is quite nice, with almost an almond flavor and caramel color.
When the bus returns into the city center we hop-off to stroll through the narrow streets. We were warned in advance that on Sundays only a small number of stores will be open, which proves to be true. So, we decide to enjoy a late lunch at a local restaurant. After finishing a very good slice of quiche I explain to our waiter that I have never had Madeira wine. He explains that there are four types of Madeira wine ranging from very sweet digestive to very dry which some people might drink as an aperitif or with food. I opt for the very dry. The glass he brings me is quite nice, with almost an almond flavor and caramel color.
After lunch we wander over to Blandings Wine Shop. Their Old Blandy Wine Lodge is next door where you can tour and learn the history of Madeira wine. Unfortunately it is closed on Sundays. I'm interested in buying a table wine made from the local grapes to take back to the ship to try it with one of our dinners. The clerk points out her favorite dry red wines from the island and I choose a bottle. I know we will have to pay the ship's $15 corkage fee, but it should be fun.
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