Câmara de Lobos

We want to visit one of the oldest fishing villages on the island today. To do this, we gather information at the reception about public bus connections. The buses run very frequently and are extremely affordable. There is a bus stop directly opposite the hotel.

In Câmara de Lobos, we get off directly at the harbor, where many colorful fishing boats are anchored. This fishing village got its name from the seals that used to live here when it was discovered.

Winston Churchill immortalized the place in a painting and therefore has a statue sitting at the harbor.

We walk through the narrow alleyways, where many fishing families are said to still live. This is where most Espadas, the fish specialty of Madeira, are caught.

On the way back, we hike up to the Ilhéu Garden, which is located on a rock above the sea and offers a magnificent view of the village and Cabo Girão, the highest sea cliff in Europe at 580 meters.

In the evening at the seafood restaurant, we have to try Espadas (black scabbardfish) and we're thrilled - tender white fillet, very tasty. However, there is a specimen of this deep-sea inhabitant (living at depths of 600 - 1600 meters) in the fish counter that we're less excited about.