We're briefly away - Funchal

Spontaneously, four days ago we booked an inexpensive last-minute offer to the island of Madeira. We're escaping the never-ending winter in Thuringia and hoping for a week of sunshine.

On Tuesday evening, we'll arrive at Funchal Airport on time and in sunshine and check into our very nice hotel on a cliff above the sea. There are 3 high-priced restaurants, including one with 2 Michelin stars, which is reserved for guests in evening dress. Since our wardrobe is geared towards hiking, we unfortunately won't be able to test this. We decide on the "Rosegarden" and have an excellent dinner late in the evening.

The next morning, our hope becomes reality. We wake up to blue skies and bright sunshine. After a hearty breakfast, we first explore the hotel and then Funchal.

Through the tropical hotel garden, we reach the first indoor/outdoor pool with a view of Funchal. The pools by the sea can be reached with an elevator. There are lounging areas on different levels, sunny or shady, and of course a pool bar. Banana plants grow on the steep slope.

Our tour to Funchal initially takes us along the harbor. From the remains of an old defense structure (Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora), we have a good view over the bay of Funchal and onto our hotel. We continue past the CR7 Museum with a statue of Ronaldo, along the promenade where we try delicious ice cream, to the historic São Tiago Fortress. The Fortaleza de São Tiago was built in the 17th century to protect the city and the harbor from pirate attacks.

We relax with a cool (inexpensive) beer overlooking the sea and choose to return through the old town. We stroll through the narrow alley of Santa Maria, where one restaurant follows another and all front doors are painted by artists.

We continue walking through the sunny city back to the hotel and are amazed that we have covered more than 11 km in total.