MADEIRA, PORTUGAL: Islands in the Sun, Guest post by Steve Scheaffer and Karen Neely

Promenade frente mar, Funchal, Madeira

My brother Steve and his wife Karen recently returned from a relaxing vacation in Madeira. I have never been there and I had to look it up on a map! It is one of the two autonomous regions of Portugal, an archipelago situated in the Atlantic Ocean, just under 400 kilometers (250 miles) to the north of the Canary Islands and 520 kilometers (320 miles) west of Morocco. 

City of Funchal Azulejo (blue and white tiles typical of Portugal)

The capital of Madeira is Funchal, located on the main island's south coast. The region is noted for its famous namesake wine, delicious food, historical and cultural sites, flora and fauna, dramatic landscapes including the laurel forests that are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its embroidery artisans.  

TWA Hotel at JFK

Steve and Karen did a package trip to Madeira, flying from Seattle to JFK in New York, staying overnight at the TWA Hotel, then flying the next day via Azores Air to Madeira. 

Balcony of Savoy Palace in Funchal, looking eastward.

They stayed for two weeks at the Savoy Palace in Funchal, Madeira, doing day trips in the city and the surrounding countryside.

Monte Palace Garden, part of an imposing estate constructed for an 18th-century consul and now home to over 750,000 square feet of botanical gardens filled with native and imported plants.

Shortly after arriving, they sent this email: So far this is a fun place to visit. Lots of tourism and weather that's better than Winter. So far the food is really good and different. We took the gondola up to Monte today to see the garden up there. It's 550 meters high and the clouds lowered as well as the temp so we rode the lift back down. 

Wicker basket sleds--quickest way to the bottom of the hill.

On Sunday we might go back up so we can ride down in a wicker sled. Lots of folks from the EU here.

Ribeira da Janela–Northside

Steve and Karen have graciously offered to share a few of their many excellent photos of Madeira. In some ways the landscape reminds me of Hawaii (all the volcanic rock and steep cliffs) but it seems even greener. And the architecture makes me think of Portugal. I think you will enjoy the pictures as much as I have. Madeira is now on my bucket list for future travel!

Ponta do Sol, west island.

Market stall with red peppers.

Igreja da Nossa Senhora, Monte

Madeira Island Laurel Forest “Laurissilva”, UNESCO site.

 

The Laurel forest up in the middle of the island.

Typical route to interior of the island.

Cabo Girao. View straight down from glass bottomed walkway 580 meters above sea level.

One of two rivers in downtown Funchal.

Jardin Botanico, Funchal.

Karen and Steve