Pico de Facho

More stunning views

The long strip of tarmac in the middle of the above photos is the one runway of Funchal Airport - the planes have to bank steeply to come in to land and it really doesn't look long enough - and yet this runway is now a lot longer than it used to be

Portela Views

The views from the Portela Pass were simply stunning - I can only imagine that you are getting bored with all these gorgeous views - I'm not and can't wait to go on my next holiday which will be Cornwall in October

Santana

Characterised by its small thatched triangular houses, Santana is a beautiful village on the north coast. These small houses built of natural stone and thatched with straw have served the locals for centuries as stables and dwellings.

This region lives essentially from agriculture, craftwork and tradition. The mountainous landscapes are dominated by the lush green that characterises the Laurissilva Forest, which was classified ‘World Heritage’ by the UNESCO, encouraging the locals even more to do everything for maintaining their beauty.

It's odd to think that it is 2 months since the holiday to Madeira, and yet I am still posting the pictures of the trip - we are very near the end and I will be able to share with you everything else I have been up to lately.

Faial

Another amazing view - he only problem with looking through all these photos again is that it makes me wish that I was back out  there - I mean look at the colour of that water!

There are thousands of lizards on Madeira and they get every where, it is hard not to see them as they run over the walls and in and out of crevices. 

Riberio Frio

A beautiful location for a trout farm, I hope the fish appreciate it

Pico do Aireep

Lot's more Madeira views, this location was lovely

It was a bit bizarre when the pan pipe players started playing Abba!

Pico Alto

Located at an altitude of 1,129 meters, in the middle of Funchal's Ecological Park, the Pico Alto Viewpoint allows visitors to enjoy the view of Chão da Lagoa and Funchal bay.

Located in the middle of Funchal's Ecological Park, at a height of 1,129 metres, between the parish of Monte and Poiso. This viewpoint is a great spot for looking out on the area surrounding Chão da Lagoa and Funchal bay.

After the floods of 2010 a forest fire devastated the area, as you can see in the photo above - I did make this look a little more spooky than it is in real life - this is titled The Petrified Forest after an episode of Doctor Who

Monte

Monte is a small village perched up in the hills overlooking Funchal, 6 km away from the centre of the capital, was formerly a health resort for Europe's high society. 

One of its long lost features was a rack railway, which connected Monte with Funchal. Unfortunately, due to a shortage of steel to help fuel the war against the Nazis in the Second World War, the track was dismantled and the train taken out of service. Vestiges of the railway can still be seen today, particularly at the bottom of the hill where the original base station still exists.

One of the most traditional feasts, and certainly the largest, is the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which takes place on the 15th of August. It is incredible the amount of people who pay reverence to the Virgin Mary of Monte. If you are on the island at this time of the year you might like to go up there and get your own impressions.

The Austrian Emperor Charles I found exile on the island after having abdicated during the First World War. He and his family stayed in the historic ‘Quinta do Monte’, but only six months after his arrival he died of pneumonia. The ex-monarch was buried in the famous pilgrimage church ‘Nossa Senhora do Monte’ situated at the top of an impressive flight of stairs.

And if you are in Monte, you must try the toboggan ride - 2km downhill in one of these bad boys. It is excellent fun and on a hot day means you get a cool breeze. The toboggan ride was, for me one of the highlights of the holiday

Eira Do Serrado

Well I know I have missed a couple of days - I have been poorly and spent most of Tuesday reading the Vintage Vixen blog (awesome stuff)

Anyway here are some more view from Madeira - don't worry we are getting close to the end now not too many millions more to go!

Madeira Views

A few shots of well - views as there were so many - still a lot more photos of Madeira to come and will try and post at least once a day - but rehearsals start on Tuesday for the play I am in so it might be hit an miss - although I guess I could set them up tomorrow and schedule them to post Tues and Weds hmm.