It was up early for us today to catch a 7am flight from Bristol to Madeira, for six nights in its capital – Funchal. We took off in the dark, but soon witnessed the sunrise over the cloud base, a colourful start to a colourful week. Before we travelled, everyone commented on how “sporty” it was flying into Madeira airport, and before we took off our captain warned that it was a bit breezy on the Atlantic outcrop, but just within limits for landing so the engines roared into life and we climbed high into the night sky. It was cloudy as we approached our destination, but we broke through the bottom of the cloud to see a lush, green, verdant island, the captain executed a few deft turns and soon greased the runway with a smooth landing – no dramas and our latest adventure could begin.
The weather was warm, but breezy – a pleasant change from cold, grey England but not the azure blue skies we’d hoped for, and definitely a day for the fleece and not shorts. We set off to explore and after a short walk along the sea front we found ourselves at the base of the cable car, and the start of the old town, which we ambled through enjoying the eclectic mix of painted doors.
I was already beginning to fall in love with Madeira – a very different feel from its Mediterranean cousins. Lush and green, with a mountains rising steeply from the fringes of its capital, Funchal, with houses spilling down the hillside to the sea. And then I discovered Pasteis de Nata – a custard tart, but only better – caramelised on the top and sprinkled with cinnamon, all in a crispy, flaky pastry, delicious.
Once darkness fell, we found somewhere to eat – and being Portugal and not Spain, finding somewhere to eat at 7pm was not a problem – and the marvelled in the Christmas lights that festooned every street, tree and building. Photos do not do them justice, they were brilliant and bright, and everywhere.
And on a jetty was a tunnel of white lights, with fluffy clouds and stars dangling from the ceiling, blowing in the wind. The tunnel was like a storm, with the rising sun at the end – a storm will always pass. It was like being in a cartoon, it was fantastic. We’ve only been here half a day so far, but already Funchal, and Madeira, make the grade – what a great place to spend a few December days.
