diving7seas thatched houses known as Casas de Colmo. Then drive back and across the island( rock formations, springs and raised bogs) to Ribeiro Frio, home to the trout farm with its lovely restaurant and display garden.
Finally, the last stop is Monte( 550 metres above sea level) overlooking the island’ s capital, Funchal( tropical gardens, pilgrimage church, basket sledge ride). In the early evening, head downtown for an initial tour.
Choosing the western tour, head straight to Funchal first thing in the morning to see the market, harbour, and church, and maybe the Botanical Gardens. Continue to Câmara de Lobos( which is a well-known, picturesque fishing village), then drive to the cliffs at Cabo Girâo( with the highest cliff skywalk in Europe) and on to Ribeira Brava, the mouth of the‘ wild river’( lovely village square, seawater swimming pool).
From there, via Ponta do Sol to Calheta( tunnels, waterfalls, secluded farming and fishing villages, sugar cane factory, open-air museum) – a very winding route( allow an hour’ s driving time for approx. 20 kilometres) to the western tip at Ponta do Pargo( lighthouse). The winding road heads north to Porto Moniz( stunning contrasts: dark rocky outcrops, blue ocean; the seawater pool offers swimming fun for the whole family, and a visit to the aquarium
There are several natural swimming pools in the town of Porto Moniz
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