A week before Portugal instated emergency pandemic measures for the Corona Virus, we took a holiday from our holiday. OMG, lucky timing...
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In Sao Vincente, taken from the entrance to the volcanic caves
on the North side of the island |
Madeira Island. A 1.5 hour flight south-west of Lisbon (and 25 Euros each, return...gotta love Europe!), this small island of 300,000 people was born from volcanic explosions below the Atlantic. Claimed by the Portuguese in 1415, the island is a subtropical paradise sitting at the same latitude as Marrakesh, Morocco. Just 57km long and 22km wide, it was quick and easy to scoot around the island. Huge lush mountains, pristine water, rocky beaches, fruit trees galore, and a beautiful historic capital bursting with flowers and culture.
Our 4 days there flew by--so much to see and do!
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| We could drink the clear, blue water collected from inside the lava tunnels |
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In Porto Moniz, swimming in natural volcanic pools.
No, the water was NOT warm! |
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This kid will climb anything...
needless to say his foot is feeling better! |
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| These kids... |
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Still shivering from our swim...
On the Northwest side of the island |
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From the Cabo Girao lookout.
I held on tight to the camera... |
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A miniature of Santana's typical houses
on the Northeast side of the island |
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| Banana trees, everywhere! |
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The mountains and valleys are so lush...one day we'll hike them!
(not with 3 kids under 10...)
In the centre of the island |
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Who knew there were so many varieties of Passion Fruit?
We tried 5, and loved them all! |
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| Flowers of all colors, sizes and shapes: thank-you subtropical climate! |
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| Ever had a banana-pineapple? Darn delicious! |
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Guilty of bribery...
Madeira wine-tasting--WORTH IT! |
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| Flowers flowers, everywhere |
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Portugal's signature cobblestone in the capital city, Funchal
on the south side of the island |
Now we sit tight, with the rest of the world, and hope for the best.
Stay safe everyone!
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