Wednesday 14 October 2009

A Week in Madeira

Our 3rd visit to Madeira - it's a gorgeous place. Quiet and peaceful with the most beautiful nature to walk through.

The modern art museum is in a 15th century fort at Funchal.


Street vendor, Funchal


In the middle of the island the mountains rise to over 4000 feet.


There is a vast network of "levadas" - man-made watercourses that take water from the damp North to the dry South and provide hydro power too. There is a small path adjacent to each levada, sometimes easy walking...


....and sometimes a bit more exposed.


On the North side, the climate is sub-tropical rain forest - all moss and ferns.




The South side is all palm trees and sunshine.