Azores & Madeira: Portugal's Unspoiled Archipelagos Day 12

Day 12 - Friday, April 21, 2023 - Levada Walk; Visit Local Rum Factory

No one was eating on the patio for breakfast this morning because of the cool weather. There was a light rain as we left the hotel at 9:00. We brought our rain gear and plastic shower caps for our cameras, just in case it did not clear up.

The fog was heavier and it was raining very hard as we climbed the narrow streets of the villages above Funchal. Carlos had to described the views below as the fog was so heavy and the rain was coming down in torrents. Not only was it foggy outside, but also the inside of the windows were covered with condensation. Nothing to see here…

At 6,113 feet we were almost above the clouds. There was a small coffee shop and gift shop and place to use the rest rooms. Because of the rain, we were not able to see the overlook of the valley below. But as we came back down, the sun peeked through the fog and Carlos stopped for a few photos.

According to Vic’s Kestrel the temperature was 52, the humidity was 99%, and the wind speed was 12 mph. We stopped at Ribeiro Frio for better restrooms. At John’s Poncha, Henrique bought everyone a drink of poncha, or a coffee with Madeira wine called a Cortado, or a bottle of maracuja, passion fruit juice.

We started our hour’s walk and followed the levada, the irrigation channel built in the 16th century. Still used today, the water system brings clean fresh water to Funchal. Even though there was still a light drizzle, it was a very pleasant walk under the forest canopy. The mosses, lichens, and ferns were lush and green.

Our included lunch was at the Quinto do Furao complex, a lovely restaurant, event center, and winery. After lunch we went into the underground wine cellar for a taste of three different ages of Madeira wine.

Carlos explained that the traditional A-frame thatched roof homes are almost all gone. However, he knew a man who inherited his father’s three generation authentic home. The older gentleman welcomed us with a glass of wine and was very cordial.

Our last stop of the day was at Porto da Cruz. We visited one of the oldest rum factories in the island. Madeira has a long history of rum production, lots of sugar cane grows on this island.

Our drive back to the hotel was much sunnier but we could still see the dark clouds in the mountains above the city. We had an hour to get ready for our Farewell Dinner at 6:45. We started packing because we have a very early flight on our journey home tomorrow.

Accommodations: Castanheiro Boutique Hotel - - - Meal: B, L, & D