Category Archives: Portugal – Madeira

Tasting fortified wines

Posted on September 4, 2014 by simpletravelourway

Interesting trip-planning, huh? We actually planned to visit Madeira, followed by Porto, two cities renown for their historic fortified wines, and, guess what, Beth doesn’t even drink. When we arrived at our AirBnB in Madeira, a bottle of Madeira wine … Continue reading →

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Hard to find and neglected – but still beautiful

Posted on September 2, 2014 by simpletravelourway

Friday seemed like a good day for a walk in a garden. We walked up the steep hill to visit Quinta Palmeira but couldn’t find the entrance gate. A tall stonewall stood between us and the garden. We studied the … Continue reading →

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We got taken for a ride

Posted on August 31, 2014 by simpletravelourway

We were taken for more than a ride. We actually took two rides in one beautiful day, from the city of Funchal on the south side of the island, to more remote areas north and east. Ride #1 When we … Continue reading →

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Madeira’s UNESCO Forest

Posted on August 30, 2014 by simpletravelourway

We heard from our friends about levada walks. Levadas, old water channels, are unique to Madeira, and many have pathways along them. When we found a levada walking company that was recommended, we looked at the description of all of their … Continue reading →

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FAST downhill exit

Posted on August 28, 2014 by simpletravelourway

A unique-to-Madeira, crazy, and really fun way to get back down to the city center from the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens is to take a basket toboggan ride down. Or, you can walk down the very steep and narrow streets … Continue reading →

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Visit to Monte Garden – just don’t expect to see many flowers in August

Posted on August 26, 2014 by simpletravelourway

Our guess was confirmed. We made a trip up to the Garden, paid a €10 p.p. entrance fee, and found  only a few plant and tree species were in bloom in August. Despite a visit in the “wrong season,” we had a … Continue reading →

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ArT of opEN doors

Posted on August 24, 2014 by simpletravelourway

Why limit viewing art to only museums or galleries? We’re excited when we can walk, turn a corner, and discover public art in an unlikely place. For travelers like us, accessible art turns a city into a vibrant place that … Continue reading →

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Travel photography: no extra travel required

Posted on August 23, 2014 by simpletravelourway

Travel photography doesn’t require a major tourist site backdrop that screams to everyone at home, “I made it. I’m here!”   Travel photos can go beyond people in native costumes, flags, and directional signs. As travelers, not tourists, we look for … Continue reading →

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