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MADEIRA is a Portuguese Island located 800kms off the N/W coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean & measures 56km (35m) by 23km (14m). It was discovered by a Captain Zarco in 1420 (no! not a Flash Gordon character) who landed at the now Capital Port of Funchal & named it after the herb “fennel” which he found growing in abundance. It's a Volcanic Island with high rugged Mountains, deep fertile Valleys & even Funchal, on a steep hillside, looks like a human anthill. Its main appeal, however, is it's year round temperate climate, which allows many tropical plants, fruits & vegetables to grow naturally & is also a walker's paradise.

ACCOMMODATION

NO 1 – HOTEL MONTE CARLO, Calcada da Saude No10, 9000 Funchal (one km. from front Promenade Bus Stop, all uphill!) tele (+351) 291 226 131 – www.hotelmontecarlomadeira.com - E36 single, en-suite, annex room with cooked breakfast. No self-catering but roof top swimming pool & lounging area has amazing views over the Town (East) & Bay (South). Also an elegant lounge on top floor with Reception & Bar on ground with ideal exclusive front Patio looking over terracotta roof tops. Yes! this is a Hotel but a Classic one & has the Best vista of ANY in Madeira so well worth the daily trek up the hillside for the Shimmering Sunrises & Dramatic Sunsets

Reserve – Centro de Juventude da Quinta da Ribeira (Hostel) at Avenue Calouste Gulbenkian (again, about one km from front Bus Stop) tele (+351) 291 741 540 – www.ijm.pt - E28 dorms (17 rooms) also 6 twins & 1 single with WC. Has a Kitchen & Refractory, Meeting & Social Rooms, Internet, TV & Gardens. Sounds ok! but no Monte Carlo views – Please report back to GB1 if you stay.

FOOD several well provisioned Supermarkets can be found around the Town Centre the largest being HIPER SA in the new Camara Shopping Mall but GB preferred the smaller SUP NOVA near the Mercado where the fruit & veg is so fresh, especially on Fridays

TRAVELLING AROUND, first form/to Airport is easy with the special Aerobus direct to Funchal Sea Front (E5) or slower with local Bus #113 (E2.65). For Funchal Busses the system is a little complicated to the visitor with 3 Bus Company's SAM, Paragem & Rodoeste & you need a Bus Guide from the Info Office (E1.25). Then for in Town trips (Monte) you are required to buy a SAM Bus Card (E2) plus as many (E1.25) stops tickets you need from the limited Bus Cabins. If, as GB did, you can find a discarded SAM Card you can save the initial cost (E2). Out of Town, Central & East, its Paragem who sell simple tickets for E2.65 a journey (Curral das Freiras x 2 return). Rodoeste serves the West of the Island – got it?

“FREE” SIGHTS TO SEE

1. PROMENADE WALK- from Pres. Residence & Gardens to Marina , onto Pier, past Beatles Boat
2. HARBOUR STROLL – along Lava Walls to Light Point to see Funchal full on & Cruise Liners
3. BLACK BEACH COMB – across stony fore shore to real Black Lava Sand with waves lapping
4. MERCADO – amazing selection of Exotic Fruits, Rare Orchids & Scary Fish, oh! so Colourful
5. TOWN CENTRE – cobbled walkway passing Madeira Wines, Ice Cream Bars & Souvenir Stalls
6. MONTE CHURCH – off Bus & up Steps to this imposing White Church seen from far below
7. TOBOGGANS – Islands Icon, watch only as Cruise Passengers set off on the 2-km “Wicker” ride
8. BLUE TILE MURALS – located on the o/s walls of Shop Show Room they depict M. Traditions
9. LEVADA TORRES – the nearest of these unique Water Channel walks, along from Monte Church
10. EIRA DO SERRADO – off Bus, see this splendid view looking down into the Hidden Valley

CHARGE SIGHTS NOT TO MISS

1. BOTANICAL GARDENS – impressive collection of Tropical Plants, also Peacocks & Tortoise
2. DAY TOUR TO SANTANA – the only easy way for a GB to get to the Top of & around the Island
3. SKI LIFT – glide up or down from Funchal Sea Front to the Monte Heights & Botanical Gardens

* Dino, Peter & Sue ( UK )