Madeira 2023 - Day 1

Birmingham to Funchal

An early morning alarm call today for our 07.30 flight. 

The airport was busy and we were pleased to have allowed plenty of time. 

Our 4 hour flight took off a few minutes late, the journey was uneventful until our descent into Madeira.  The wind speed was at the limit for landing and the runway was currently closed! We circled for 30 minutes hoping for a window but eventually had to divert to Gran Canaria to refuel and plan a course of action. 

Fortunately we were able to stay on the plane while we refuelled and the weather situation seemed to be improving,  2 planes had now landed at Funchal. 

We took off again and the pilot received a resounding round of applause when we touched down. 

Our hotel Quinta Do Furao in the village of Santana is set in beautiful vineyards and gardens,  high on the cliff top. 






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