Madeira in November

We spent 5 days in the amazing island of Madeira, situated in the Atlantic Ocean, close to African West coast. The volcanic island belongs to Portugal, together its much smaller sister-Porto Santo.
It's hard to imagine a place more colourful, green and vivid than Madeira.
With a population of 240.000 inhabitants in the whole island and 98.000 in Funchal, Madeira is mainly visited by French and English retired persons, arriving by direct flights from Paris ( 5 hours from Orly) or by luxurious cruise ships that stop during evenings in Funchal harbour.
Being so close to Africa, the climate is subtropical, with abundent vegetation, different species of cactus, many exotic fruits ( banana, mango, passion fruit) and wineyards.
Madeira knew how to cleverly use European funds to built impressive roads, bridges across the mountains and even the highest skywalk in Europe-Cabo Girao, at 580m, from where you can admire the Atlantic Ocean, Funchal Amphiteatre and abrupt coast.
We stayed in Funchal ( the capital) , in an Airbnb apartment with harbour view. Each night we admired from our balcony the impressive cruise ships that came in the evening, magically lightened and party music until late in night.

Subtropical climate is being responsible for the warm, nice weather in early November : the air temperature was 24-29 degree, while the water has 23 degrees, so you can perfectly enjoy a refreshing ocean swim!

Funchal beaches are stoney but perfect for a quick bath.
If you want to enjoy more the sensation of a November swim in Atlantic Ocean, hire a car and goPorto Moniz, in the northen part of the island, 1 hour drive from Funchal.
In Porto Moniz the ocean carved into the volcanic wall amazing natural pools, discreetely improved by human hands for an easier access. Here you can swim between volcanic rocks, surrounded by Ocean, with a fantastic “ infinite-pool” like view.

Funchal is a colourful town , with doors painted in vivid colours, a charming garden facing the decadent Ritz Restaurant, where you can enjoy a coffe or ice cream while listening  80's music.
There a plenty choices of eating in Funchal, from the elegants restaurants Ritz or Reids ,to the colourful typical tavernas in the old town , serving excellent grilled fish with salad, potatoes and garlic bread (bolo do caco), accompanied with dry, frutty Drulo white wine and live music. Or the original taverna with the biggest number of football scarfs in the world- afterall, Madeira is the birthplace of Cristiano Ronaldo and almost each restaurant has a TV playing a football match:)
For a romantic dinner go to the elegant restaurant Do Forte, located in the Old Fortress.
Taking the cable car from the docks, we climbed at 1000m , in a small village with a beautiful church, where you can enjoy a down road trip with a sleigh!
If you are more likely a mountain person, Madeira is the perfect place for trails along the levadas (irrigation channels).
 On the island are being organized each year serious rail runs( up to 80km ) and even an UTM (ultra trail marathon, 150km).
As souvenirs, Madeira is known for cork made objects ( purses, hats, wallets) and painted ceramic( ajulehos).
In a nutshell, natural volcanic pools, mountain trails, nice weather all year round, excellent food and charming painted doors make this island an unforgettable experience.
We’ll definitely come back!