Funchal / Madeira

We reach our first destination on this trip. Funchal on Madeira. Even an overnight stay.

Right after breakfast at 09:00, we start our excursion. Planned so early to avoid the crowds of tourists and due to the weather forecast. Rain is expected.

We take the TUI Cruises shuttle for 9€ for a day pass to the city. The stop is close to the cable car and the city center.

Here we first visit the fish market and the market hall. The market hall itself is nothing special. A few stalls, but mostly trinkets for tourists.

Afterwards, we head to the cable car. We want to go up to Monte and then either take the toboggan down or visit the botanical garden. The cable car to Monte costs 14.50€ per person.

Upon reaching Monte, we head to the church of Nossa Senhora do Monte.

Due to the rain during the night, there were no toboggan rides today.

We skip the Monte Palace Tropical Garden (entrance 15€) today and head to another cable car to travel to the lower Botanical Garden. The cable car ride and admission to the botanical garden cost 15€.

In the Botanical Garden, we take our time.

Unfortunately, it starts raining again around noon, or rather pouring, and we head down to the city equipped with umbrellas. The taxi costs 10€.

We take a short detour through the alleys with their bars and restaurants. By now, the rain had stopped.

We return to the ship to spend the afternoon on deck. By now, it was pure sunshine.

Unfortunately, the sunshine didn't last long. Repeated showers kept us from our plan for dinner in the city that evening. Too bad, but with an umbrella, it wasn't our thing. Let's enjoy the delicacies onboard instead.

Dinner in the Atlantik Klassik Restaurant on Deck 3. I stick to the vegan menu, except for the smoked pork from the daily menu that I had to try.

Our decision to stay onboard was completely right. It kept pouring heavily. On the pool deck under the roof, we could still enjoy a cocktail. The temperature was a pleasant 19°C.

Good night