november-2011

GET OUTDOORS
Almost any point on the coastline
will give you superb views of the
Atlantic, but to really get a sense
of the island’s topography you have
to head inland – and high up.
Follow the trails alongside the
famous levadas – a series of
irrigation channels that criss-cross
the island – that take you to view
points where you can see the deep,
pine-clad valleys. The walk from
Ribeiro Frio to Balcões is both
breathtaking and manageable.
Madeira, Portugal Insider guide
But for the ultimate on-top-ofthe-world
feeling, you can’t beat
the trail from Achada do Teixeira to
the highest point on the island, Pico
Ruivo (1,862m). Set your alarm
clock for sunrise and you’ll not only
get the trail to yourself, but you’ll
also enjoy a spectacular view of
the sun bleeding into the night sky
behind a blanket of clouds. Boots
or trainers are a must – flip-flops
won’t cut it on this jagged terrain.
Thankfully, if your fitness levels
aren’t up to scratch, you can also
explore the interior on anything
from mountain bikes to jeep safaris.
Clockwise from
left: Take in
the stunning
coastal view
from Quinta
do Furão’s
grounds; enjoy
a stress-free
cable car
ride to Monte
and relax in
the Palace’s
lush Tropical
Gardens
MUST-SEE
Take an amble around Funchal’s
centre, admiring the 16th-century
architecture, mosaic pavements
and cobbled side roads lined with
old shops. Foodies should head
to the art deco market hall (Mercado
dos Lavradores) and sample its
exotic fruits like pineapple bananas
(yes, you read that correctly).
Walk east along the palm-fringed
seafront promenade and take
the cable car ride to Monte for
panoramic views from the steps of
the twin-towered church and Monte
Palace Tropical Gardens. The real
fun here is taking a toboggan ride
back down, as locals push you on a
surprisingly nail-biting ride.
Watch fishermen drying gata
(dogfish) on lines among their
boats in Câmara de Lobos, before
trying the local rum drink, poncha.
The lively É Prá Poncha (Rua da
Carreira) also serves a cheeky
version with passion fruit.
And proving Madeira also packs
a cultural punch, Casa das Mudas
Centro das Artes (centrodasartes.
com) in Calheta is a labyrinth of
Neolithic-style grey buildings
housing international art exhibitions
that change every six months.
Thomas Cook Travel
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