Funchal Madeira Winter Escape
Funchal, Portugal
Madeira in winter is the European cheat code. While the continent freezes, Funchal sits at a calm 18-22 degrees, the bougainvillea is in bloom, and you can hike levadas in the morning and eat espetada by the sea at night. We did 4 days and wanted 7.
Day by Day
Day 1
- Morning.
- Arrive, settle in, walk along the seafront promenade.
- Afternoon.
- Cable car up to Monte, walk down through the botanic gardens.
- Evening.
- Dinner at Armazem do Sal, local wines.
Day 2
- Morning.
- Levada walk - Levada do Caldeirao Verde is a classic.
- Afternoon.
- Back to town, slow lunch, beach time at Praia Formosa.
- Evening.
- Espetada (beef skewers) at Restaurante O Polar.
Day 3
- Morning.
- Mercado dos Lavradores for fresh fruit and a coffee.
- Afternoon.
- Day trip to Camara de Lobos or the Cabo Girao skywalk.
- Evening.
- Last dinner, poncha at a fishermans bar.
Where to Stay
- Budget. Santa Maria Hostel - good location, fair price.
- Mid-range. Castanheiro Boutique Hotel - design hotel in the old town.
- Splurge. Reid's Palace - Belmond legend, where Churchill stayed.
Where to Eat
Armazem do Sal
Beautiful old salt warehouse, Madeiran cuisine done well.
O Polar
Espetada and bolo do caco - this is the local plate.
Doca do Cavacas
Fresh fish by the sea, no fuss, busy with locals.
One local tip nobody tells you
Rent a car for at least one day. Madeira is small but mountainous, and the best views are on roads no bus reaches.
Gallery
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