Madeira - Day 5

What a relief not to find myself sharing my shower with a cockroach on our final day. Headed off very early to take advantage of the morning sun. Apparently it rains in the mountains early afternoon. We made our way to the much talked about Curral das Freiras. Again the mountain road was spectacular. We headed for the lookout, Eira do Serrado, which is high up above the village and looks down into the valley of the nuns (its famous name). Amazingly dramatic views, and just a short walk to the lookout point (Miradouro) from the car park. Wow!!!!! Glorious sunshine, beautiful views and fab company, couldn't be better! There is a cafe/restaurant, hotel, toilet and gift shop by the car park. Curral das Freiras is famous for its chestnuts; taste some chestnut liqueur, chestnut cakes, bread etc while your there. You can pick up some chestnut liqueur from the airport on the way home. There is a walk from this car park down to the village which looks like it has become very touristy. You can also drive down to the village, although there does not look as if there would be much parking down there. We would have liked to walk down but had other places to visit before the afternoon rain set in. We will definately do this walk next time we go. There is a market in this little village on a Sunday if you like hustle and bustle.

Seeing as we had glorious sunshine we decided to be brave and take another attempt to see the supposed breathtaking views of Pico do Ariero. WOW, WOW, WOW!!!! what a magnificent difference the weather had made. Not a cloud in the sky (maybe a few) We walked along a man made path that runs along the ridge to a lookout. Carried on for a while, probably walked a mile and then started to head back as the afternoon cloud and mist was due to arrive. We were very lucky we went when we did; as soon as we got back we couldn't see in front of our nose for the thick cloud and mist. This was certainly one of my most favourite, most spectacular views I have ever seen and recommend everyone to go and visit this (even if you have difficulty walking because you don't have to do any walking to be impressed by this, just simply get out of the car/bus)

We headed back towards home and made a pit stop at Monte seeing as it is such a quaint village. Had a relaxing walk in the gardens and had food. Perfect end to a fantastic day. Went back to hotel and went out for food and well earn't drinks.

Already decided to try to go back next year! If you like walking, gardens, mountains, historic towns, brandy, etc then you will love to visit Madeira! Book now! When we go back we won't be going back to Canico de Baxio or Hotel Tropical. Will think about finding something in Funchal. Something a bit more central with more options for eating and drinking out.

A word of advice, if you hire a car and you have to take it back with the tank full, keep an eye out for the petrol stations because they seem quite rare when you're rushing to find one on the way back to the hire car depot to catch you flight on time.