MAC

We are going to visit Portugal and will fly over to Funchal for a couple of days. What do we not want to miss?

Kevin Mathews

In Portugal make sure you visit "The End of The World"...Sagres. Also visit Lisbon and listen to Fado music. Lastly you will want to visit Sintra and see the beautiful castle there.

Patrick

Referring to the previous post, I assume Kevin is referring to the Pena Castle way up on the hill in Sintra and not the National Palace right in town. We did both but were really taken with the one on the hill. However, we understand some people go to Sintra and think the palace to see is the one right on the main square (interesting too, and with some great tiles, but not to compare with the unusual things on the hill.)

Kevin Mathews

Sorry. Patrick is correct...I mean the castle on the hill.

Teri

We have 7 days in portugal with 2 days in lisbon to start and are debating whether to stay in Sintra next or just visit for the day and spend more time in the Algarve. Any little coastal towns you wouldn't miss near Sintra? <BR>How far is Funchal and would you go there instead of the Algarve? What is the appeal of Funchal?

Kaveyt

Hi MAC <BR> <BR>Funchal, and indeed Madeira as a whole, is not ideal for those who like to be on the move and tick off the major sites. <BR> <BR>What it does have is outstanding natural beauty, warm and friendly people, very good eating opportunities, and a charming atmosphere with plenty to see and do on a relaxing holiday. <BR> <BR>We went for the first time over Easter 1999 and are returning in Feb 2001 for another week. <BR> <BR>What can you see in Funchal? <BR> <BR>The city itself is small and attractive and we enjoyed many gentle ambles around just admiring the architecture and colour. There are some historical buildings to explore (memory not good without photos and guide book handy) and a very colourful local fruit and fish market. The harbour is very pretty, as are the public gardens. <BR> <BR>We enjoyed a tasting and tour of the Wine Lodge (Madeira wine is much better than the sweet sherry-liek drink you may think of) especially if you pay a little more and taste some of the older vintages. <BR> <BR>Outside of Funchal, you can walk along some of the famous levadas, these are irrigation channels, there are thousands of miles of these throughout the island, built many centuries ago. They have a narrow public footpath along them (originally built for maintainence) which afford walkers really sepcial views. <BR> <BR>Madeira is home to wicker work and you can go and see the workers as well as buy at good prices. <BR> <BR>It is also worth taking a trip around the island which varies tremendously across its small landscape. <BR> <BR>For more info, please drop me an email. <BR> <BR>Kavey

Siri

I think the appeal of Madeira is the rainbows, nice people, great fresh fish and gorgeous scenary. My husband and I went exactly a year ago this week and loved the island's charm. We know that we should explore new islands and places, but always just want to go back to Madeira!