Madeira 2023 - Day 7

Sunday 

A full day in Funchal today and Colin has really got to grips with the local buses.  3 journeys today and they have honestly been as good as a taxi ride.

Our initial bus took us to the City centre and we headed for the Santa Catarina Park. The gardens were stunning and there were lots of shady areas to sit and watch the world go by.

Great coffee and cake too.

Next was a quick visit to the statue of Christiano Ronaldo Madeira's biggest export. 

We headed to the Zona Velhala, the old town and reached the Cathedral just as the Sunday service was finishing,  the church was full.  As the congregation left we were able to admire the stunning carved ceiling. 


The oldest street in Funchal used to be a run down area but the city had an initiative for local street artists to paint the doors,  since then it has become a thriving tourist destination. 


We stopped for lunch at The Galleria restaurant and were treated to top notch food, tuna steak and meat kebabs which we were able to share.


Next we headed to the cable car 550 m up to Monte. We travelled over houses, roof terraces,  roads and banana plants.


 At Monte Emporer Charles of Austria is buried (he was exiled here during WW 1).


We took the bus back down to the town., took a stroll along the promenade and an ice cream and a beer. 

Bus back to our area of town and a visit to the supermarket,  where the locals were doing their weekly shop. We picked up supplies for supper in our room.

Funchal in a day and the end of a busy holiday exploring Madeira. 

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