Funchal to Santana-leaving the chaos of tourism and crossing the great divide to the quieter pace of the northern coastal town of Santana. A 90 minute bus ride ( 5 Euros) winding through misty mountiain passes and tiny villages brought us to the wetter side of Madeira. Santana is a rural town famous for its A frame thatched houses. I am not sure the locals love tourists. The soil here is deep and rich and crops include wheat, potatoes, flax, fruit, vegetables and corn. The farms are tiny and I saw little or no machinery. The coast is spectacular and I don’t think I could cope with the vertical descent. Got drenched on the way back to our gorgeous accom, wait for the pics.Read more
TravelerIt’s so picturesque, such ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ countryside. The rain helps make it so.
Traveler It’s so picturesque, such ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ countryside. The rain helps make it so.
Traveler We are definitely getting fitter. Amazing how the hilly walks are becoming easier! Just love the gardens