We spent most of the time of our week on Madeira in the southern part of the island. Obviously, because our hotel was here, but also because there’s much to do and see here.
In Funchal, there are several parking garages which won’t cost a fortune.
Actually, we’re not sure about the quality of the public transportation system, but at least in and around Funchal, it should be ok.
Funchal
There are several advantages of being near the Capital. People who, like us, enjoy civilization at least from time to time, will have enough choices to eat out. We chose the Coachella Restaurant, but there are several similar options in the area.
Confeitaria offers delicious sweets. Highly recommended if you’re not on a diet.
Famous sights in Funchal are the Port area, the CR7 Museum, the Cathedral, and the Mercado Lavradores market. It’s a pity we didn’t see the latter because we just walked by and forgot it. Well, next time!
Parque de Santa Catarina offers a really nice view over the port including a pretty Café and a relaxed atmosphere.
Thanks to the Cruise Ships, there will always be hordes of people, filling the lovely places and consuming only in some cafés, if only. We don’t want to argue here, BUT, we can hardly imagine anything more annoying than hundreds of people crammed up in beautiful places expecting to be treated like kings and queens. Well, ok, we were really angry sometimes. But well, we can’t change it so let’s try to ignore it!
When in Funchal, you shouldn’t forget the Cristo Rei Statue of Christ and the beautiful view over the coast of Funchal. At sunset, this is a popular spot.
Let’s just continue to the lovely sights of the island, which most of the Cruise Ship tourists won’t see.
Café/Restaurant Doca do Cavacas
This nice café/restaurant is close to our hotel Orca Praia and near the Forum Madeira shopping mall. It has a seating area with an amazing view over the bay or you can sit inside.
By the way, the Forum Madeira is a great option for shitty weather.
Meu super ajuda
In case you’re hungry and like good and cheap sandwiches, this place is perfect for you. Value for price is extraordinary good.
And oh my, the guys there are so nice. One lady asked if I had twins inside my tummy because it seemed to appear so big. But I forgave her. It’s just the perfect place and ‘a super help’.
Camara do Lobos
One of the island’s most famous places is Camara do Lobos. You can enjoy the famous Churchill View over the port with its colorful boats and the green and rocky background.
The village looks nice but was kind of deserted by end of November. In summer it’s probably quite the contrast.
Miradouro da Torre
This viewpoint is just above Camara do Lobos. By the way, Madeira seems to be the Island of Miradouros, we will mention them more often in the following posts.
You can enjoy an amazing sunset and the view over the village and surroundings from here.
Restaurant O Polar
To make this place even better, the Restaurant O Polar is just around the corner. Tourists and locals love the place. They will serve you the famous beef skewers, hanging from the ceiling over your table. They call them ‘Espetadas’. The beef is cut from filets, delicious and ridiculously cheap. In the later evening it will be crowded, so either make a reservation or come early (around 6 pm).
Cabo Girao
Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you a Miradouro with Skywalk.
The view is quite nice and I really love this picture of Jan and some duck clouds. But well, what do I know?
More about Madeira here:
The North and East Coast of Madeira!