Monte

Monte, as you might guess from the name, is high above the city of Funchal. Visitors take the cable car up, spend some time in the beautiful gardens, perhaps have an expensive and dangerous ride on the touristy toboggans, and then take the cable car down again.

Apart from the toboggan, I’ve done all those, usually when a friend comes to the island for the first time.

When I’m just exploring, I do it rather differently.

Madeira buses are crazy, and the 22 to Borbosa is quite an experience. It thunders along narrow streets lined with tree trunks, and even has to do a three point turn to get round one of the bends. It’s mainly locals and the “fleet” are the oldest and most rickety.

That’s my favourite way up.

I don’t go to any of the touristy cafes. There is a beautiful Quinta where they serve mint tea from the gardens or, as I tried today, the local Sopa de Trigo made from their own veg. They’re now charging admission (€2.50 but it comes off your refreshment bill). It’s still quiet and less discovered.

Please don’t share my secret place too widely (but please try it for yourself as it’s marvellous).

My blip was taken from behind the original chapel in the Quinta Gardens, looking way down to the city of Funchal.

Extra: the usual view of Monte (with moody Portuguese guy)