Customer Blog: Madeira – An easy and relaxing short break.

These customers came to me back in February 2024, having not been in touch with me since 2020 ( when we disappointingly had to cancel a family holiday been planned to go to Africa to visit a family member who was temporally living and working over there.) In February 2024, my customers sent an email which said, “We are currently thinking about taking some shorter breaks and wondered if you have anything to offer. Currently we are drawn to Madeira (having both previously enjoyed Portugal mainland so much).” We chatted on the telephone, and within 2 days, my customers were confirmed to travel to the island of Madeira, confirmed to depart in May 2024. Upon their return, I asked them if they would be happy to share their thoughts about their break in a “blog” and here it is…. Madeira Highlights May 2024 Arrived onto Funchal. The airport has a very friendly feel about it. Hotel Lucy had confirmed for us was a modest 4 star hotel, which was located 2 miles west of Funchal. We found the hotel to be quiet, but well appointed, our sea view room was good, the buffet meals offered lots of variety. Hotel was very clean. There was live music every evening (free) in the lounge bar. Reception area was very quiet, however they were very helpful when an issue arose – our door lock failed. Day 1 We took the hotel’s courtesy bus into town. Familiarisation gardens, prominent buildings but also local events celebrating the month of flowers. Walked the 2 miles back (up hill) to the hotel. Day 2 We took the courtesy bus again into town, and then an red open top bus tour. We saw the town and area to the east of Funchal. Enjoyed 3 stops; Sao Martinho, Pico dos Barcelous and Camara de Lobos (on the coast). Returned for the afternoon to enjoy swimming in the hotel pool. Day 3 Today we took the open top bus into town and we walked to Funchal’s Baptist Church (very steep climb). Returned to the sea front and watched a parade of classic cars and colourful local costumes from a stand. This was excellent . Day 4 Today we took the cable car from sea front up to the Monte Palace Gardens, these gardens were excellent. We viewed the famous “down hill toboggan experience” but decided against it…! We rode the cable car back down to the sea-front again. Day 5. Prebooked on an organised taxi tour (6 persons) to the northeast of the island. Many stops were included along the way. Camacha, site of the first football game in Portugal. Next stop Pico Piosa, and Ariero which was a very high point which involved driving up through the clouds to a great viewpoint. Next stop was Ribero where we went on a “Lavada Trail” to see local birds in their natural habitat. Next stop Fail a view point over the sea with glass platforms. Next stop Santana where it was possible to see the traditional and interesting ‘A frame’ houses. Next stop Camcal to visit a sugar factory then across to Machical to a high level overlooking the airport which is on stilts. All in all, our trip covered 200km, it was very interesting and we both enjoyed. Definitely recommended. Day 6. Today we could see The Queen Anne (Cunard) and the Ventura (P&O) cruise ships were both were anchored in the harbour. We took a bus trip to the Funchal Botanical Gardens, interesting but not as well organised as the Monte Palace Gardens. Back to the hotel for a relaxing last evening. The live music this evening included a local folk group dancing and singing, I was ‘encouraged’ to join in the dancing! Day 7. Today, a lovely walk along the promenade below the hotel and a relaxing afternoon on the lounge-deck with its beautiful views, before departing for the airport. All in all thoroughly enjoyed exploring the island of Madeira.