Funchal

Constantly in awe of the plants here! The succulents outside of the Airbnb are 3 feet tall - putting our house plants to shame.

For our second and last full day in Madeira, we spent it exploring the capital of Funchal. We started it with a dip at Doca do Cavacas - natural swimming pools of volcanic origins. Love a public swimming pool with a view!

We decided to walk into Funchal, stopping for a pastel de nata from Petitfours on the way, which was simply delicious. We learned some history of the island and its inhabitants at Madeira Story Centre before taking the cable car all the way up to Monte. We enjoyed spectacular views over Funchal and the Birds Eye view of the houses built up into the hill side. Once in Monte, we walked around the Tropical Garden, seeing so many more plants! Fun fact; Madeira is actually known as “flower island” and about 16% of the plants here do not grow anywhere else in the world!

Instead of taking the cable car down, we decided to take a more “memorable” mode of transportation - toboggan. We climbed into what could only be described as a large wicker basket controlled/pushed by 2 drivers on the back, using their boots as brakes to control the direction/speed. Apparently these “sledges” were created in the 19th century to transport wine barrels downhill!

Photos are from the natural pool, the tropical garden, Funchal and the toboggan/sledge ride.Read more