Holidays

@Freddy I know a fair bit about Madeira if you need some info. In general it's a lovely island, mild weather in winter and not too hot in summer. Quite mountainous and even the capital is very hilly. Nice gardens, good walking, good food at reasonable prices, lovely people, very little in the way of beaches. Festival (Mardi Gras type) in February, flower festival usually in April.

 

@Freddy

There are two main gardens, the Botanic Gardens and the gardens at the Monte Palace. If you're limited for time, as you are likely to be, I'd pick the Botanic gardens - unless you like to see the palace as well. The taxis have quite a lucrative business from taking tourists to the gardens from the cruise terminal. If they only quote a small amount then use them, otherwise go by bus (cheaper and a much better atmosphere).

The cruise terminal is right in the middle of town and it's only a five minute walk to the end of the promenade that stretches all the way along the front of the town. I would guess it's about one mile from one end of the promenade to the other. Buses to the Botanic Gardens (31 and 31a) can be caught about halfway along the promenade. Bus 29 can be caught at the far end of the promenade near the cable car (my favourite bus line). The cable car also will take you to both the Botanic Gardens and to Monte but I think it is overpriced. The bus journey is about 20 minutes and if you pay on the bus I think the price is just under two Euros. If you buy a pre-charged electronic ticket from a kiosk it's about 50c cheaper.

The gardens are not really suitable for anyone unsteady on their feet as the paths are a bit steep and uneven but are easy for most people.

When coming down by bus the famous flower market is not far from the cable car terminal. You get off just before you reach the promenade. I'd be inclined to go up to the gardens first of all, then down to the flower market and then wander around town. That way you know you are only a shortish walk from the ship so can get your timing right. One thing not to miss is the street of doors (round the corner from the market and behind the cable car - I can give you exact directions if you want them). This is a narrow street that has lots of little restaurants to eat at (don't eat at the café in the botanic gardens) and most of the doors of the building have been painted with pictures. An ideal stroll and place to relax for lunch.

A view down to the cruise ships from the botanic garden


Street of doors (there are dozens of painted doors)










Here's a link to the bus timetable - if it comes up in Portuguese there's a little union jack towards the top right of the screen to change it to English.

Horarios do Funchal - Friendly Version

Word of warning re buses:- A lot of them take a long lunch break (normally about one and a half hours) so check timetable for returning from gardens. Walking round the gardens is probably one to two hours - no longer.