Funchal, Madeira

 After one sea day we are getting off the ship at our first port in Madeira.  Today we have rented a car for the day to explore.  Started the day with a pretty steep climb up a hill to our car rental place.  An amazing day, so glad we did this.  We were in port until 9PM so we knew we had lots of time to explore.  Andres foot has just about all recovered, so happy as we have lots of plans for the day that involve walking

Our first views of Funchal Madeira

Lots of taxis at the dock hoping to give tours of the Island

Lots of scooters for rent

Our car for the day, so easy to park!  Plus Andre fits inside OK

Our first stop was a small fishing village,  Did not seem there lots of fishing going on as all the boats were on shore.

We did see the Titanic, now I understand why it sunk when it hit an iceberg.

Using washing machine tubs as flower pots

a wooden church we visited

Our next stop was a lookout that was on a cliff 2000 feet high.

Now at Praia Da Ribeira Brava which is a small beach front town

We then drove across the island to the north side. We stopped at a lookout along the way

We did a small part of a hiking trail Acumeada. Misty and overhanging clouds, so we did not go far.

We went to see volcano caves in Sao Vincente, but they were not open

Vineyards to make Madeira vine

We had a delicious lunch at a small place

Free appetizers, ok

Then an ice cream break the the beach part of town

We then drove to Porto Moniz following the shoreline. Lots of tunnels along the way.

Vines with squash growing on top of them

Lots of waves here as we are at the north west corner part of the island

There are natural swimming pools here but not open today

We stopped at the waterfall on the way back as it was on the right side of the road for us

tempting but once was enough today, can believe that I am saying that. Will get some free one on the ship

After returning the car we did a short walk around town