A few relaxing hours in Monte (mount).
What a relaxing retreat from the hustle and bustle of Funchal. Even though the quaint town of Monte is still in the city and only a cable cart ride away it is quite 
different. Full of cobbled streets, hardly any cars, lush gardens. We made our way up by cable cart (bought a return ticket including entrance to Monte Palace tropical gardens: an 18th century Palace with acres of luscious gardens). Cable cart has a 1508 ft evelation. Although quite expensive I think it is worth the money and experience. If you want a cheaper way you can either catch a taxi from the centre of Funchal or buses number 20 and 21 are frequent. Cable car journey will test your nerve if you have vertigo. As soon as we got to Monte we had lunch at the cable car cafe/restaurant, lots to offer there, but if your after something cheap, like we were, then thy do nice filling baguettes. There are more expensive restaurant style places to eat if you fancy something a little more special or sophisticated. Re-energised we took a walk up to the church and its gardens, very hilly and lots of steps. Monte is in a beautiful setting; Jardim municipal is a free garden that anyone can walk through and is by t
he main square, it is so green and luscious, definitely worth a wonder around. Next on our agenda was a trip to Monte Palace gardens, we spent a few hours wondering around. The gardens were amazing, although just remember if you walk all the way to the very bottom you still have to walk back to the top. Towards the bottom is a little cafe which is where we had our 3rd FREE wine tasting session together with some traditional madeiran honey cake (1euro). It is so peaceful and relaxing here with various species of plants and flowers. It is based on a Japanese theme with ponds and red bridges. Near the Palace itself is is the home to a very scenic large pond with 
swans, fish, waterfalls and fountains. Perfect spot for impressive photos. Do take you camera as you can take endless snaps. At the top are a couple of small museums one based on an African theme and one based on various rocks/minerals. Learn about the history of Portugal with a walk back in time to the 15-20th century. There are paths devoted to displaying Portuguese history including Portuguese adventures in Japan with an impressive display of ceramic tiles. There is plenty to see and do and explore here. I'd definitely recommend these gardens!
different. Full of cobbled streets, hardly any cars, lush gardens. We made our way up by cable cart (bought a return ticket including entrance to Monte Palace tropical gardens: an 18th century Palace with acres of luscious gardens). Cable cart has a 1508 ft evelation. Although quite expensive I think it is worth the money and experience. If you want a cheaper way you can either catch a taxi from the centre of Funchal or buses number 20 and 21 are frequent. Cable car journey will test your nerve if you have vertigo. As soon as we got to Monte we had lunch at the cable car cafe/restaurant, lots to offer there, but if your after something cheap, like we were, then thy do nice filling baguettes. There are more expensive restaurant style places to eat if you fancy something a little more special or sophisticated. Re-energised we took a walk up to the church and its gardens, very hilly and lots of steps. Monte is in a beautiful setting; Jardim municipal is a free garden that anyone can walk through and is by t
he main square, it is so green and luscious, definitely worth a wonder around. Next on our agenda was a trip to Monte Palace gardens, we spent a few hours wondering around. The gardens were amazing, although just remember if you walk all the way to the very bottom you still have to walk back to the top. Towards the bottom is a little cafe which is where we had our 3rd FREE wine tasting session together with some traditional madeiran honey cake (1euro). It is so peaceful and relaxing here with various species of plants and flowers. It is based on a Japanese theme with ponds and red bridges. Near the Palace itself is is the home to a very scenic large pond with 
swans, fish, waterfalls and fountains. Perfect spot for impressive photos. Do take you camera as you can take endless snaps. At the top are a couple of small museums one based on an African theme and one based on various rocks/minerals. Learn about the history of Portugal with a walk back in time to the 15-20th century. There are paths devoted to displaying Portuguese history including Portuguese adventures in Japan with an impressive display of ceramic tiles. There is plenty to see and do and explore here. I'd definitely recommend these gardens!We descended down to Funchal by cable car and had a lovely late afternoon stroll down the harbour. A lovely harbour although not too much to do if you like a lot
of entertainment on holiday. An alternative descend (part way) would be to go on the popular toboggan ride which is very popular but also very expensive. Walking and exploring the back streets of Funchal, we caught a real insight into the real atmosphere of a Portuguese citizen. 
We visited Blandy's Wine Lodge (a famous wine maker and seller in Madeira) and now a popular tourist attraction. It is free to look around the yard and to visit the bar for FREE wine tasting (4th free tasting). Alternatively you can pay to have a tour around the whole property and discover really how this fine Maderian wine is made. We would have done this if we had go there earlier. We will definitely take the tour when we return to this amazing island. We then easily caught the bus back to our quiet hotel resort. 
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