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Latest Madeira Island hotel reviews
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There are a lot of companies offers such kind of trip, but I made my choice and booked the full day trip with Windbirds company. Must to confess it was good choice. Hugo and Cathrina are very nice people, who are not fixed only on touristical business, they are real enthusiasts. Despite I was only one who booked the full day trip Hugo spent all 8 hours showing me the best place of the island, of course the main task was the places of bird nestling and feeding. I took another trip (half day one) with the other pair of amateur ornitologists, and this trip was very nice too. No any shopping stops - just nature and amazing Madeirian landscapes. Optical equipment is free and good lunch in Porto Moniz was included in the price of full day trip. I recommend them sincerely, despite the prices abit higher than at usual touristic companies.
After these trips I continued birdwatching, so I was lucky to watch wild Trocaz pigeons and firecrests in a forest near Sao Vicente, robins and canaries in Funchal, little egrets etc))))
Written Feb 28, 2010
Address: Funchal, Madeira
Website: http://www.madeirabirds.com/
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The Old Blany Wine Lodge is one of the oldest winery on the island. A visit is worth if you want to learn more about the local wine and by the way to enjoy a wine tasting. You will learn that the oldest vintage is 1908 and still available for €600... so hurry up!
Daily tours are avaible in Portuguese, English, Spanish, German, French or Russian.
Updated Oct 10, 2009
Website: http://www.madeirawinecompany.com/winelodge/
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If you like walking...
Madeira is your paradise!
Each walker will find a suitable walks according to his fitness level. So make your choise among more than 1'400km of levadas. These small water canals bring the precious liquid from the spring water to the civilization for drinking, watering or hydraulic power production.
I experience one of the most famous walk : the levada Rabaçal - 25 Fontes. A 12km walk (4hours) from the Rabaçal car park on the Paul da Serra highlands. After a 30 downhill walk to the forester house, you could choose to follow the Risco levada which lead you to the Risco cascade then come back to the junction Risco/25 Fontes Levadas and go downstairs... to reach the 25 Fontes (25 Spring waters) levada. To discover virtually my walks head to my dedicated travelogue.
Be carefull on the slippery stones along the way and be aware that these walks could be busy so be fair play when you need to give the way to other incoming walkers.
Updated Sep 29, 2009
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The old market of Funchal is a must-see because of the beautiful interiors and the tropical fruit and vegetables they sell. There is also a fish market at the rear end of the market, and a flower market at the entrance. This market is open every day except on Sundays.
Written Nov 10, 2008
Address: Old Market
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You can book a catamaran tour, lasting 3 hours, for 25 Euros. You will sit on a boat and be able to watch whales and dolphins in the Atlantic. I was so lucky to see two bridal whales. The crew will take you close to Cabo Girao, allegedly Europe's steepest cape (550 meters). The surroundings are unique and beautiful, especially on your way back, along the beautiful coastline passing Câmara de Lobos and Funchal´s outer western area.
Written Nov 10, 2008
Address: Funchal Marina
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Santana (the name arises from Sant Ana) is a small village in the northern part of Madera, famous for its traditional houses. Most of them are now just an attraction for tourists (pay attention to old ladies inviting you inside: they will ask for tips telling how unlucky their life is) but they are anyway very original and cosy. Most of them have just one single room, normally the bedroom. As the roof is made of grass, the kitchen is usually outside in order to prevent the fire. If you visit Santana around July 26, you will see very special decorations as the ones taken in my following pics.
Updated May 5, 2008
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The yellow-coloured Forte do Ampores, close to stony beach and bay, was built in 1706. It was one of the fortifications to defend the town and its population against the pirats.
The fortress is located in a small green park. It has a triangular form. At the first picture you see one of its angles, which is directed towards the ocean.
There is another fortress São João Baptista which was built in 1708 on the eastern side of the bay.
Updated Mar 1, 2008
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Santo da Serra lies at a 675m above sea level. It is a small village, lying at a plateau with forests. At the small square in front of the white church you can find some shops, snackbars and even an ATM.
Santo da Serra was the first village where we spend the night during our first trip around the island. The village is also known of its nearby golfcourse. In the centre of the village is a wonderful park.
Updated Mar 1, 2008
Address: Santo da Serra
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Camacha is a village at 700m, beautifully situated at the green mountain slopes in the eastern part of Madeira. From the village you have great views towards the eastern coast of Madeira island.
This village is known by its willow basket makers. In Camacha they make almost everything of wicker, not only baskets of all sizes and forms, but also furniture, kitchen utensils, wine holders, hats, huge willow animals.
Camacha has also a famous folklore dancegroup, which has regular performances in Funchal.
Updated Mar 1, 2008
Address: Camacha
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Curral das Freiras or Nuns Valley is a small village on the bottom of an deep basin, surrounded by steep slopes, which narrows into a deep impenetrable ravine towards the Socorrida Valley and the ocean.
The view point Eira do Serrado at 1050 m offers a splendid view at the crater shaped valley 400 m below and at the ravine. The walk to this viewpoint and back to the parking lot is 15 minutes. During our first visit in the 90s it was very cloudy, so we didn't see much deep down. It was rather spooky. The next year it was clear, so we decided to take the steep and winding narrow road to go down in the isolated village. In 2008 when we came back this road was closed and we had to take the new road by the new tunnel.
The history of the valley: In 1566 the nuns of the Santa Clara convent in Funchal, fleeding from the attacking pirates, retreated to this isolated place with the treasuries of the convent.
Curral das Freiras is the central point for many of the more difficult hikes on the island. The area is also well-known for the chestnuts. In Curral das Freiras you can eat chestnut soup, chestnut salad, chestnut cake or drink chestnut liquor with chestnut snacks.
Updated Mar 1, 2008
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Reviews and photos of Madeira Island attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Madeira Island sightseeing.
Curral das Freiras or Nuns Valley is a small village on the bottom of an deep basin, surrounded by steep slopes, which narrows into a deep impenetrable ravine...
10 members live in Madeira Island
Q: How is the weather in Mid may in Madeira Island? We are looking for a nice relaxing spot to relax on the beach and get a nice tan....
A: May has nice weather. I am actually on Madeira right now working and people were suntanning this afternoon. The temperatures are very steady there and it´s never really...
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