cable car ride and other Funchal, Portugal Things to Do Tips

view over Funchal

I am terried of hieghts and I went up on this thing!!! Thank goodness there was only myself and my partner on it. I cried and cried as I wanted to get off, I never thought I could be so scared. But I must admit once I had got off at Monte the views were spectacular, a definate must even if you are a little scared, I did it so you can.

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Address: Funchal
Directions: Centre

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Things To Do: Market Day

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Written by ettenaj

on Sep 18, 2003

markets in madeira

What a lovely suprise seeing all the wonderful fruits and vegatables all laid out in this fabulous openair building, with its fish stalls below. Do try on the traditional wolly hats, they are a must.

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Address: Funchal
Directions: Town centre

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Things To Do: Basket ride

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Written by ettenaj

on Sep 27, 2003

whoooooosh!!!!!

Once up in Monte you cannot miss the Basket Ride. You sit in a kind of basket with two men pulling you down the slopes, they then jump on the back of the basket and steer you somehow the rest of the way, exhillerating or what??

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Directions: Monte

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Things To Do: Jardin Botanico

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Written by ettenaj

on Sep 27, 2003

Wish this was my garden

Funchals Botanical gardens were once a private estate owned by the Reid family ( of the Reid hotel) Since 1960 it has been opened to the public and contains a rich collection of plants and trees spread over terraces rising to 1,000 feet above sea level. The gardens offer extensive views over Funchal and are a relaxing and accessible refuge from its urban bustle. Be sure to take some of the local Bolo de mel fruit cake and all your unwritten post cards

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Address: caminho do meio
Directions: open daily 09.00-18.00

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Things To Do: Main Square

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Written by ettenaj

on Sep 27, 2003

just look at those tiles...

Paved with decorous curves of black and white stones and bordered by whitewashed buildings outlined in dark basalt, it is an attractive place to sit and people watch.

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Directions: Funchal

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Things To Do: Madeiran Museum

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Written by ettenaj

on Sep 30, 2003

A quiet museum devoted to Madeiran crafts, past and present. IBTAM is worth a visit if only to pay your respects to an enormous tapestry hanging in its entrance hall. The Allegory of Madeira took 14 girls three years to produce and contains an estimate of 7 million stitches. Upstairs you can see traditional costumes and musical intruments, model making and weaving.

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Address: Rua do Visconde de Anadia 44
Directions: museum
open mon/fri 09.00-12.30
14.00-17.30 hrs

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Things To Do: Quintas das Cruzes

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Updated by ettenaj

on Dec 3, 2003

Once owned by a wine shipping family the mansion dates back to the 17th century and contains a wide ranging collection of period furniture, antiques ans furnishings. Spread over 16 rooms it includes odjets d'art from around the world. In the grounds there are many fine trees and flowers and an archaelogical park dotted with ivy clad tombstones, sculptures, coats of arms and 2 window frames dating to 1577 decorated in the Manueline style with seafaring motifs.

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Directions: Walk uphill from Soa Pedro church.
Open tues/sun 10.00/12.30 and 14.00/18.00hrs

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Things To Do: Se ( cathedra)

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Written by ettenaj

on Sep 30, 2003

At the end of the 15th century2 architects were sent from the Portuguese mainland to organise the construction of Funchals cathedral. Work began in 1485 using local basalt stone and was completed 29 years later. Above the main entrance you can see the Portuguese royal coat of arms.Inside is rather dark but it is still possible to appreciate the Moorish style ceiling carved from Madeiran wood and inlaid with ivory.

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Address: Rua do Aljube

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Things To Do: The harbour

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Written by ettenaj

on Nov 24, 2003

Funchal Harbour

Just to sit and watch the cruise liners come in to dock. Whilst there we saw the Aurora dock it looked emormous, and very expensive!!

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Things To Do: Gardens

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Written by ettenaj

on Nov 26, 2003

fountain